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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…

Picture this: the police approach, and someone bolts. Or a defendant gives a false name. Or deletes a string of text messages the night of an arrest...

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 trials, the foreperson ser…

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...

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…

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…

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 Amendment of the Constitution, a warrant is not vali…

In Massachusetts criminal trials, the Commonwealth can call many types of witnesses—police officers, bystanders, family members, alleged victims, and more...