Governor's Council

The Massachusetts Governor's Council, also known as the Executive Council, is composed of eight individuals elected from districts, plus the Lieutenant Governor who serves ex officio. The Governor's Council interviews and is responsible for approving or vetoing appointments of judges, Parole Board, Appellate Tax Board, Industrial Accident Board, Industrial Accident Reviewing Board, notaries, justices of the peace, clerk-magistrate and public administrators. Notably, the Governor's Council can approve or veto judges appointed by the Governor, and is responsible for ensuring appointees are capable of responsible sentencing, fairly ordering pretrial detentions, and deciding the guilt of a defendant that waives a jury trial.

The Governor's Council is also responsible for approving or vetoing members of the Parole Board. Parole Board members are responsible for fairly granting or denying parole requests and setting adequate conditions for parolees to follow. The Parole Board is also responsible for making recommendations for pardons and commutations. The Governor's Council approves or denies the recommended pardons and commutations. The eight councilors are elected from their districts every two years. The Council meets weekly to record advice and consent on warrants for the state treasury, pardons and commutations, and recording advice and consent to the gubernatorial appointments outlined above.