The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today ruled it was proper for a Suffolk Superior Court judge to prohibit certain individuals from attending a murder trial with overtones of gang violence and witness intimidation.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Fernandes.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today concluded the Massachusetts statute that allows crime victims to personally address the judge who is about to impose sentence on defendants is constitutional.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. McGonagle.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court yesterday affirmed the conviction of a 19-year-old Chelsea man who was found guilty of murdering his mother.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Cartright. (more…)

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 today ruled a defendant who has been found not guilty of operating under the influence of alcohol under one theory of liability can be prosecuted again for the same incident under a different theory of liability.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Hebb. (more…)