Gov. Baker Nominates Buxton as Associate Justice of Massachusetts Superior Court

The following is a press release from the Governor’s office submitted to SOURCE media.

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BOSTON — Today, January 13, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced the nomination of Kristen Buxton as Associate Justice of the Superior Court. Attorney Buxton has more than 24 years of legal experience, and has served since 1996 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.

“Attorney Buxton’s decades of experience before the District and Superior Courts have prepared her well to serve as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit this candidate to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”

“Over more than 24 years as a prosecutor, Attorney Buxton has demonstrated her commitment to justice and public service,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed, I am confident that she will continue to serve the Commonwealth well as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court.”

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The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court’s 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth.

The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town.

The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.

If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Buxton will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Thomas A. Connors.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.

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Buxton began her legal career in 1996 as an Assistant District Attorney for the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, where she has served as a prosecutor for more than 24 years in a variety of roles.

From 1996 until 2000, Attorney Buxton prosecuted cases before the Lynn District Court pertaining to misdemeanor and felony crimes, including domestic violence, larceny, and operating under the influence. From January 2000 until October of that year, she also served as Supervisor for the Lynn District Court, before transitioning to prosecute cases before the Superior Court.

Over nearly 19 years in this role, Attorney Buxton prosecuted cases pertaining to major felonies including murder, rape and sexual assault, firearms violations, robbery and assault. Since 2019, she has served as Chief Homicide Prosecutor for the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, supervising homicide investigations and prosecutions, as well as providing training to prosecutors and investigators on homicide-related issues.

Attorney Buxton is also a member of the Essex County Bar Association, and was inducted in September 2020 as a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Tulane Law School and her Bachelor’s Degree from Colgate University. 

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