MA-COURTS

Dennis M. Cloherty v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Civil Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed the dismissal of Dennis M. Cloherty's pro se complaint against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and others. The court found that the complaint, as twice amended, failed to articulate cognizable causes of action and that the plaintiff waived arguments by not addressing deficiencies in his brief.

SJC Rules Armed Robbery Not Predicate Offense Under Force Clause

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that armed robbery is not a predicate offense under the 'force clause' of G. L. c. 276, § 58A, as it can be committed with minimal force and without a weapon. This decision clarifies the scope of offenses eligible for pretrial detention under this statute.

M.A. v. T.D. - Abuse Prevention Order Extension

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed the extension of an abuse prevention order against T.D. The court found that the plaintiff established sufficient grounds for the extension, despite the defendant's arguments regarding imminent danger. The decision is a non-precedential summary order.

Commonwealth v. Scott K. Tavares - Probation Violation Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming an order revoking Scott K. Tavares' probation. The defendant appealed, claiming ineffective assistance of counsel and due process violations related to new criminal offenses alleged as probation violations.

Thomas B. Francis, Third v. Suffolk County Sheriff's Department - Employment Discrimination Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming a lower court's decision regarding employment discrimination claims. The plaintiff appealed after a jury found in favor of the employer on retaliation claims, following summary judgment on sexual harassment and age discrimination claims.

Guy Maddalone v. Board of Appeals of Nantucket - Zoning Special Permit Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming a Land Court judgment that upheld the Nantucket Board of Appeals' decision to grant a special permit. The permit allows for the renovation and enlargement of existing structures on a property, despite objections from an abutter.

Commonwealth v. Sprows-Watson - Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential summary decision affirming a lower court's order denying the Commonwealth's motion for a continuance and allowing the defendants' motions to dismiss charges without prejudice. The decision addresses discovery disputes related to traffic stops and enforcement patterns.

Sophia Terry v. William Powley - Contempt of Court

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a Probate and Family Court judgment finding a mother not in contempt for alleged violations of a parenting time order. The court found insufficient evidence of clear and convincing disobedience of the court's command regarding supervised parenting time.

SJC affirms Moscaritolo murder conviction, declines verdict reduction

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) affirmed the first-degree murder conviction of Michael Moscaritolo. The court declined the defendant's request to reduce the verdict to a lesser degree of guilt, upholding the conviction following a review of the evidence and legal arguments.

David Ladd v. Alina Bosch - Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming judgments related to a construction dispute. The court affirmed the dismissal of claims under the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act and upheld a jury verdict for abuse of process. The decision is primarily directed to the parties involved.