Judicial Biography

Year admitted to bar:

1978

Year appointed/elected:

2005, by Gov. Mitt Romney

Background

Education:

Suffolk University Law School, 1978
University of Massachusetts, 1974
Boston College, 1971

Professional

Legal Employment History:

Justice, Wrentham District Court (2005-2006)
Assistant Clerk-Magistrate, Quincy District Court (1979-2005)
Assistant District Attorney, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (1979)
Law Clerk, Brockton District Court (1978-1979)

Reported Decisions

Evaluations from Lawyers

4 = Excellent 3 = Good 2 = Fair 1 = Poor

	rating	averages for judges of this court	averages of all judges
Manages court time in a way that minimizes waiting around:	4.0	3.0	3.0
Is receptive to requests for continuances:	4.0	2.9	2.9
Is receptive to lawyers’ requests for jury instructions and voir dire questions:	3.8	3.0	3.1
Presents easy-to-follow and legally sound instructions to jury:	3.8	3.1	3.2
Gives lawyers an opportunity to be heard prior to making legal findings and rulings:	3.2	3.1	3.1
Explains decisions in a manner that is clear to litigants and jurors:	3.1	3.0	3.0
Addresses the following with respect
a) litigants and witnesses:	3.3	3.2	3.2
b) lawyers:	3.6	3.0	3.0
c) court staff:	3.8	3.4	3.5
Attentiveness:	4.0	3.3	3.2
Timeliness of orders, judgments and decisions:	3.8	3.3	3.2
Demonstrates knowledge of substantive law and rules of evidence:	3.3	3.0	3.0
Quality of written decisions:	3.6	3.0	2.9
Shows willingness to ignore
a) irrelevant considerations:	3.0	2.9	2.9
c) identity of lawyers or parties:	3.5	3.0	3.0
d) public pressure or outside interests:	3.2	3.1	3.2
Has ability to maintain control of courtroom:	3.6	3.5	3.4
Starts session on schedule and on time:	4.0	3.3	3.2
Shows an appropriate degree of preparedness:	3.6	3.2	3.1
Average Overall Rating:	3.6	3.1	3.1

	% Yes Answer	averages for judges of this court	averages of all judges
Regularly keeps sessions past 4 p.m.:	50	31	26
Allows lawyers to lobby their cases in chambers:	0	65	47
Is rigid follower of court-mandated time standards:	0	48	45
Behaves differently when cameras are in the courtroom:	50	24	24

Comments

1) I would advise attorneys to figure out a way to let Judge Abany think that their position is really his idea.

2) I believe Judge Abany is nice man and tries to be respectful to everybody. However, his lack of knowledge of criminal law, even the basics of the bail statute, is a huge failing. He seems to become defensive when his understanding of the law is challenged.

3) If you have a point to make do not be afraid to make it. He will listen to you.

4) Tries to do the right thing by everybody but is not afraid to make a difficult and perhaps unpopular decision. Just a great guy who has not changed at all since taking the bench.

5) When in front of judge Abany he is courteous, friendly and helpful. His knowledge of the law and calm but confident demeanor is a model for all judges.

Judicial Profiles

Abany, Stephen S. (retired)