Government of Massachusetts
The judiciary of Massachusetts is the branch of the government that interprets and applies the law of Massachusetts, ensures equal justice under law, and provides a mechanism for dispute resolution. The Massachusetts court system consists of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Appeals Court, and the seven Trial Court departments:The judicial power in Massachusetts is reposed in the Supreme Judicial Court, which superintends the entire system of courts. In addition to appellate functions, the Supreme Judicial Court is responsible for the general superintendence of the judiciary and of the bar, makes or approves rules for the operations of all the courts, and in certain instances, provides advisory opinions, upon request, to the Governor and Legislature on various legal issues. The Supreme Judicial Court also oversees several affiliated agencies of the judicial branch, including the Board of Bar Overseers, the Board of Bar Examiners, the Clients' Security Board, the Massachusetts Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, and Massachusetts Correctional Legal Services.
Whistleblower protection in the United States
Public law is law that governs the relationship between people and the State, and it is composed of three types: constitutional law, criminal law, and administrative law. "Constitutional law" is the body of law that governs the principles and powers of the government, and the relationships between the different parts of the government. "Criminal law" is law that restricts conduct that threatens safety and welfare of society or the State. "Administrative law" is law that regulates the operation and procedures of government agencies. The judicial branch is the branch of government that interprets the laws, and its body of laws is called case law.