Sometimes the sequel is much more interesting than the original . Even in the land of criminal justice! Take the ongoing Mattapan massacre multiple murder trial for example. Last week, we discussed the surprising direct examination of the sole eyewitness regarding his “surprise” alleged redemption of memory…and eyewitness ability. Now,…
In yesterday’s Attorney Sam’s Take, I mentioned that the typical law enforcement approach to cases which necessitate more care may be in the best interest of nobody. I described a scenario involving assault with a dangerous weapon which was, to some extent, unavoidable given the ways such calls are answered.…
Yesterday, Attorney Sam’s Take began discussing the case of 52-year-old Madina Clayton of Boston (hereinafter, the “Defendant”). She was arrested for assaulting men on the MBTA Green Line train Tuesday evening. While she did not physically make contact with anyone, the reports of her behavior are certainly bizarre. It also…
Today’s Attorney Sam’s Take involves the definition of Massachusetts Assault (as opposed to Assault and Battery), the intersection between criminal justice and mental health and touches upon one of our favorite topics…when free speech rights control and when they do not. Last night, 52-year-old Madina Clayton of Boston (hereinafter, the…
One of the Massacuhusetts murder cases we have been tracking for the past couple of years is in the middle of its second trial. This is the so-called “Mattapan Massacre” trial in which, at the first trial, the jury acquitted one defendant and could not reach a unanimous verdict as…
Attention Massachusetts Drunk Drivers! The criminal justice spotlight is looking for you! The Commonwealth has announced that it is stepping up the enforcement of liquor laws. Of course this includes keeping an eye on drivers who may have had a bit too many, but that is not all that is…
You have, no doubt heard about things like ” good cop – bad cop” and “playing cat and mouse”. Regardless of the circumstances, they are games. No doubt they are used in under very serious circumstances. Who wins these games truly matters. But that does not make them not games.…
Various of my recent Attorney Sam’s Takes have led us here. We have discussed DCF and police investigations. We have discussed Clerk Magistrate’s hearings which determine whether probable cause exists to issue a criminal complaint. We all know that you need a lawyer when you are facing criminal charges in…
Yesterday, we began discussing the plight of Springfield’s Anthony Perry (hereinafter, the “Careless Provider”, his girlfriend (or ex-girlfriend, depending on who you ask) and her young child. To put it into the proverbial nutshell, the Careless Provider was watching his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son. It was “Black Friday”…a day for significant…
Do you find it somewhat ironic that, on the very day after the day we reserve for counting our blessings (Thanksgiving), we fall into a frenzy to go out and get more? Well, that is apparently what the curiously named “Black Friday” is for. Folks go through all kinds of…