Judicial Profiles
Francis X. Spina
Supreme Judicial Court
Adams Courthouse
Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 557-1000
Judicial Biography
Born:
Nov. 13, 1946, Pittsfield
Year admitted to bar:
1971
Year appointed/elected:
1999, by Gov. A. Paul Cellucci
Bench Service:
Appeals Court (1997-1999);
Superior Court (1993-1997).
Background
Education:
Boston College Law School, 1971
Amherst College, 1968
Professional
Legal Employment History:
Katz, LaPointe & Spina; (1987-1993);
Reder, Whalen & Spina (1983-1987);
Second assistant district attorney, Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office (1979-1983);
Reder & Whalen (1977-1978);
City of Pittsfield Law Department (1975-1977);
Sole practitioner (1974-1976);
Western Mass. Legal Services (1972-1974);
Boston Legal Aid Society (1971-1972).
Author of section in “Pre-trial Motions in Criminal Cases,” MCLE, Inc. (1992);
Author of six Problem Analyses for “49 Things You Need to Know to Practice Law,” MCLE (1990).
General Character of Law Practice Prior to Judgeship:
“General practice.”
Civic and Community Activities
Appointive or Elective Positions Held:
Pittsfield Planning Board (1981-1986);
Berkshire County Regional Planning Committee (1982-1992; chairman, 1990-1992; treasurer 1987-1990);
Berkshire County Charter Revision Commission (1987-1988);
Pittsfield Master Plan Committee;
Pittsfield Police Chief Study Committee (1989-1990).
Memberships/Affiliations:
Berkshire Bar Association (vice president, 1983-1985; president 1985-1987);
Massachusetts Bar Association (Board of Delegates, 1985-1989; secretary, 1988-1989);
Massachusetts Bar Foundation;
Committee for Public Counsel Services;
Berkshire County Chapter, American Red Cross (Board of Directors 1981-1984);
St. Teresa Church, Pittsfield (Parish Council 1985-1988).
- Reported Decisions
- Other Links
Opinions Summarized in Lawyers Weekly
- Evidence – Cellphone – Attorney
- Warrant authorized for Hernandez cellphone
- Motor vehicles – OUI – Right to counsel
- Drivers have no right to counsel before breath test
- Commercial – Unjust enrichment – Implied subrogation
- Real property – Rail line – Easement – Abandonment
- Criminal – Drug lab – Plea withdrawal
- SJC limits scope of Dookhan rule
- Evidence – Murder – Victim’s prior violence – State of mind
- Criminal – Murder
- Hearsay from joint venturer admissible at trial
- Evidence – Hearsay – Joint venture
- Parent and child – Guardianship – Counsel
- Negligence – Dram shop – Affidavit
- Retirement – Forfeiture – Conviction
- Real property – Easements by necessity – Partition
- Criminal – Felony-murder – Aggravated rape
- Real property – Condominium – Priority liens
- Municipal – Concealed firearm – Retired police officer
- Jurisdiction – Probate – Juvenile immigrant
- Criminal – Reckless endangerment – State of mind
- Real property – Parking lot – Shopping center
- Criminal – Safe harbor rule – Voluntary statements
- Parent and child – Corporal punishment – Foster parents
- Criminal – Indecent assault and battery – Intellectual disability
- Criminal – Murder – Medical records – DNA
- Criminal – Murder – Jailhouse informant
- Criminal – Closing argument – Reasonable provocation
- Criminal – Sex trafficking
- Criminal – Murder – Autopsy photograph – BB gun
- Evidence – DNA – Biological material
- Criminal – Murder – Voluntary intoxication
- Licenses and permits – Liquor – Adult entertainment
- Criminal – Speedy trial
- Criminal – Probation – Collateral estoppel
- Criminal – Drug lab – New trials
- Criminal – Murder – Exculpatory evidence – Ineffective assistance
- Criminal – Murder
- Criminal – Crime lab – Drug testing
- Criminal – Crime lab – Drug testing
- Criminal – Drive-by shooting – Grand jury testimony
- Licenses and permits – Firearms – ‘Suitable person’
- Constitutional – Stun gun – Second Amendment
- Criminal – Hate crime – Intent
- Parent and child – Guardianship – Right to counsel
- Attorneys – Disability inactive status
- Labor – Health insurance – Retirees
- Criminal – Murder – Accessory
- Mortgages – Preemption
- Employment – Wage Act – Reinstatement – Housing authority
- Parent and child – ‘Parent coordinator’
- Arbitration – Suspension – Librarian
- Criminal – Accosting or annoying a person of the opposite sex
- Criminal – Murder – Ineffective assistance
- Landlord and tenant – Section 8 – Marijuana
- Evidence – DNA – New trial
- Evidence – Expert – Lost profits
- Arbitration – Teacher – Dismissal
- Criminal – Child pornography
- Search and seizure – Computers – Encryption
- Criminal – Search of dormitory – Prior scheme
- Municipal – Retirees – Premiums – Board of selectmen
- Criminal – Intent to distribute – Cross-examination – Expert
- Taxation – Charitable exemption – Forest
- Criminal – Murder
- Damages – Fraudulent transfers
- Retirement – Public office – Criminal convictions
- Mortgages – Notice – Right to cure
- Criminal – Murder – False confessions – Expert
- Criminal – Crime lab – Dismissal
- Criminal – Drug lab – Plea withdrawal
- Criminal – Sentencing – Life without parole – Juvenile
- Criminal – Sentencing – Life without parole – Juvenile
- Mortgages – Affirmative defenses – Summary process
- Criminal – Murder – Competency
- Criminal – Felony-murder – Joint venture
- Workers’ compensation – Offset – Counsel fees
- Wills and trusts – ‘Decanting’
- Criminal – Drug lab – Special magistrates
- Criminal – Consciousness of guilt – Flight – Self-defense
- Civil service – Tie vote
- Evidence – Medical and psychiatric records
- Constitutional – Right to bear arms
- Criminal – Closing argument
- Criminal – Murder – Self-defense – Joint venture
- Attorneys – Bar admission
- Insurance – Title – Duty to defend
- Criminal – Speedy trial
- Criminal – Murder – DNA – Expert witness
- Tort – Commercial disparagement
- Criminal – Confrontation – Vouching
- Corporate – Privilege – Directors – Shareholders
- Attorneys – Privilege – ‘At issue’ waiver
- Criminal – Immigration consequences – Plea
- Criminal – Murder – Ineffective assistance
- Mortgages – Power of sale – Affidavit
- Criminal – Sentencing – Credit
- Criminal – Murder – Voluntary intoxication – Public trial
- Criminal – Judicial reassignment – Recusal – Severance
- Retirement – Judge – Accidental disability retirement benefits
- Criminal – Rape – Consent – Intoxication
- Contract – Payment bond – Waiver
- Criminal – Murder – Mental impairment
- Criminal – Murder – Duress – Blood spatter evidence
- Criminal – Appointment of counsel – Indigency
- Insurance – Surface water – Anticoncurrent cause provision
- Criminal – Contempt
- Criminal – Probation – Revocation – Counsel
- Criminal – Sentencing – Retroactivity – Disorderly conduct
- Criminal – Rape – Lesser included offense
- Zoning – Standing
- Criminal – Mistrial – Double jeopardy
- Municipal – ‘Quinn Bill’ – Reimbursement
- Education – Regional agreement – Funding
- Criminal – First-degree murder
- Education – Expulsion – Marijuana – Preliminary injunction
- Evidence – First complaint
- Criminal – Firearm – Ammunition
- Criminal – Murder – DNA – Courtroom closure
- Criminal – New trial – Provocation
- Motor vehicles – Off-duty out-of-town police officer
- Mortgages – ‘Try title’ action – Foreclosure sale
- Criminal – Murder – DNA
- Civil practice – SDP – Menace
- Criminal – Murder – New trial – Jury instructions
- Insurance – MedPay – Health insurance – PIP
- Criminal – ‘Off the record’ statements to law enforcement
- Workers’ compensation – Insurance Fraud Bureau – Immunity
- Criminal – First-degree murder
- Evidence – Revocation of driver’s license – Certificate
- Criminal – Murder – Mental impairment
- Juvenile – Dangerous weapon – Knife – School
- Constitutional – Health Insurance Connector Authority – Aliens
- Civil practice – Sex Offender Registry Board
- Criminal – Murder – Armed home invasion
- Criminal – ‘New and substantial’ issue
- Criminal – Murder
- Zoning – Special permit – Ocean view
- Criminal – Murder – Brother’s Pretrial statements
- Criminal – Murder in first degree
- Real property – Reach and apply action
- Criminal – Bail – Modification
- Tort – MTCA – Private nuisance
- Criminal – Discovery – Sanction
- Search and seizure – Authority to consent – Firearm – Marijuana
- Insurance – Insolvency Fund – Self-insurance group
- Criminal – Murder in first degree
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, section3
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, §3
- Attorneys – Suspension – Assisting in nonlawyer’s practice of law
- Criminal – DNA – Out-of-state warrant
- Juvenile – Selective prosecution – Discovery
- Criminal – Jurors – CORI
- Appeals – Certiorari
- Landlord and tenant – Covenant of good faith and fair dealing
- Insurance – ‘Commonwealth Care’ – ESI
- Criminal – Dissemination of matter harmful to minor
- Evidence – Wiretap – Jail
- Criminal – Armed assault – Consciousness of guilt – Duplicative instructions
- Criminal – Murder – Closing argument – DNA
- Administrative – Regulations – Abandoned property
- Attorneys – Privilege – Client's threats
- Wills and trusts – Limitations – Imputed knowledge
- Zoning – Subdivision control
- Insurance – Insolvency fund – Governmental entities
- Insurance – Unsolicited fax advertisements
- Appeals – Leave to file interlocutory appeal
- Tort – Breach of fiduciary duty
- Criminal – Misdemeanor vehicular homicide – Continuance without finding
- Search and seizure – Police pursuit – Reasonable suspicion
- Parent and child – DSS custody – Hearsay
- Criminal – Murder – Intoxication
- Juvenile – Delinquency – Mayhem
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Trustee
- Criminal – Indictment placed on file
- Real property – View easements
- Attorneys – Discipline – Indefinite suspension
- Criminal – Murder – Evidence of lack of remorse
- Evidence – DNA – Physical evidence
- Taxation – Refunds – Interest
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3
- Criminal – Homicide – Motion for required finding
- Negligence – Alcohol – Underage adult
- Civil service – Suspension of police officer
- Real property – Regulatory taking – Contiguous lots
- Attorneys – Discipline – Guilty plea
- Criminal – Fourth new trial motion – 'Ineffective assistance' claim
- Criminal – Felony-murder – Armed robbery
- Insurance – Assigned risk plan – High-risk drivers
- Evidence – Expert – New trial
- Employment – MEPA – Teachers
- Retirement – Public employee – Forfeiture vote
- Jury and jurors – Impartiality – Racial prejudice
- Employment – Volunteers – Harassment
- Negligence – Recklessness – Operation of train
- Criminal – Murder – Reasonable provocation
- Contract – Breach – Interior design
- Domestic relations – Same-sex marriage – Out-of-state residents
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Alleged error in Probate & Family Court proceedings
- Negligence – Personal injury – Transportation authority
- Retirement – Criminal convictions – Forfeiture
- Criminal – Corporate liability – Homicide – Motor vehicle
- Evidence – Expert – Standard of care – Medical malpractice
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 petition – Criminal complaint
- Parent and child – Unfitness – Temporary nature
- Education – University police department – Public records
- Criminal – Murder in first degree – Infant victim – Cross-examination
- Criminal – Armed robbery – Photographs – Jury instructions
- Attorneys – Discipline – Criticism of judge
- Attorneys – Fee-sharing agreement – Referral – Client's written consent
- Workers' compensation – Jurisdiction – Suit under G.L.c. 93A
- Search and seizure – Unexcused absence – Waiver
- Criminal – Community parole supervision for life – Sex offender
- Juvenile – CHINS – Hearing
- Criminal – Out-of-court statements – 'Crawford'
- Licenses and permits – Medical license – Revocation
- Attorneys – Discipline – Suspension
- Criminal – Murder – 'Resurrection' – Prior crimes
- Criminal – Rape – Sentencing
- Insurance – Leased employee – Workers' compensation
- Real property – Conservation – Sale – Lack of recording
- Tort – MTCA – Town – Parking Lot
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Waiver Of Fees
- Attorneys – Admission To Bar
- Constitutional – DNA – Buccal Swab
- Attorneys – Disbarment – Reciprocal Discipline
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 Petition – Adequate Remedies
- Criminal – Narcotics Offenses – Search Warrant
- Criminal – First- Degree Murder – Voir Dire – Motion For Required Finding
- Search And Seizure – 'No- Knock' Warrant – Direct Estoppel
- Negligence – Emotional Distress – Housing Authority
- Licenses And Permits – Physician – Revocation Of License
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Denial Of New Trial Motion
- Landlord And Tenant – Eviction – Handicap Discrimination
- Attorneys – Bar Advocate – Compensation
- Taxation – 'Bundled Service Providers'
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Self- Defense
- Criminal – Murder – Rape
- Agency And Partnership – Dissolution Of Partnership – Valuation Of Minority Interest
- Criminal – IAD – Second- Degree Murder
- Tort – Defamation – Department Store
- Appeals – Appeal From Single Justice's Order – Denial Of Motion For Stay Of Execution
- Criminal – Murder – Indictment
- Insurance – Uninsured Motorist – Insolvent Insurer
- Appeals – Motion To Vacate Guilty Plea – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3
- Appeals – Double Jeopardy – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 Petition
- Criminal – Child Abuse – Drug- Related Offenses
- Criminal – CPCS – Public Defenders – Stay
- Criminal – Indigent Defendants – Bar Advocates
- Wills And Trusts – Realty Trust – Fiduciary Duty – G.L.c. 93A
- Social Services – Medicaid – Tobacco Settlement – Commonwealth's Recovery
- Motor Vehicles – License Revocation – OUI
- Criminal – Child Rape – Presence Of Alternate Juror During Deliberations
- Taxation – Corporate Excise – Charitable Contribution
- Social Services – EA Benefits – Reduction
- Criminal – Probation Revocation – Hearsay
- Constitutional – Religious Freedom – Jurisdiction Over Church Dispute
- Arbitration – Court Reporter – Transfer
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Admission Of Evidence – Jury Instructions – Prosecutorial Misconduct
- Real Property – Sale – Right Of First Refusal
- Taxation – Uniformity – Capital Gains
- Civil Rights – Supervisory Liability – Failure To Fire State Trooper
- Criminal – Production Of Treatment Records – Rape Victim
- Insurance – Rental Cars – Endorsements Not Filed With Commissioner
- Appeals – Mootness – Eviction
- Appeals – Petition Under G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – 'Unnecessary' Relief
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Evidence From Jail
- Appeals – Criminal Defendant's Counsel Fees – Commonwealth's Appeal Of Suppression Order
- Negligence – Comparative – Joint Tortfeasor – Settlement
- Constitutional – SDP Proceeding – Probation
- Search And Seizure – Detention Outside Residence
- Employment – County Employee – Reinstatement
- Criminal – Murder – Armed Robbery
- Search And Seizure – Inventory – Impoundment Of Vehicle
- Contract – Mechanics' Lien – Subcontractors – General Contractor's Default
- Appeals – Mootness – Child Custody
- Consumer Protection – Spoliation Of Evidence – G.L.c. 93A
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Medical Witness
- Appeals – Petition Under G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Tenant – TRO
- Taxation – Corporate Excise – Subsidiaries
- Criminal – Bail – Flight Risk
- Criminal – Bail – Subsequent Crime
- Prisons – Good- Time Credits – Equitable Remedy For Illegal Confinement
- Appeals – Interlocutory Appeal – Impoundment Order
- Appeals – Interlocutory Appeal – DNA Analysis
- Environmental – Environmental Impact Report – Ski Area Expansion
- Parent And Child – Child Support – Guidelines
- Criminal – Assault And Battery By Means Of Dangerous Weapon – Right To Defense
- Insurance – Duty To Defend – Vicarious Liability
- Real Property – Adverse Possession – Eminent Domain – Town Land
- Criminal – Murder – Extreme Atrocity Or Cruelty
- Jurisdiction – Clerk- Magistrate – Felony Complaint – Show Cause Hearing
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Immunized Witness
- Real Property – Right Of First Refusal – Town – Farmland
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – DNA Evidence
- Criminal – Forgery – Checks
- Appeals – Mootness – Request For Hearing
- Criminal – Incompetent Defendant – Dismissal Of Charges
- Arbitration – Judgment – Confirmation – Interest
- Tort – Misrepresentation – G.L.c. 93A
- Real Property – Condominium – Determinable Fee
- Administrative – Regulations – Utilities – Access
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Negative Identification Evidence
- Attorneys – Ex Parte Contact With Opposing Litigant's Former Employees
- Criminal – Probation Revocation – Concurrent Sentences
- Jurisdiction – Ecclesiastical Dispute
- Administrative – Hospitals – Reimbursement
- Appeals – Waiver – Lesser Included Criminal Offenses
- Criminal – Commitment As Sexually Dangerous Person – Non – Sexual Offense
- Real Property – Condominium – Successorship – Economic Loss Doctrine
- Appeals – Denial of New Trial Motion
- Criminal – Murder – Suppression Motion – Motion For Expert Witness Fees
- Criminal – Child Pornography – Computer Disk – Search
- Criminal – Murder – 'Reasonable Doubt' Instruction
- Insurance – Self – Incrimination – Nonparty Witnesses
- Education – State Regulations – Math Teachers
- Administrative – Turnpike Authority – Removal Of Members – 'Good Cause'
- Insurance – Duty To Defend – Counsel Fees
- Criminal – Murder – Unlawful Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Grand Jury Testimony
- Civil Practice – Discovery – Police Files
- Criminal – Common And Notorious Thief – Larceny
- Environmental – Groundwater Contamination – Limitations – Discovery Rule
- Attorneys – Malpractice – Limitations – 'Continuing Representation' Doctrine
- Civil Practice – Certiorari Petition
- Consumer Protection – G.L.c. 93A – Standing – Price Fixing
- Insurance – Commercial Lease – Fire
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Custodial Interrogation – Right To Counsel
- Arbitration – G.L.c. 93A – Multiple Damages – Counsel Fees
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Jurors – Evidentiary Rulings
- Real Property – APR – Option To Purchase
- Domestic Relations – Divorce – Relief From Judgment – Fraud
- Landlord And Tenant – Jury Trial – Eviction – Public Housing
- Public Utilities – Electric Plant – Siting Board Approval
- Criminal – Alternative Bails – Pretrial Release Condition
- Criminal – Rape Of Child – Alleged Victim's Medical Records
- Search And Seizure – Stop Of Pedestrian – Gun Possession
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Right To Counsel – Psychiatric Examination
- Real Property – Tax Taking – Condominium – Common Area Charges
- Juvenile – Youthful Offender – Serious Bodily Harm – 'Fresh Complaint' Evidence
- Criminal – Murder – Joint Venture – Perjury
- Employment – Discrimination – Jury Instructions – 'Pretext'
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Melee At Party
- Parent And Child – Unfitness – Mother's Failure To Protect Child From Abusive Father
- Attorneys – Fees – Joinder Of Client As Party Plaintiff
- Criminal – Murder In First Degree – Vouching – Voluntary Intoxication
- Tort – Class Action – Pharmaceutical Companies
- Search And Seizure – Lost Warrant – Secondary Evidence
- Criminal – Rape – Consent – Mistake Of Fact
- Taxation – Notice – Date Of Assessment – Abatement
- Workers' Compensation – Double Payments – Insolvent Employer
- Licenses And Permits – Entertainment License – Suspension – Assault On Patrons
- Criminal – Death Of Child – Wanton And Reckless Conduct
- Attorneys – Discipline – Misrepresentations On Bar Application
- Jurisdiction – Venue – Place Of Employment Termination
- Criminal – Request For Counsel – Inadmissibility
- Taxation – Sales And Use Tax – 'Representatives'
- Criminal – Threat – Member Of Opposite Sex
- Criminal – Motion In Limine – Postconviction Relief
- Attorneys – Discipline – Fee Dispute
- Criminal – Murder – Extreme Atrocity Or Cruelty
- Constitutional – Sexually Dangerous Persons – Commitment – Retroactivity
- Elections – Ballot Initiative – Drug Treatment Trust Fund
- Zoning – Child Care Facility – 'Footprint'
- Jurisdiction – Personal – Out-Of-State Trustees
- Criminal – First-Degree Murder And Kidnapping – Hypnotized Witnesses
- Conflict Of Interest – Criminal Defense Counsel's Relationship With ADA
- Employment – Overtime – 'Fluctuating Work Week'
- Employment – Discrimination – Pretext
- Criminal – Dismissal Of Indictments Following Prosecutor's Opening Argument
- Criminal – Homicide – Statements To Police
- Tort – Defamation – Police Officer As 'Public Official"
- Labor – Survey Of Employees – Sick Leave
- Contract – City Contract – Resoliciting Bids
- Criminal – Involuntary Manslaughter – Arson Of A Dwelling House
- Criminal – Cross-Examination – Racial Bias – Admission Of Prior Traffic Conviction
- Criminal – Unarmed Robbery – Cross-Examination – Racial Bias
- Employment – Police Officer – Reinstatement Order
- Civil Practice – Commitment Of Mentally Ill Person
- Criminal – Escape – DYS Custody
- Attorneys – Drafting Of Will – Duty Owed To Testator's Children And Heirs
- Constitutional – Attorney's Attempts To Contact Suspect In Custody
- Search And Seizure – Affidavit – Probable Cause
- Commercial – UCC – Preemption
- Search And Seizure – Home And Car – Probable Cause
- Criminal – Homicide – Right To Confrontation – 'Adoptive Admissions' Exception
- Criminal – Fetus – Involuntary Manslaughter
- Appeals – Jury Session – Counsel Fee Award (473)
- Criminal – Speedy Trial – Drug Dealing In School Zone
- Criminal – Speedy Trial
- Employment – Wrongful Termination – Effect Of Award Of Unemployment Benefits
- Criminal – Right To Speedy Trial
- Criminal – Murder – Diminished-Capacity Defense – Effective Assistance
- Criminal – Homicide – Defendant's Competency
Decisions Reviewed on Appeal
- Juvenile – Murder
- Appeals – Mootness – Department of Telecommunications and Cable
- Attorneys – Disbarment – Suspension – Emotional issues
- Appeals – Mandamus – Mootness
- Licenses and permits – Indefinite suspension – Stay – Certiorari
- Criminal – Motion to stay execution of sentence
- Licenses and permits – Medicine
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, section3
- Public utilities – Natural gas – Rate increase
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, section3 – Temporary custody of child
- Habeas corpus – Mootness
- Labor – ‘Evergreen’ clause
- Criminal – Probation revocation
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, §3
- Criminal – Probation – GPS
- Criminal – Murder – Fingerprints
- Criminal – Homicide – Jury instructions
- Judges – Probate & Family Court – Confidential information
- Appeals – ‘Tipsters’ – Identity
- Constitutional – Double jeopardy – Retrial
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, §3 – Sentencing
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3
- Search and seizure – Patfrisk
- Taxation – Retirement system – LLC
- Negligence – Non-profit association
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, §3 – Retrial
- Appeals – Leave to file interlocutory appeal
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Trustee
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Alleged error in Probate & Family Court proceedings
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 petition – Criminal complaint
- Licenses and permits – Medical license – Revocation
- Attorneys – Discipline – Suspension
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Waiver Of Fees
- Attorneys – Admission To Bar
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 Petition – Adequate Remedies
- Appeals – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Denial Of New Trial Motion
- Criminal – IAD – Second- Degree Murder
- Appeals – Appeal From Single Justice's Order – Denial Of Motion For Stay Of Execution
- Appeals – Motion To Vacate Guilty Plea – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3
- Appeals – Double Jeopardy – G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 Petition
- Criminal – Probation Revocation – Hearsay
- Appeals – Mootness – Eviction
- Appeals – Petition Under G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – 'Unnecessary' Relief
- Appeals – Criminal Defendant's Counsel Fees – Commonwealth's Appeal Of Suppression Order
- Constitutional – SDP Proceeding – Probation
- Appeals – Mootness – Child Custody
- Appeals – Petition Under G.L.c. 211, Sect. 3 – Tenant – TRO
- Criminal – Bail – Flight Risk
- Appeals – Interlocutory Appeal – DNA Analysis
- Appeals – Interlocutory Appeal – Impoundment Order
- Appeals – Mootness – Request For Hearing
- Appeals – Denial of New Trial Motion
- Jurisdiction – Venue – Place Of Employment Termination
- Tort – Defamation – Police Officer As 'Public Official"
- Constitutional – Attorney's Attempts To Contact Suspect In Custody
- Criminal – Speedy Trial – Drug Dealing In School Zone
- Criminal – Speedy Trial
- Employment – Wrongful Termination – Effect Of Award Of Unemployment Benefits
- Criminal – Right To Speedy Trial
- Criminal – Murder – Diminished-Capacity Defense – Effective Assistance
- Criminal – Homicide – Defendant's Competency
Articles about the judge, quoting the judge, etc.
- Prior dug convictions deemed one offense under ACCA
- Ban on alcohol at adult businesses invalid
- Criminal – Marijuana – Intent to distribute
- SJC rules on ‘right to cure’ notice compliance
- SJC allows post-foreclosure defenses
- SJC rules on Dookhan fallout
- SJC limits duty to defend claims under title policy
- SJC finds no liability over JAMA article
- Limited privilege applies in shareholder-feud case
- Corporate counsel can assert privilege
- Aggravated rape conviction reduced
- ‘Quinn Bill’ cuts approved by SJC
- Post-plea sentence reduction allowed
- Murder verdict stands despite ADA’s misstep
- Conviction withstands DNA-based challenge
- SJC’s foreclosure ruling fails to provide hoped-for remedy
- SJC: flasher not ‘menace’
- Court split on trying juveniles
- Health insurance benefits do not preclude ‘MedPay’
- SJC rules on IFB immunity
- Conviction vacated over RMV certificate
- SJC rules on aliens’ rights
- SJC: judges must attend jury views
- Disbarred lawyer not in contempt for starting copycat MLAC
- Tort Claims Act covers private nuisance suits
- Private nuisance claims actionable under state tort claims act
- SJC: motel room search was illegal
- ‘Evergreen’ clause in CBA is unenforceable
- Probationary GPS restricted by SJC
- SJC affirms lawyer’s year-long suspension
- Fingerprint evidence reliable, SJC decides
- Cape wind project approved by SJC
- Is it time for peremptory challenges to go?
- MCAD guidelines called into question by SJC ruling
- SJC finds law firms liable for malpractice
- SJC's ruling on vehicular homicide may prompt trials
- Kids' out-of-court statements can't be admitted versus dad
- Criminal defense bar calls SJC case cautionary tale
- Taverns may be liable for serving underage adult
- Former lawyer is released from jail
- SJC: jury instruction was not warranted
- Court looks into lawyers' pay
- Amorello resigns effective Aug. 15
- SJC: expert shouldn't have been sanctioned
- Verdict for teachers overturned by SJC
- Volunteer can't sue for harassment
- SJC: Nonresident gays can't marry; chaos is prdicited
- Suit filed against suspended lawyer
- Testimony of family medical history must pass ‘Daubert'
- Lawyer gets referral fees based on oral agreement
- Evidentiary hearing required for extension of CHINS order
- Crime-scene statements to police barred
- Bar Discipline (346874)
- Supreme Judicial Court No. BD-2005-056 IN RE: VALERIA JEAN BIANCO
- Defense lawyers decry loss of 'tool' on criminal appeals
- Leasing co. carrier not liable for worker's injury
- SJC To Present Pro Bono Awards June 8
- Judge May Order DNA Testing Of Non-Party
- Home Warrant Can't Be Used To Stop Suspects
- Still Waiting
- Bar Advocate Allowed To Seek Pay Increase
- Should Parents Who Waive Rights Still Pay Support?
- Court Grants Access To Rape Victim's Records
- Bar Advocates Step Up Fight Over Pay Rates
- 'Old' Prior OUI Means Short License Suspension
- Tenant With Refusal Right Balks, But Condo Sale OK
- Comparative Negligence Unaffected By Settlement
- 93A Spoliation Claim Denied, But $14M Verdict Is Upheld
- Forger's Conviction Reinstated By SJC
- Arbitration Award Paid, So Court Case Is Denied
- Defendant Entitled To See Victims' Med Records
