Reversed heroin trafficking conviction where field test evidence was admitted without demonstrating scientific reliability under established standards, particularly significant given chemist misconduct.
Monthly MBTA pass holder sued for breach of contract after severe winter storms caused service disruptions. Court affirmed dismissal, finding no enforceable contract with sufficiently definite material terms.
Successive prosecution for larceny barred by different elements test, not double jeopardy where prior acquittal was for receiving stolen property.
Excited utterance statements by domestic violence victim to police officer were testimonial but admissible because defendant had adequate prior opportunity to cross-examine victim at pretrial dangerousness hearing.
Motor vehicle stop based on burnt marijuana odor violates Fourth Amendment where officer lacked probable cause, only reasonable suspicion, of civil infraction.
Letter to mayor requesting incident reports constituted inadequate presentment under Tort Claims Act; appeared to be public records request rather than actual claim presentation.
Presentment under the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act is a condition precedent to suit, not immunity from suit, and thus denials of motions to dismiss based on inadequate presentment are not immediately appealable.
Defendant who pleaded guilty based on drug analysis by a chemist later convicted of evidence tampering may withdraw his plea if he shows he would have tried the case had he known of her misconduct.
Defendant who pleaded guilty to drug charges based on evidence tested by a chemist later found to have committed widespread misconduct may withdraw his plea if he shows he would have gone to trial.
Aggravated kidnapping conviction vacated where jury instructions omitted the required element that defendant was armed with dangerous weapon.
