What is a Jury Foreperson? The jury foreperson is like the team captain of the jury. They help keep deliberations on track, ensure that every juror has a chance to speak, and handle the paperwork once a decision is reached. In both criminal and civil…
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In today’s digital world, a private moment shared in trust can become a weapon. “Revenge porn”—the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images or videos—has destroyed reputations, careers, and mental health for countless people...
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In March 2025, an important new change to the rule on discovery went into effect. These changes will impact the duty prosecutors have to provide people accused of crimes with the evidence they have in their possession, custody, or control. This new r…
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Animal cruelty is a crime in Massachusetts. The highest court in the state recently decided a new case on the defense of animal cruelty. What are the facts of the new case? In the new case, Commonwealth v. Robin Adams, a man took his dog to a public…
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Confidential Informants and Search Warrants What is a search warrant? A search warrant is a piece of paper that gives police permission to search you or something you own. Search warrants are signed by judges or magistrates. Under the Fourth Amendmen…
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In Massachusetts criminal trials, the Commonwealth can call many types of witnesses—police officers, bystanders, family members, alleged victims, and more...
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Assault and battery is a criminal offense in Massachusetts...
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Sexual abuse is a serious crime that comes from a wide variety of conduct. One way a person can be sexually abused is through revenge porn. Across the country, states have been passing laws to criminalize revenge porn. Massachusetts is one of the lat…
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In today’s world of smartphones and social media, taking photos and videos is common.
In Massachusetts criminal cases, the difference between a first offense and a subsequent offense can be dramatic. A “subsequent offense” designation often means higher maximum sentences, possible state prison...
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