The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today reversed the murder conviction of a defendant who was allegedly involved in a fatal shooting in Dorchester because the trial judge improperly instructed the jury on the law of joint venture.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Sandro Tavares. (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today affirmed a superior court judge's decision to grant a new trial to a convicted murderer who proved that he suffered a stroke during his trial.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Brescia. (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today reaffirmed its previous ruling that the defense of duress is not available in first-degree murder cases.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Jackson. (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court yesterday affirmed the conviction of a man who was convicted, in part, based on a letter he sent to his girlfriend while in jail awaiting trial.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Jessup. (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today refused to overrule an important evidentiary ruling made by the trial judge overseeing the murder trial of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.  The full opinion can be read here.  (more…)