In a 5-2 decision delivered today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled a Milton police sergeant improperly patfrisked a man (and searched his backpack) who was trespassing at Milton High School.  The search yielded a loaded gun, which the SJC said should have been suppressed.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Villagran. ...

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 yesterday reversed a defendant's gun conviction, ruling the police had improperly viewed the photographs stored on a digital camera found in his backpack that led to the charge.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Mauricio. (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed a mentally ill woman's murder conviction, despite acknowledging her trial attorney had improperly failed to consult with a mental health expert prior to trial.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Field. (more…)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today affirmed the conviction of a man who was found guilty of participating in an armed robbery that resulted in the shooting death of a Springfield drug dealer.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Cooley.  (more…)