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Mass. Court Orders Shake-Up Of Probation Dept.

BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts highest court is ordering a massive shake-up of the state's probation department after an independent review revealed what the justices described as a system of "abuse and corruption" in hiring practices.

Read: Full Report Of Independent Counsel

The Supreme Judicial Court ordered Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert Mulligan to begin steps to remove senior officials in the department most responsible for the alleged abuses.

Mulligan told the court he will immediately seek to oust Probation Commissioner John O'Brien.

O'Brien was suspended in May after a series of Boston Globe articles alleging the department had become a patronage haven for lawmakers. A message left at O'Brien's home was not immediately returned Thursday.

The court also said it is forwarding copies of the report to the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts and the state Attorney General for review.

Read: Statement of the Justices regarding the Report Of Independent Counsel

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