Massachusetts lawmakers and prosecutors are working hard to keep up with the evolving legal landscape when it comes to weapons and firearms. A new gun law was recently passed with broad support, addressing the growing problem of ghost guns and 3D-printed guns. These untraceable firearms can be made using commercially…
In recent years, the United States Supreme Court has expanded the protections of the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms. Traditionally, this amendment was most often associated with firearms, but these protections have extended beyond guns. In a significant development, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently addressed…
As technology and society continue to evolve, new types of crimes can emerge, often targeting individuals in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. One such crime is known as revenge porn. This involves the sharing or threatening to share explicit images of someone, typically obtained consensually in…
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is a vital protection against unlawful searches and seizures. It ensures that evidence obtained without a valid warrant cannot be used against defendants in court. However, there are exceptions to the warrant requirement, and law enforcement officers, along with prosecutors, often seek…
In Massachusetts criminal trials, evidence presented by the state must be relevant to the case, but not all relevant evidence is automatically admissible. The court must weigh whether the evidence’s probative value—its ability to prove something important—is greater than its potential to unfairly prejudice the jury against the defendant. Certain…
In Massachusetts, prosecutors bear the significant responsibility of proving that any evidence used against a defendant is admissible before it can be presented to a jury. This process ensures that the rights of the accused are protected and that the integrity of the judicial process is maintained. Generally, evidence obtained…
In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have access to a growing array of tools and methods to investigate and gather evidence. With the advent of artificial intelligence and sophisticated data analytics, traditional methods of crime-solving are being supplemented and often surpassed by new digital techniques.…
In today’s digital age, technology has revolutionized countless aspects of our lives, including the ways in which the legal system in Massachusetts addresses public indecency and related offenses. Surveillance cameras, smartphones, and social media have made it easier than ever for law enforcement and prosecutors to monitor and prosecute behavior…
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement, which can include unlawful arrests or detainments. In the event of an unlawful search or seizure, the law mandates that any evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in the prosecution. The Massachusetts Court…
Anyone accused of a crime in Massachusetts may have several opportunities to challenge the accusations lodged against them. Sometimes, charges are dismissed based on evidentiary issues before a trial occurs. At the close of a trial, defendants may be successful in asking the court to acquit them without sending the…