Joseph E. Bennett Co. v. Commonwealth

Much in this case illustrates and underscores the skepticism we expressed in Glynn v. Gloucester, 9 Mass. App. Ct. 454, 462-463 (1980), about the wisdom of referring cases to masters. Too often, “delay, extra expense and frustration” result. Id. at 463. See also O’Brien v. Dwight, 363 Mass. 256, 279-280 (1973). The complaint in the case at bar was filed October 12, 1976. Until the Superior Court issued a conditional notice of dismissal, the parties allowed the case to idle on the docket for four and half years. The reference to a master was made on October 21, 1981. Two years later, October…