Posts

Peeping Tom Some crimes are very specific. Others cover a very broad range of behavior. Disorderly conduct, a crime in Massachusetts, is an example of the second. There are different types of disorderly conduct. One type is called “Peeping Tom” d… Read More

Wiretapping is often portrayed in books and movies. In Massachusetts, wiretapping is a crime that is often easily implicated given the modern technologies we enjoy today. Is wiretapping illegal in Massachusetts? Yes, wiretapping is a crime in Massach… Read More

Massachusetts’ highest court has approved a jury instruction on implicit bias for use at all criminal and civil trials in the state. This is an important step forward in ensuring that people charged with crimes are treated fairly. What are jury ins… Read More

Identity fraud is a serious and widespread offense. The Federal Trade Commission logged over one million identity fraud reports in 2024. Identity fraud can also lead to a wide range of harm like bad credit and lost personal information. Because this… Read More

CAN MENTAL HEALTH AFFECT CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY? Can Mental Illness Be Used as a Defense in a Criminal Case? Yes. If someone has been charged with a crime but has a history of serious mental illness, you might wonder whether they can be held legally… Read More

When Is Property Damage Considered a Hate Crime in Massachusetts? Under Massachusetts law, damaging someone’s property becomes a hate crime when it is done to intimidate them because of their identity. To convict someone under this law, the prosecu… Read More

Gang affiliation can be a powerful piece of evidence. It can also be deeply unfair if misused. Massachusetts courts take this seriously. They set clear limits on how gang evidence can be used at trial. So, what rules protect the fairness of a trial w… Read More

How Courts Handle “Consciousness of Guilt” in Massachusetts Imagine someone runs from the police after discovering they’re about to be arrested. Someone might say, “See! That shows a guilty conscience!” Showing a guilty conscience might see… Read More