CourtWatchMA
@courtwatchma.bsky.social
Community volunteers supporting neighbors + shifting power dynamics in #MApoli courts by exposing decisions of judges & prosecutors. @justicehealing @massbailfund
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Operation Stonegarden, the classic "we are coopting local police for border policing but pretending we are not" strategy
Idk it's probably cuz "defund the police" was a bad slogan
Why dozens of local police agencies in New England are patrolling the northern border - The Boston Globe
Vermont's Operation Stonegarden has become a key mechanism for Border Patrol to enlist the cooperation of local police in cracking down on border-related crimes. It's now facing new scrutiny.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Operation Stonegarden, the classic "we are coopting local police for border policing but pretending we are not" strategy
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Two of the Allston Car Wash 9 could soon be freed - but first are being shipped out of state
www.universalhub.com/2025/two-all...
#Boston #immigrants #ICE
www.universalhub.com/2025/two-all...
#Boston #immigrants #ICE
November 11, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Two of the Allston Car Wash 9 could soon be freed - but first are being shipped out of state
www.universalhub.com/2025/two-all...
#Boston #immigrants #ICE
www.universalhub.com/2025/two-all...
#Boston #immigrants #ICE
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
November 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Today, the Supreme Court rejected a call to overturn the landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage more than a decade ago.
This is a victory — but it’s also a reminder that the rights of every person are under threat. We must remain vigilant and continue fighting for equality.
This is a victory — but it’s also a reminder that the rights of every person are under threat. We must remain vigilant and continue fighting for equality.
November 10, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Today, the Supreme Court rejected a call to overturn the landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage more than a decade ago.
This is a victory — but it’s also a reminder that the rights of every person are under threat. We must remain vigilant and continue fighting for equality.
This is a victory — but it’s also a reminder that the rights of every person are under threat. We must remain vigilant and continue fighting for equality.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Today's blog post: Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts Recognizes Doctrine of Transferred Intent Self-Defense: tinyurl.com/yckchjf5
Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts Recognizes Doctrine of Transferred Intent Self-Defense
Courts across the country recognize the doctrine of transferred intent. For example, imagine that Dana shoots at Victoria with the intent to kill her, but
tinyurl.com
October 27, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Today's blog post: Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts Recognizes Doctrine of Transferred Intent Self-Defense: tinyurl.com/yckchjf5
Important decision last week from the MA Appeals Court. A defense attorney's racist social media posts created an actual conflict of interest with his Black client even without a specific showing of biased acts against the client during the representation. Remanded for new trial. #mapoli #bospoli
#LegalEthics Tidbit: Can I waive the conflict caused by my criminal defense lawyer’s racism?
In Commonwealth v. Dew, 492 Mass. 254 (2023) the MA Supreme Judicial Court held that a criminal defense lawyer’s manifestations of racial bias in social ... (cont.)
www.linkedin.com/posts/davidk...
#law
In Commonwealth v. Dew, 492 Mass. 254 (2023) the MA Supreme Judicial Court held that a criminal defense lawyer’s manifestations of racial bias in social ... (cont.)
www.linkedin.com/posts/davidk...
#law
November 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM
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ACLU of MA has filed a brief with the SJC in support of the constitutional right to counsel.
The Court should declare the current compensation scheme for bar advocates unconstitutional, and establish an immediate, temporary rate to address this violation until the Legislature develops a solution.
The Court should declare the current compensation scheme for bar advocates unconstitutional, and establish an immediate, temporary rate to address this violation until the Legislature develops a solution.
November 5, 2025 at 7:52 PM
ACLU of MA has filed a brief with the SJC in support of the constitutional right to counsel.
The Court should declare the current compensation scheme for bar advocates unconstitutional, and establish an immediate, temporary rate to address this violation until the Legislature develops a solution.
The Court should declare the current compensation scheme for bar advocates unconstitutional, and establish an immediate, temporary rate to address this violation until the Legislature develops a solution.
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US front pages are dominated by headlines about 1) no food assistance and 2) traumatic #ICE detentions.
@bostonglobe.com
@bostonglobe.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM
US front pages are dominated by headlines about 1) no food assistance and 2) traumatic #ICE detentions.
@bostonglobe.com
@bostonglobe.com
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As our community members fight their wrongful convictions, these are the appalling conditions they suffer. The irony is that the Department of Correction preaches accountability to its residents but demonstrates little for itself and its staff.
www.wgbh.org/news/local/2...
www.wgbh.org/news/local/2...
Surge of suicides in state prisons raises accountability questions
In September, there were two deaths in a week.
www.wgbh.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:25 AM
As our community members fight their wrongful convictions, these are the appalling conditions they suffer. The irony is that the Department of Correction preaches accountability to its residents but demonstrates little for itself and its staff.
www.wgbh.org/news/local/2...
www.wgbh.org/news/local/2...
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Example 5 Million of why we should never accept claims from law enforcement without intense skepticism.
They do not provide “just the facts” (fun, relevant side-note: know who was a big proponent of and advisor to Dragnet? The LAPD).
Their claims OFTEN crumble, esp when self-serving.
They do not provide “just the facts” (fun, relevant side-note: know who was a big proponent of and advisor to Dragnet? The LAPD).
Their claims OFTEN crumble, esp when self-serving.
A US Drug Enforcement Administration agent said the DEA made “high-level arrests” of 171 Sinaloa Cartel members across New England in August.
A Globe investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets were addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and homeless people.
A Globe investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets were addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and homeless people.
The DEA said they arrested 171 ‘high ranking’ Sinaloa Cartel members. A Spotlight investigation found that’s not true. - The Boston Globe
A Globe investigation found that the federal agency misrepresented the stature of its targets, claiming cartel ties at a time when the Trump administration is taking lethal military action against such groups.
trib.al
October 29, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Example 5 Million of why we should never accept claims from law enforcement without intense skepticism.
They do not provide “just the facts” (fun, relevant side-note: know who was a big proponent of and advisor to Dragnet? The LAPD).
Their claims OFTEN crumble, esp when self-serving.
They do not provide “just the facts” (fun, relevant side-note: know who was a big proponent of and advisor to Dragnet? The LAPD).
Their claims OFTEN crumble, esp when self-serving.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
There is zero reason for anyone, especially reporters, to trust anything that comes out of this administration at any level. This is fantastic reporting.
October 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
There is zero reason for anyone, especially reporters, to trust anything that comes out of this administration at any level. This is fantastic reporting.
Don't forget: cops lie!
"A Globe Spotlight Team investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets in New England were precisely the people Forget said they were not: addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and people living at a homeless encampment." #mapoli
"A Globe Spotlight Team investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets in New England were precisely the people Forget said they were not: addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and people living at a homeless encampment." #mapoli
Trump administration claims of 171 'high-level' Sinaloa Cartel arrests in New England were overblown. An investigation by @globespotlight.bsky.social found they arrested shoplifters and addicts. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/29/m... @bostonglobe.com
The DEA touted a Sinaloa Cartel takedown in New England. An investigation found they arrested shoplifters and addicts. - The Boston Globe
A Globe investigation found that the federal agency misrepresented the stature of its targets, claiming cartel ties at a time when the Trump administration is taking lethal military action against suc...
www.bostonglobe.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Don't forget: cops lie!
"A Globe Spotlight Team investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets in New England were precisely the people Forget said they were not: addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and people living at a homeless encampment." #mapoli
"A Globe Spotlight Team investigation found that many of the DEA’s targets in New England were precisely the people Forget said they were not: addicts, low-level dealers, shoplifters, and people living at a homeless encampment." #mapoli
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
The Massachusetts rainy day fund has 8.6 billion in it right now. Look around @massgovernor.bsky.social - it's raining.
Massachusetts can't cover SNAP benefits shortfall if funding stops amid government shutdown, Healey says
Massachusetts can't cover SNAP benefits shortfall if funding stops amid government shutdown, Healey says
Gov. Healey says there's "no way" Massachusetts would be able to make up for lost SNAP funding from the federal government.
www.cbsnews.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:54 PM
The Massachusetts rainy day fund has 8.6 billion in it right now. Look around @massgovernor.bsky.social - it's raining.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Immigrant who was grabbed by the regime, ordered released, then grabbed again is ordered released again
www.universalhub.com/2025/immigra...
#Massachusetts #Framingham #ICE #lawsuits
www.universalhub.com/2025/immigra...
#Massachusetts #Framingham #ICE #lawsuits
October 21, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Immigrant who was grabbed by the regime, ordered released, then grabbed again is ordered released again
www.universalhub.com/2025/immigra...
#Massachusetts #Framingham #ICE #lawsuits
www.universalhub.com/2025/immigra...
#Massachusetts #Framingham #ICE #lawsuits
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Whistles Have Become Chicago’s Surprising Act of Protest
By Mariah Timms
“It doesn’t take much to be a part of this resistance. And it is a resistance, whether people are comfortable with that word or not,” said Teresa Magaña, co-founder of Pilsen Arts Community.
@natalieandrews.bsky.social Gift!
By Mariah Timms
“It doesn’t take much to be a part of this resistance. And it is a resistance, whether people are comfortable with that word or not,” said Teresa Magaña, co-founder of Pilsen Arts Community.
@natalieandrews.bsky.social Gift!
Whistles Have Become Chicago’s Surprising Act of Protest
Residents troubled by an immigration crackdown air dissent—and warnings—with devices typically favored by athletic coaches.
www.wsj.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Whistles Have Become Chicago’s Surprising Act of Protest
By Mariah Timms
“It doesn’t take much to be a part of this resistance. And it is a resistance, whether people are comfortable with that word or not,” said Teresa Magaña, co-founder of Pilsen Arts Community.
@natalieandrews.bsky.social Gift!
By Mariah Timms
“It doesn’t take much to be a part of this resistance. And it is a resistance, whether people are comfortable with that word or not,” said Teresa Magaña, co-founder of Pilsen Arts Community.
@natalieandrews.bsky.social Gift!
The presumption of *irregularity,* coming soon to a courthouse near you...
There’s a principle called the presumption of regularity: it means that courts presume that the government will act lawfully and in good faith. With what we know about official misconduct leading to wrongful convictions and what we are seeing now, maybe it’s time to revisit this presumption.
“We found over 35 cases in which the judges have specifically said what the government is providing…false information. It might be intentionally false information, including false sworn declarations time and again," says Ryan Goodman, law professor at New York University.
October 20, 2025 at 7:47 PM
The presumption of *irregularity,* coming soon to a courthouse near you...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
There’s a principle called the presumption of regularity: it means that courts presume that the government will act lawfully and in good faith. With what we know about official misconduct leading to wrongful convictions and what we are seeing now, maybe it’s time to revisit this presumption.
“We found over 35 cases in which the judges have specifically said what the government is providing…false information. It might be intentionally false information, including false sworn declarations time and again," says Ryan Goodman, law professor at New York University.
October 20, 2025 at 4:17 AM
There’s a principle called the presumption of regularity: it means that courts presume that the government will act lawfully and in good faith. With what we know about official misconduct leading to wrongful convictions and what we are seeing now, maybe it’s time to revisit this presumption.
Raymond's conviction was overturned because of police & prosecutorial misconduct, unreliable eyewitness identifications, and a host of errors. @scdaonews.bsky.social appealed to the SJC & lost. They continue to cling to the state's lie, but 50 years later, he is finally exonerated. #mapoli #bospoli
A #Boston man who spent 48 years in prison insisting he was innocent all along will not face retrial, prosecutors decided Thursday. Raymond Gaines was freed in 2021, but final resolution of his case took till now.
https://ow.ly/aquy50XeccO
https://ow.ly/aquy50XeccO
DA declines to re-try man in 1974 Roxbury shoe shop murder
Raymond Gaines says he is innocent; victim's son says otherwise
ow.ly
October 20, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Raymond's conviction was overturned because of police & prosecutorial misconduct, unreliable eyewitness identifications, and a host of errors. @scdaonews.bsky.social appealed to the SJC & lost. They continue to cling to the state's lie, but 50 years later, he is finally exonerated. #mapoli #bospoli
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
We are thrilled that Fuquan is home after 28 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Outstanding lawyering by Jeff Harris and Jill Tessier. Let’s keep going until we are all free!
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/14/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/14/m...
With the blessing of prosecutors, man convicted of 1997 murder walks free - The Boston Globe
In a highly unusual move by Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office, prosecutors have agreed that Rickey McGee's conviction should be vacated and that he should have a new trial.
www.bostonglobe.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:45 AM
We are thrilled that Fuquan is home after 28 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Outstanding lawyering by Jeff Harris and Jill Tessier. Let’s keep going until we are all free!
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/14/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/14/m...
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"OPAT found an officer 'wrongly targeted' a teenager, allegedly punching the teen in the face with his gun. OPAT recommended that Cox fire the officer. ... The officer was issued only a written reprimand ... . He has since been promoted to detective." #bospoli
October 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM
"OPAT found an officer 'wrongly targeted' a teenager, allegedly punching the teen in the face with his gun. OPAT recommended that Cox fire the officer. ... The officer was issued only a written reprimand ... . He has since been promoted to detective." #bospoli
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
NEW: After spending 28 years in prison for a murder he says he did not commit, Rickey “FuQuan” McGee stepped out of the John Adams Courthouse in #Boston surrounded by dozens of jubilant supporters on October 14.
“I’m going to live incredibly,” McGee told the crowd as he held his fiancée and mother.
“I’m going to live incredibly,” McGee told the crowd as he held his fiancée and mother.
Boston Judge Frees Man While He Fights to Overturn 1998 Murder Conviction—With Prosecutors’ Help
Rickey “FuQuan” McGee spent 28 years in prison for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Now, prosecutors agree his convictions should be overturned.
andrewqmr.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:04 PM
NEW: After spending 28 years in prison for a murder he says he did not commit, Rickey “FuQuan” McGee stepped out of the John Adams Courthouse in #Boston surrounded by dozens of jubilant supporters on October 14.
“I’m going to live incredibly,” McGee told the crowd as he held his fiancée and mother.
“I’m going to live incredibly,” McGee told the crowd as he held his fiancée and mother.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Liars. She was arrested because she was a journalist doing her job.
UPDATE: In emailed statement to me / @reason.com, DHS alleges that WGN-TV producer Debbie Brockman "threw objects at Border Patrol’s car and she was placed under arrest for assault on a federal law enforcement officer."
October 10, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Liars. She was arrested because she was a journalist doing her job.
"OPAT found an officer 'wrongly targeted' a teenager, allegedly punching the teen in the face with his gun. OPAT recommended that Cox fire the officer. ... The officer was issued only a written reprimand ... . He has since been promoted to detective." #bospoli
October 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM
"OPAT found an officer 'wrongly targeted' a teenager, allegedly punching the teen in the face with his gun. OPAT recommended that Cox fire the officer. ... The officer was issued only a written reprimand ... . He has since been promoted to detective." #bospoli
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
ICE lies.
ICE claims assaults on its officers are up sharply since June. There's no public evidence that number is true.
White House claims "more than 1,000%" rise in assaults on ICE agents, data says otherwise
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers claim assaults on their officers are up sharply since June. There's no public evidence that number is true.
n.pr
October 10, 2025 at 8:52 PM
ICE lies.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
This very very very bad. I cannot stress this enough. I said that they crossed the Rubicon with arresting Ras Baraka several months ago. This is very bad and portends more bad things for regular people.
The President of the United States is calling for the mayor of Chicago and governor of Illinois to be jailed.
October 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This very very very bad. I cannot stress this enough. I said that they crossed the Rubicon with arresting Ras Baraka several months ago. This is very bad and portends more bad things for regular people.