What is habeas corpus? “Habeas corpus” is a writ utilized to bring a person before a court, most frequently to ensure that a person’ s imprisonment or detention is not illegal. A writ is an order by a court requiring that something be done. Wha…
What is animal cruelty? Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 77 it is illegal to treat an animal with cruelty. Cruelty means inflicting severe or unnecessary pain upon an animal without any justifiable cause. The maximum penalty is s…
What is stalking? Massachusetts General Laws c. 265, § 43 punishes stalking, a threatening pattern of conduct or series of acts that seriously alarms or annoys a person or causes a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress. What is…
What is road racing? Road racing is illegal in Massachusetts. General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24(2)(a) states that it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle on a bet or wager in a race or to speed to set a record. A defendant is “road racing&#…
What is registering bets? To register bets legally means: Keeping a place for registering Keeping a place for buying or selling pools Being present AND involved in registering Being present AND involved in buying or selling pools What is the law on r…
Is it illegal to intimidate a witness? Yes. A person who is threatens, attempts to physically harm, or harasses a witness can be charged with Witness Intimidation under M.G.L. c. 268, § 13B. Conviction could result in 10 years imprisonment or a fine…
What is a civil rights violation? Under Commonwealth law, a defendant can be charged with a civil rights violation a when he or she violates the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act. This law states: “No person…shall by force or threat of force, willfu…
Are fireworks illegal in Massachusetts? Yes, they are. If you have fireworks in Massachusetts be advised that under M.G.L. c. 148, § 39 a person who possesses or sets them off in the state can be punished. Any item with a combustive or explosive com…
What is an inference? A permissible deduction accepted as believable is an inference. In other words, inferences are little steps in reasoning in which a person takes some known information, applies his or her experience in life to it, and then draws…
What is knowledge in criminal law? A perception of the facts required for a crime is knowledge in criminal law. It is the burden of the Commonwealth to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the offense the defendant knew something. This…
