Mass. R. App. P. 27

As amended through February 29, 2024
Rule 27 - Motion for Reconsideration or Modification of Decision
(a) Time for Filing; Content; Action by Court if Granted. Within 14 days after the date of the decision of the appellate court, any party to an appeal may file a motion for reconsideration or modification of decision unless the time is shortened or enlarged by order. It shall state with particularity the points of law or fact which it is contended the court has overlooked or misapprehended and shall contain such argument in support of the motion as the movant desires to present. Oral argument in support of the motion will not be permitted, except by order of the appellate court which decided the appeal. The motion shall be decided by the quorum or panel of the appellate court which decided the appeal.
(b) Form of Motion; Length. Except by permission of the appellate court, a motion shall not exceed either 10 pages of text in monospaced font or 2,000 words in proportional font, as defined in Rule 20(a)(4)(B), and shall contain a certification of such compliance, including a statement of how compliance with the foregoing length limit was ascertained, as specified in Rule 16(k).
(c) Response. No response to a motion for reconsideration or modification will be docketed unless requested by the appellate court, but reconsideration will ordinarily not be granted in the absence of such a request. Any response filed pursuant to this provision shall comply with the form and length requirements in Rule 27(b).
(d) Filing and Service. The motion, and any requested response, shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the appellate court that released the decision. In the Supreme Judicial Court, a paper original and 7 copies of the motion shall be filed. In the Appeals Court, the motion shall be filed in electronic form and no paper original or copies are required. Service of the motion, and any requested response, shall comply with Rule 13.
(e) Ruling on Motion. Upon consideration of a motion and any response, the appellate court may make a final disposition of the case without reargument or may restore it to the calendar for reargument or resubmission or may make such other orders as are deemed appropriate under the circumstances of the particular case. Action upon a motion is in the discretion of such appellate court, which may award costs, including a reasonable attorney's fee, to the prevailing party.
(f) Notice to Supreme Judicial Court. A party seeking further appellate review shall promptly notify the Supreme Judicial Court of any action taken on the motion.

Mass. R. App. P. 27

Amended June 7, 1985, effective 7/1/1985; January 28, 1986, effective 2/1/1986; amended effective 7/1/1991; amended October 31, 2018, effective 3/1/2019.