Commonwealth v. Britt (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-078-13)
Murder convictions affirmed where defendant and boyfriend killed two men in 80-second shooting. Court rejects claims of hearsay error, prosecutorial misconduct, and ineffective counsel.
SJC Opinions
Moreno v. Naranjo (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-073-13)
Judge erred by limiting abuse prevention order duration based on defendant's visitation rights rather than plaintiff's protection needs.
Commonwealth v. Clagon (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-074-13)
Court reversed suppression order, holding affidavit established probable cause drug dealer kept heroin supply at premises based on controlled purchases and surveillance observations.
Commonwealth v. Gomes (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-075-13)
Judge cannot consider defendant's trial testimony as perjurious when imposing sentence. Perceived perjury at sentencing constitutes reversible error creating substantial miscarriage risk.
Commonwealth v. Spencer (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-072-13)
Trial judge properly excluded portions of defendant's police statements and jailhouse calls as unequivocal denials, inadmissible police accusations, or more prejudicial than probative. Affirmed.
275 Washington Street Corp. v. Hudson River International, LLC, et al. (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-071-13)
Indemnification clause in commercial lease does not permit recovery of posttermination damages until end of original lease term unless lease specifically provides otherwise.
McCabe v. Commissioner of Correction (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-070-13)
Single justice properly exercised discretion in transferring McCabe's application from county court to Superior Court, consolidating it with his related action there.
Commonwealth v. F.W. (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-069-13)
Adult half-sister may vicariously consent to recording vulnerable child's communications with alleged abuser under federal wiretap statute's consent exception.
In the Matter of Gustafson, Lauren (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-067-13)
Attorney suspended six months for practicing law while administratively suspended and failing to cooperate with bar discipline investigation. Affirmed.
Commonwealth v. Carr (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-068-13)
Murder conviction affirmed despite thirty-year delay. Speedy trial claim rejected where defendant evaded prosecution and delayed assertion of rights.