Murder conviction affirmed where defendant's statements to police were voluntary despite severe burns, intoxication, and inhalation of toxic fumes; hospital photographs of victim's injuries properly admitted.
Civil commitment under Massachusetts substance abuse statute requires clear and convincing proof of likelihood of serious harm with imminent, not distant, risk of injury.
Recusal motion in murder conviction appeal properly denied where single justice had presided over nonevidentiary hearing involving codefendant years earlier on purely legal grounds.
DNA evidence of secondary male source, presented without statistical explanation, was improperly admitted and formed linchpin of rape prosecution. New DNA testing revealing secondary source was female, excluding defendant, warranted new trial.
Settlement agreements between a school district and parents of special education students must be disclosed under Massachusetts public records law after removal of personally identifiable information.
Defendant with sex offense charge continued without a finding not subject to mandatory GPS monitoring under statute requiring GPS devices for persons placed on probation for sex offenses.
Massachusetts courts have jurisdiction over custody of unaccompanied refugee minor assigned to state by federal agency where no other state qualifies as home state and best interests favor Massachusetts court.
Bar applicant denied admission where he demonstrated lack of honesty, good moral character, and civility through abuse of legal system, unsubstantiated accusations, and pattern of personal attacks.
Defense counsel's failure to inquire about client's refugee status constitutes deficient performance; refugee status is a special circumstance warranting substantial weight in prejudice analysis.
Murder conviction affirmed where defendant's claims of courtroom closure, improper jury instructions, and ineffective counsel were rejected on procedural waiver, substantive law, and lack of prejudice grounds.
