Sperounes v. Farese

In 2004, the Legislature enacted a Statewide one-trial system for civil cases. St. 2004, c. 252. It provided that a civil case could proceed to trial in the District Court “only if there is no reasonable likelihood that recovery by the plaintiff will exceed $25,000,” G. L. c. 218, § 19. The statute also provides that a judge in the District Court “may dismiss the case without *801prejudice” (emphasis added), where the requirements of § 19 are not satisfied, G. L. c. 218, § 19A; but that “[violation of the requirements for proceeding in the district court or Boston municipal court departments…