Massachusetts General Laws Part II. Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations (Ch. 183-210) Ch. 185, § 6

The governor, with the advice and consent of the council, shall appoint a recorder, who shall hold office during good behavior, but subject, however, to retirement under the provisions of any applicable general or special law relative to retirement systems. Said recorder shall have responsibility for the internal administration of his office, including personnel, staff services and record-keeping. The chief justice or the recorder may submit any dispute that arises between said chief justice and said recorder, concerning the management and administration of the recorder's office, the duties, powers and obligations of the recorder or a member of the recorder's staff, or the interpretation of the personnel standards provided for under section eight of chapter two hundred and eleven B, to the chief justice of the trial court, who shall, within thirty days, determine the matter. The decision of the chief justice of the trial court shall be binding on the parties. The recorder shall not be involuntarily separated from service as such except in the manner provided by section four of chapter two hundred and eleven. He shall attend the sessions of the court, keep a docket of all causes, and affix the seal of the court to all processes or papers requiring it. The recorder may, subject to the approval of the chief justice of the trial court as to compliance with personnel standards promulgated pursuant to section eight of chapter two hundred and eleven B, appoint deputy recorders, a first assistant clerk and an assistant clerk of the land court department and may designate, with like approval, two employees, having the title of deputy assistant clerk, who shall, under his direction, perform the duties of clerk of court. The recorder shall have the same powers as a clerk-magistrate in the superior court department of the trial court insofar as such powers relate to civil matters and shall have the authority to hear and rule on petitions for tax foreclosure and for redemption from tax titles pursuant to chapter sixty.