SJC Seeks Comments on Proposed New Criminal Rule 23

"This new Rule would require that any stipulation to an essential element of a charged offense entered by the parties before or during trial be in writing and signed by the prosecutor, the defendant, and defense counsel. This Rule would additionally require that any such stipulation shall be read to the jury and may be introduced into evidence."

"Comments should be directed to The Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure, c/o Senior Attorney Barbara Berenson at Barbara.Berenson@sjc.state.ma.us or Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton Square, Boston 02108 on or before June 30, 2014. Comments will be made available to the public."

More information, including the proposed text of the rule and proposed reporter's notes, can be found at the SJC's Notice Inviting Comment.