How can one get access to old court and criminal records?

Question

My great-grandpa was convicted of murder, and electrocuted in Massachusetts in the 1920's. Where could access the case files? Is it true that they burn them after so many years? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

You would have to go to the city or county in which he was convicted and speak with a court clerk who will help you access the court files which are probably stored on microfiche. If the clerk is unable to help you with this, she can at least point you in the right direction.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Court records are never destroyed without first being archived and filmed. Either the Clerk of the Court for the county hearing the case or the State Archives in Massachusetts can help you find the films of the records and make copies of the records.

Here's a link to the Massachusetts State Archives that will help you: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arccol/co...