Community leaders and family urge renaming Dorchester courthouse for Judge Leslie E. Harris

Supporters representing a broad cross-section of the legal and Dorchester community urged the Joint Judiciary Committee to report H.5116 favorably, calling Judge Leslie E. Harris a community-minded jurist whose work on diversion, mentorship and community courts left a lasting legacy.

"He was a man who genuinely believed in the power of a village," Jay Harris, the judge's son, said during family testimony. Family members described Judge Harris's decades of public service and asked that the Dorchester Division be renamed in his honor.

District Attorney Kevin Hayden, who testified in support, described Harris as an early champion of diversionary programming and community courts, and said the renaming would recognize a judge who balanced accountability with compassion. "He stood for justice and equality," Hayden said.

Senators, representatives, and multiple legal and community organizations — including the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association, community groups and the People's Academy — described Harris's mentorship of law students and community work, urging the committee to adopt the proposal as a symbolic recognition and community affirmation.

Committee chairs welcomed the testimony. The hearing included many speakers from the Dorchester and Roxbury communities recounting personal and professional impacts of Judge Harris. No committee vote was taken during this session.

Next steps: sponsors asked that the committee consider the testimony and move the bill forward for further consideration.