The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court yesterday reversed the convictions of a Worcester man who was accused of possessing ingredients with the intent to manufacture an incendiary device.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Aldana.  (more…)

In an important decision delivered today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that a police officer who is not qualified as drug recognition expert may not tell the jury he believed a motorist arrested for OUI-Drugs was under the influence of marijuana.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Gerhardt.  (more…)

In a 5-2 decision delivered today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled a Milton police sergeant improperly patfrisked a man (and searched his backpack) who was trespassing at Milton High School.  The search yielded a loaded gun, which the SJC said should have been suppressed.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Villagran. ...

In an important decision delivered today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reminded trial judges that the purpose of bail is not to detain criminal defendants pending trial.  The name of the case is Brangan v. Commonwealth.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court yesterday reversed a defendant's gun conviction, ruling the police had improperly viewed the photographs stored on a digital camera found in his backpack that led to the charge.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Mauricio. (more…)