The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today ruled it was improper for a superior court judge to force a defendant to litigate a probation surrender hearing without an attorney, despite the fact that eight prior attorneys had withdrawn from representing the defendant as a result of his abusive conduct.  The name of the case is...

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today affirmed the first-degree murder conviction of a man who shot and killed his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Lopez.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today ruled a 17-year-old girl was properly charged with involuntary manslaughter after goading her boyfriend into killing himself.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Carter.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today ruled a homeless man might have been legally justified in breaking into private buildings to escape harsh weather conditions.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Magadini.  (more…)

In an important decision issued earlier this week, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled a Boston cop's testimony that a car was traveling "at a speed greater than reasonable," without more, was insufficient to justify stopping the car.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Teixeira-Furtado.  (more…)