Access to Justice at Forbes Library
Forbes Library is a member of the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries’ Public Library Initiative, offering virtual court access through the Access to Justice program. This program works to provide equal access to the court system for the public, including self-represented litigants, those with limited or no English proficiency, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities. Visit the Access to Justice website to learn more, or click on one of the most-requested services below.
The library has three meetings rooms which can be used to attend court remotely. To reserve a room for the Access to Justice program, you can book online through our Meeting Rooms webpage or call our Reference Desk at 413-587-1012. (The Bak and Watson Rooms are preferable.) Please try to reserve a room in advance, and let us know if you have to cancel so we can make the room available to someone else. Please let us know if you will need to borrow a laptop when making your reservation.
The library has public computers you can use to access and print legal resources and court forms. Our computers and printer are self-service and do not require a library card to use. Information on computer use and printing at the library can be found here. Court forms and legal resources can be found on the Access to Justice website. Please stop by the Reference Desk if you would like assistance finding and/or printing forms.
Forbes Library has an institutional Trial Court Law Libraries card, allowing library patrons to access legal eBooks and databases within the library. Please stop by the Reference Desk to get started.
The TCLL card is also available to individuals who live, work, or attend school in Massachusetts, providing personal access to library resources and remote services. If you would like to sign up for your own TCLL card, visit the TCLL website.
- Get help at the virtual court front desk: Find helpful information on remote Trial Court services like remote hearings and virtual registries.
- Explore court forms and resources: Access court forms, eFile your court documents, look up case information, and more.
- Prepare for your virtual hearing: Explore frequently asked questions (including audio and video tips) and prepare for success using Zoom or your phone.
- Zoom with a law librarian: Video chat with a Trial Court law librarian every weekday from 1-2PM EST. It is first come, first served and no appointment is necessary. (Please note: law librarians can help you find legal information, but can’t provide legal advice. Visit the Massachusetts Court System Legal Assistance page to find out how to get help from a lawyer.)
- Free interpreter services are available through the Office of Language Access.
If you have a question about these resources or the Trial Court’s access to justice initiatives, please email A2J@jud.state.ma.us. Inquiries regarding your court case should be directed to the appropriate Clerk’s Office or Registry using the Find Your Court tool.
Legal Research
- Hampshire Law Library
- https://www.mass.gov/locations/hampshire-law-library
99 Main St., Courthouse, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-2297
The law library is open to everyone. The Hampshire Law Library is on the ground level 1st floor of the old historic courthouse. The doors are locked; please check in at the Hampshire Superior/Northampton District Court located 15 Gothic Street and you will be escorted over to the library after being screened by security. - Massachusetts General Laws
- https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws
General Laws are Session Laws or sections of Session Laws that are permanent in nature and of general application. - Massachusetts Session Laws
- https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws
Each bill that becomes law is given a chapter number based on the chronological order in which it was adopted. These chapters are called Session Laws and are compiled on an annual basis. - Northampton, MA Charter and Ordinances
- https://ecode360.com/NO2226?needHash=true
Includes The Charter and Related Acts, Administrative Code, and Code of Ordinances.
Legal Help
- Lawyer Referral Service – Hampshire County Bar Association
- https://hampshirebar.org/lawyer-referral-service/
(413) 586-8729 - Lawyer Referral Service – Massachusetts Bar Association
- https://www.masslawhelp.com/
(866) 627-7577 - Massachusetts Court Service Centers
- https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-court-service-centers
- Court Service Centers help people navigate the Massachusetts court system. Centers are available to all court users without attorneys and there are no income or immigration status requirements. All of the services in the Court Service Centers are free.
- Center for Public Representation
- https://centerforpublicrep.org/
The Center for Public Representation is an advocacy organization that provides legal services to people with disabilities. They are dedicated to enforcing and expanding the rights of people with disabilities and others who are in segregated settings. - Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime
- https://massclavc.org/
Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime offers free legal help to crime victims who live or have a civil legal problem in Massachusetts, such as needing a divorce or child support, getting credit fixed, a housing eviction, or problems getting disability or other public benefits. Community Legal Aid is the regional CLAVC program serving Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties. - Community Legal Aid
- https://www.communitylegal.org/
Community Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. CLA also provides free civil legal assistance to victims of crime and survivors of homicide victims. - Disability Law Center
- https://www.dlc-ma.org/
The Disability Law Center is a private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities.
General resources on this page are selected with Northampton residents in mind.