Boston Globe's 'Spotlight' Team Shines New Light On Mass. ' 'Secret' Courts

Are there "secret courts" operating in Massachusetts?

The Boston Globe's investigative Spotlight team says there are in the form of closed-door hearings before a single court official — a court clerk — where thousands of criminal charges can — and often do — disappear.

Spotlight reporters analyzed the hearings, known as "show cause hearings," and found what they describe is an arbitrary criminal justice system.

Nicole Dungca, reporter with the Globe's Spotlight team. She tweets @ndungca

Joe Simons, a criminal defense attorney in Boston

Terrence Kennedy, member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council