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
The Webster Police Department released body camera footage this week showing officers punching and using a taser during the arrest of a juvenile.
November 18, 2025 at 10:15 PM
The Webster Police Department released body camera footage this week showing officers punching and using a taser during the arrest of a juvenile.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
“I got blamed for reaching for his gun, when I wasn’t reaching for nobody’s gun. They were literally beating me to the ground and I was just trying to protect myself.”
#Webster #Massachusetts
#Webster #Massachusetts
Webster teen detained in violent arrest caught on camera speaks out
Webster Police have released video from an officer’s body-worn camera of the arrest of a teenager in response to cell phone video posted online showing some of what happened.
www.boston25news.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:39 PM
“I got blamed for reaching for his gun, when I wasn’t reaching for nobody’s gun. They were literally beating me to the ground and I was just trying to protect myself.”
#Webster #Massachusetts
#Webster #Massachusetts
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
If true then they really don’t have any power do they? All just one giant farce to appease the masses…
Boston police oversight board: Officers refusing to cooperate with investigations
Boston police oversight board: Officers refusing to cooperate with investigations
Attempts to hold Boston police officers accountable by a civilian review board have been met with resistance.
www.masslive.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:32 PM
If true then they really don’t have any power do they? All just one giant farce to appease the masses…
Boston OPAT sent a letter to BPD Commissioner Cox lamenting "'widespread refusal' by officers and employees to engage in interviews or cooperate with investigations." And also decried Cox's failure to "respect[] the recommendations made by [OPAT] in regards to discipline matters...” #mapoli #bospoli
Boston police oversight board: Officers refusing to cooperate with investigations
Boston police oversight board: Officers refusing to cooperate with investigations
Attempts to hold Boston police officers accountable by a civilian review board have been met with resistance.
www.masslive.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Boston OPAT sent a letter to BPD Commissioner Cox lamenting "'widespread refusal' by officers and employees to engage in interviews or cooperate with investigations." And also decried Cox's failure to "respect[] the recommendations made by [OPAT] in regards to discipline matters...” #mapoli #bospoli
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
NEW: Victor Rosario spent 32 years behind bars for a crime he says he did not commit before a judge overturned his convictions. More than a decade after his release, he returned to MCI Norfolk as a free man. There, he shared a walk—and a message of hope—with his old friends.
#Massachusetts
#Massachusetts
“Freedom is started from the inside”
Victor Rosario spent 32 years behind bars for a crime he says he did not commit. He returned to prison as a free man to share a walk—and a message of hope—with his old friends.
andrewqmr.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:13 PM
NEW: Victor Rosario spent 32 years behind bars for a crime he says he did not commit before a judge overturned his convictions. More than a decade after his release, he returned to MCI Norfolk as a free man. There, he shared a walk—and a message of hope—with his old friends.
#Massachusetts
#Massachusetts
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
New in OPINION: Solidarity among groups more crucial than ever amid changed landscape on race
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/soli...
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/soli...
Solidarity among groups more crucial than ever amid changed landscape on race - CommonWealth Beacon
Since post-Civil War Reconstruction, history is replete with moments of racial progress followed by backlash and retrenchment led by those benefiting from the status quo.
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 18, 2025 at 1:35 PM
New in OPINION: Solidarity among groups more crucial than ever amid changed landscape on race
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/soli...
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/soli...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
“When either they feel like they’re targeted, or they feel like their families are targeted, learning then becomes secondary to whatever worries and stresses that they have...Our kids can’t learn if they’re not here.”
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/17/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/17/m...
Under ICE crackdown, thousands of students have left Mass. public schools - The Boston Globe
A sharp drop in enrollment has hit some of the largest Massachusetts public school districts, including Boston, Framingham, and New Bedford.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:39 PM
“When either they feel like they’re targeted, or they feel like their families are targeted, learning then becomes secondary to whatever worries and stresses that they have...Our kids can’t learn if they’re not here.”
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/17/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/17/m...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Official misconduct is found in the vast majority of wrongful convictions out of Boston. These allegations reveal a culture of covering up misconduct rather than holding officers accountable. Lies in police reports, like the ones here, cause people to lose their freedom, family, & lives. Shameful.
"A veteran Boston Police Department (BPD) Captain is suing the department’s highest-ranking officials, alleging he was pressured to scrub a finding that a rookie officer lied in a police report and an internal affairs interview." #mapoli #bospoli
www.boston25news.com/news/local/l...
www.boston25news.com/news/local/l...
Lawsuit claims BPD commissioner shielded officer from lying charge
A veteran Boston Police Department (BPD) Captain is suing the department’s highest-ranking officials, alleging he was pressured to scrub a finding that a rookie officer lied in a police report and an ...
www.boston25news.com
November 15, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Official misconduct is found in the vast majority of wrongful convictions out of Boston. These allegations reveal a culture of covering up misconduct rather than holding officers accountable. Lies in police reports, like the ones here, cause people to lose their freedom, family, & lives. Shameful.
"A veteran Boston Police Department (BPD) Captain is suing the department’s highest-ranking officials, alleging he was pressured to scrub a finding that a rookie officer lied in a police report and an internal affairs interview." #mapoli #bospoli
www.boston25news.com/news/local/l...
www.boston25news.com/news/local/l...
Lawsuit claims BPD commissioner shielded officer from lying charge
A veteran Boston Police Department (BPD) Captain is suing the department’s highest-ranking officials, alleging he was pressured to scrub a finding that a rookie officer lied in a police report and an ...
www.boston25news.com
November 15, 2025 at 2:22 AM
"A veteran Boston Police Department (BPD) Captain is suing the department’s highest-ranking officials, alleging he was pressured to scrub a finding that a rookie officer lied in a police report and an internal affairs interview." #mapoli #bospoli
www.boston25news.com/news/local/l...
www.boston25news.com/news/local/l...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
From this minister's op-ed: "People wanting to experience God are more likely to meet the Divine trying to shut down the Broadview, Illinois, ICE facility than we ever were in church...God does not live in our houses of worship, but...with those who are bearing the brunt of cruelty in this moment."
Oh wow @reuters.com got the photo here:
November 14, 2025 at 9:38 PM
From this minister's op-ed: "People wanting to experience God are more likely to meet the Divine trying to shut down the Broadview, Illinois, ICE facility than we ever were in church...God does not live in our houses of worship, but...with those who are bearing the brunt of cruelty in this moment."
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
So-called conviction integrity units have been deeply disappointing, not only for their failure to undo individual injustices but their refusal to confront systemic ones. We can not rely on prosecutors to voluntarily pursue justice, but we continue to demand justice from all who stand in its way.
An advocate for conviction integrity units says that the fact that Cook County’s Conviction Integrity Unit hasn’t exonerated anyone in a year is a serious disappointment. “It makes no sense.”
Exonerations Grind to a Halt Under Chicago’s New Prosecutor
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke has weakened her office’s already broken system for freeing the innocent, even as allegations of coercion mount against a former Chicago detective.
boltsmag.org
November 11, 2025 at 1:29 AM
So-called conviction integrity units have been deeply disappointing, not only for their failure to undo individual injustices but their refusal to confront systemic ones. We can not rely on prosecutors to voluntarily pursue justice, but we continue to demand justice from all who stand in its way.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Another one of the Allston Car Wash 9 to be shipped out of state, but at least she'll get a bed
www.universalhub.com/2025/another...
#Boston #immigrants #ICE
www.universalhub.com/2025/another...
#Boston #immigrants #ICE
November 13, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Another one of the Allston Car Wash 9 to be shipped out of state, but at least she'll get a bed
www.universalhub.com/2025/another...
#Boston #immigrants #ICE
www.universalhub.com/2025/another...
#Boston #immigrants #ICE
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
According to the car wash owner, agents arrested employees before they could obtain their documentation from their work lockers. So many were likely here legally.
Here's hoping this article on Zac boasting about how he ruined some immigrants' lives follows him around for a very long time.
Here's hoping this article on Zac boasting about how he ruined some immigrants' lives follows him around for a very long time.
BU College Republicans president says he called ICE to ‘detain these criminals’ at Allston Car Wash
The president of Boston University College Republicans wrote on X he called the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requesting it detain employees at Allston Car Wash, the site of a Nov. 4 raid w...
dailyfreepress.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:03 PM
According to the car wash owner, agents arrested employees before they could obtain their documentation from their work lockers. So many were likely here legally.
Here's hoping this article on Zac boasting about how he ruined some immigrants' lives follows him around for a very long time.
Here's hoping this article on Zac boasting about how he ruined some immigrants' lives follows him around for a very long time.
“None of my three family members has any criminal history. Their only crime is being immigrants,” she said through a translator. “We came here to work, and instead, we are fighting racism day after day.” #mapoli #bospoli
www.boston25news.com/news/local/r...
www.boston25news.com/news/local/r...
Relative of detained Allston workers shares message for BU student who called ICE
A family member of three workers who were detained by federal agents is sharing a message for a BU student who called ICE repeatedly.
www.boston25news.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:15 PM
“None of my three family members has any criminal history. Their only crime is being immigrants,” she said through a translator. “We came here to work, and instead, we are fighting racism day after day.” #mapoli #bospoli
www.boston25news.com/news/local/r...
www.boston25news.com/news/local/r...
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
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
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.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
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
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
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...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
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.