Nalbandian v. Patrizzi

In this case we must decide whether parties to summary process actions are entitled to speedy trial by a jury of six in accordance with G. L. c. 218, § 19B. The statute provides such privilege to any party involved in a “civil action” in any District Court in the county of Essex. We conclude that the legislative intent was to provide the privilege of such a trial in summary process actions.

The facts are as follows. Harry Nalbandian (landlord) brought suit against his tenant Alphonse Patrizzi (tenant) by writ in summary process with an account annexed, entered on March 3, 1975, in the District…