“Third time’s the charm” is a proverb, not necessarily a legal doctrine. Even so, the team tasked by Gov. Maura Healey to help fill an upcoming vacancy on the state’s highest court is again extending the application deadline for people interested in becoming a justice on the Supreme Judicial Court.
Courts
Posted inCourts
Judge sides with Healey administration in capping emergency shelter program
A Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a bid to block Gov. Maura Healey from capping the state’s emergency shelter program, saying the governor was only taking steps to live within the appropriation provided by the Legislature.
Posted inHousing
Ruling coming in emergency shelter suit
A SUPERIOR COURT judge is expected to rule by the end of the day Wednesday on whether to block Gov. Maura Healey from putting a cap on shelter placements and waitlist families looking for emergency shelter.
Posted inCourts, Marijuana, State Government
Goldberg gives cannabis chair O’Brien chance to be heard
ON THE EVE of a scheduled court hearing challenging her suspension as chair of the state Cannabis Control Commission, Shannon O’Brien said state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg has agreed to hold a hearing on her removal. O’Brien filed a lawsuit last week alleging she had been improperly suspended by Goldberg without due process or an opportunity […]
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice
Court weighs custody of young offenders
WHEN A YOUNG PERSON is convicted of a crime, Massachusetts and the federal government agree that they shouldn’t be put into the same custody as adult convicts. But one state law seems to treat young people charged with murder, but not convicted, like adults, requiring that juveniles who are facing trial on serious charges be […]
Posted inCourts, Opinion, Race/Racism, State Government
Open the doors to closed juvenile sessions
THE APPARENT DEATH of Harmony Montgomery following her placement with her father in New Hampshire has fueled emotionally charged discussions regarding what happened in court, legal questions about the Interstate Compact on Children, the role of the state Department of Children and Families, and recommendations regarding systemic reform in the pursuit of preventing this kind […]
Posted inCourts, Education, Health, Health Care
Court says social worker, school district not liable in student suicide
IF SOMETHING IS going wrong in a child’s life – slipping grades, anxiety, depression, injury, or worse – their school community can see warning signs that may not always show up at home. But if a public school employee is made aware of the possibility – or even likelihood – of a student hurting themself, […]
Posted inCourts, Housing, State Government, State House News Service
Bill would ensure tenant access to lawyers in eviction cases
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE LOW-INCOME TENANTS who are at risk of being evicted could gain access to free legal representation through a proposed program that garnered support from housing attorneys during a legislative hearing Wednesday. The program, outlined in a Sen. Sal DiDomenico bill (S 864), is meant to level the playing field for vulnerable […]
Posted inCourts, Environment, Housing
Norwell homeowners pit affordable housing against conservation
WHEN MEMBERS of a Norwell town meeting voted almost 20 years ago to make a 6.3-acre piece of land available for affordable housing, they might have considered being a bit more specific. Because of some uncertainty surrounding the designation, the affluent suburban town is now in the middle of a classic land use showdown while […]
Posted inCourts, Economy
SJC sides with Galvin in imposing higher standards on broker-dealers
IN THE WORLD OF FINANCE, only those who offer specific investment advice have been held to the highest standard of care for their clients. When Secretary of State Bill Galvin decided that the fiduciary standard – broadly, acting in the best interest of clients and trying to address conflicts of interest – should apply to […]