MA-COURTS

Berry v. Commonwealth - Resentencing and Psychiatric Examination

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed a lower court's decision allowing a reciprocal court-ordered psychiatric examination of a defendant seeking resentencing. The defendant had presented expert testimony regarding his mental condition, prompting the Commonwealth's request for its own expert evaluation.

Ryan v. Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp. - Assisted Living Security Deposit Statute

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in Ryan v. Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp. that community fees charged by assisted living residences (ALRs) can be considered lawful if they correspond to ALR-specific intake services. This decision clarifies the application of the security deposit statute to ALRs.

Massachusetts Appeals Court Opinion on Marcie's Care

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming a Juvenile Court judgment that found parents unfit and granted permanent custody of a child to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The decision addresses parental unfitness due to housing, educational, and medical neglect, as well as substance use and mental health issues.

Stanley Webb v. George Leontire - Legal Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential summary decision in Stanley Webb v. George Leontire. The court affirmed a lower court judgment, allowing cross-examination on criminal matters and upholding the defendant's earned fee.

Commonwealth v. Jean P. Durand - Criminal Assault and Battery Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a conviction for assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. The court found sufficient evidence to sustain the conviction despite the defendant's claim of not being criminally responsible due to mental illness.

Commonwealth v. Greg McCollum - Massachusetts Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court vacated judgments against Greg McCollum for operating under the influence (OUI) and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. The court found the verdicts and subsequent offense finding to be in error and set them aside.

Agnitti v. Philip Morris USA Inc. - Massachusetts Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued an opinion in Agnitti v. Philip Morris USA Inc., affirming a jury verdict for the defendant. The plaintiff appealed jury instructions related to claims of negligence, product defect, fraud, and violations of the Consumer Protection Act.

Stephen Stoute v. Joseph Aoun - Breach of Contract Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a lower court's dismissal of a breach of contract and discrimination lawsuit filed by Stephen Stoute against Northeastern University and its trustees. The plaintiff appealed after the Superior Court dismissed the case, including claims related to admission to the university's college of engineering.

Commonwealth v. Gerald Bowens - Massachusetts Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential memorandum and order in Commonwealth v. Gerald Bowens, concerning the admissibility of graphic video evidence in a manslaughter trial. The court affirmed the conviction, finding the evidence had probative value despite its inflammatory nature.

Doe v. Sex Offender Registry Board - Sex Offender Classification Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential decision in John Doe v. Sex Offender Registry Board, upholding a Superior Court judgment that affirmed the Board's classification of Doe as a level three sex offender. The court found the classification was supported by clear and convincing evidence and that the hearing examiner properly considered mitigating factors.