Judge Mark G. Mastroianni

Federal Judicial Service

Judge, U. S. District Court, District of Massachusetts.

Nominated by Barack Obama on September 24, 2013, to a seat vacated by Michael A. Ponsor; Confirmed by the Senate on June 4, 2014, and received commission on June 5, 2014.

Education

American International College, BA, 1986
Western New England College School of Law, J.D., 1989


Courthouse

Springfield Courthouse

United States Courthouse
300 State Street, Suite 120
Springfield, Massachusetts 01105

Courtroom

Hampden Courtroom

United States Courthouse - Springfield, MA
United States Courthouse - Springfield, MA

Courtroom Technology

Contact the courtroom clerk regarding the use of technology in the courtroom. View our courtroom technology page for more information on the technology that is available.

Internet access is available upon request and with the consent of the presiding Judge. Click here for more information.


Staff
Courtroom Clerk Christina Rivera 413-785-6830 christina_rivera@mad.uscourts.gov
Docket Clerk Mary Finn 413-785-6806 mary_finn@mad.uscourts.gov
Court Reporter Alice Moran 413-731-0086  
USDC Judicial Forum Survey

Civil - Case Management

Q5: What, if any inquiries do you make about the liklihood of trial at the initial scheduling conference?

A5: This conference is held before the Magistrate Judge in Springfield.

Q8: If so, when do you hold status conferences?

A8: 3-4 months before the scheduled trial date

Q9: If so, what issues do you address at status conferences?

A9: trial issues including motions in limine, evidentiary matters which may arise, length of trial, witness issues, realistic likelihood of settlement

Civil - Discovery

Q12: If the parties intend to file a proposed protective order, do you require any particular format and/or a specific time for doing so?

A12: Court has a standing order discouraging the filing unless special circumstances. Expected that parties can reach agreements on this type of matter.

Q22: If the case involves a pro se litigant, do you typically have any different practices in regard to scheduling conferences, status conferences or discovery matters?

A22: Yes, relax technical and deadline standards to a small degree but only up to point at which the pro se litigant is put on fair notice they are expected to comply and will be held to usual standard.

Civil - Dispositive Motions

Q27: Do you typically hold a hearing on motions to dismiss?

A27: often hold hearings but not every case. Depends on issues

Q28: Do you typically hold a hearing on summary judgment motions?

A28: Often hold hearings but not every case. Depends on issues.

Q29: If you typically hold hearings on dispositive motions, what, if any, time limits do you impose on counsel for their arguments?

A29: Generally no time limits but as arguments develop or become repetitive the parties may be instucted to move along to another topic or wrap up

Q30: Under what, if any, circumstances, would you allow the filing of post-argument briefs?

A30: If unanticipated variations of arguments raise issues the Court may identify the specific topic and request a brief with a page limit. Court will also consider requests of parties to supplement briefs on narowly identified issues.

Civil - Patent Cases

Criminal Matters

Q38: Do you have any particular practices regarding the filing of suppression motions or hearings on suppression motions?

A38: no routine practice but will vary approach depending on case needs, complexity and issues involved.

General Trial Practice - Pretrial Matters

Q39: Do you require the filing of a trial brief?

A39:No, exceptions to this standard may apply if there is a demonstrated need based on complexity of issues or other factors which briefing would assist to avoid interruptions or delays during the trial

Q42: Do you typically hold an initial pretrial conference in civil cases?

A42: No. It depends on the extent of Magistrate Judges involvement with the case

Q43: When do you set a deadline for the filing of proposed voir dire, proposed jury instructions and/or special verdict form, witness and exhibits lists, motions in limine? Typically, how far in advance of trial are these deadlines?

A43: deadlines are issued in a scheduling order approximately 7-10 weeks before trial. some of the items are due a few weeks before trial but motions in limine will be due earlier.

Q47: Do you typically resolve motions in limine at the final pretrial conference?

A47: depends on motion and many are reserved for ruling until during trial

Q48: Do you typically hear and/or resolve Daubert motions at the final pretrial conference?

A48: depends on complexity of issue and if testimony will be presented

Criminal - Scheduling Trials

Q54: Typically, when do you set a trial date in civil cases?

A54: often the Magistrate Judge will set or a date or one is selected after resolution of dispositive motions

Q55: What is your typical trial schedule?

A55: full day is usually the schedule

Criminal - Jury Selection

Q57: Please describe your jury selection process.

A57: Initially all questions are posed to potential jurors who take written notes. Individuals are then interviewed outside the courtroom by the judge and attorneys regarding their answers.

Q59: If you would consider the use of a jury questionnaire, when and in what form should it be proposed?

A59: Attorneys wishing for the court to use a jury questionnaire should file a motion with their request no later than the deadline for filing motions in limine.

General Trial Practice - Trial Practices

Q63: Do you require counsel to use the podium during openings, examination of witnesses and/or closings?

A63: No, choice of counsel unless there is an issue with everyone being able to hear or see

Q65: Under what, if any, circumstances, will you allow a rebuttal case?

A65: where a legitimate issue has arisen and a good faith showing and offer is made to support the request

Q67: Do you have any particular practice in regard to jury charge conferences? If so, please describe it.

A67: jury instructions are requested by the mid point of trial with the invitation and opportunity given to supplement or modify as appropriate.

Criminal - Sentencing/Revocation Hearings

Q74: Under what, if any, circumstances, would you consider an expedited sentencing?

A74: will consider any basis articulated by one or both parties.

Q75: Do you have any particular practices regarding the presentation of victim impact statements at sentencing?

A75: no particular practice other than wanting written statements included with pre sentence report and notice if a victim may choose to speak in court

Q76: Under what, if any circumstances, would you consider the postponement of a sentencing hearing?

A76: any reasonable request. the court will sometimes continue sentencing after hearing argument in order to consider the matter

Standing Orders & Miscellaneous Matters

Q79: Order #2

A79: Respondent skipped this question

Q80: Order #3

A80: Respondent skipped this question