The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today ruled that a prosecutor's closing argument in a child rape case was so inappropriate that the defendant is entitled to a new trial.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Dirgo. (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court yesterday delivered an important ruling that will potentially reduce criminal defendants' exposure when they are charged under the armed career criminal statute.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Resende.   (more…)

In an opinion that should have been obvious to everyone who works in the judicial system, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today affirmed that when a defendant is on probation and is accused of violating his probation, he is entitled to call his own witnesses to testify at the probation surrender hearing.  The name...

A three-judge panel of the Massachusetts Appeals Court today upheld a trial judge's order to suppress 159 pounds of marijuana discovered in a minivan being driven by the defendant, but criticized the Supreme Judicial Court ruling that compelled their decision.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Locke.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today ruled that a defendant received ineffective assistance of counsel when his attorney did not hire a medical expert to rebut the Commonwealth's allegation that he had injured his daughter by violently shaking her.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Millien.  (more…)