The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today substantially limited the number of cases where a judge can order a defendant to wear a GPS monitor while awaiting trial.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Norman.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today upheld a superior court judge's decision to prohibit the Commonwealth from introducing evidence seized by the police from a cell phone found in the defendant's pocket when he was arrested in connection with a murder investigation.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Barillas.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today ruled that possessing an open container of alcohol in a car is a civil violation, rather than a criminal offense.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Mansur. (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court today ruled that a probation officer's search of a probationer's cell phone, without a warrant, was constitutionally permissible.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Shipps. (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court yesterday upheld a superior court judge's decision to grant a new trial to a Mattapan man who had been convicted of shooting to death a 19-year-old man following a baby shower in Roslindale.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Perez.  (more…)