Dedham, MA – The seven justices of the highest state court in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, ruled in favor of Norfolk Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell in a lawsuit brought against Norfolk County Director John J. Cronin and the County Commissioners, Joseph P. Shea of Quincy, Peter H. Collins of Milton and Richard R. Staiti of Canton.  The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court wrote, “We hold that the defendants’ interference with the requested transfers was unlawful.”

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the highest state court in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, upheld an earlier favorable ruling by Norfolk Superior Court Judge Cahillane for the Norfolk Register of Deeds Bill O’Donnell.  Judge Cahillane of Norfolk Superior Court who stated in his decision that the statute being violated by the County Commissioners and County Director was “unambiguous” ruled:

“In permitting an authorized official such as the Register to determine whether certain transfers within a main group may be made, the statute recognizes that the Register is in the best position to understand the daily needs of the Registry of Deeds and to take certain actions in the interest of the public that elected him.”

The case decided by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court was initiated by the Norfolk Register of Deeds on October 21, 2022 in response to Norfolk County Director John J. Cronin’s refusal to allow the Register to access approved budget funds for Registry operations and services.  This budget was voted on by the 28-member Norfolk County Advisory Board that represents each of the 28 Norfolk County communities. 

Register O’Donnell had to file this lawsuit without the benefit of legal representation.  The Register’s office was not allowed an attorney to represent the office and the interests of the Registry of Deeds.  Despite not having an attorney Register O’Donnell secured favorable rulings in the Norfolk Superior Court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

The decision in favor of the Register of Deeds by the Supreme Judicial Court can be viewed here.  Click to see decision: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/Supreme-Judicial-Court-No.-SJC-13669.pdf