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SJC marijuana ruling
"There are a lot of unanswered questions and only further case
law and time will tell how this court comes down. But it certainly
is a very strong court in terms of protecting civil liberties of
individuals."
MBA Chief Legal Counsel and
Chief Operating Officer Martin W. Healy, Worcester Telegram & Gazette,
September 27
Healy was quoted in an article on the SJC's recent ruling that
police can no longer pull over automobiles due to the odor of
marijuana smoke. The ruling comes after a 2008 ballot question
approved by Massachusetts voters decriminalized possession of one
ounce or less of marijuana.
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Bella Bond case
"Changes
of venue are so extremely rare, and there is a high barrier to leap
over. There could be a problem in this case because it is so highly
publicized, everywhere. It's not just a local story. Where do you
go to find a jury that hasn't heard of this case?"
MBA Criminal Justice
Section Vice Chair Peter Elikann, Boston Herald, September 22
Elikann spoke to the Herald about the likelihood of a
change of venue in the case against a man accused of murdering
Bella Bond, a small child found on Deer Island in June. FOX25 also spoke to Elikann in their coverage
of the case (Sept. 23).
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Of note:
- MBA member David G. Mintz was featured in the Daily Hampshire Gazette (Sept. 27) as a
recipient of the MBA's Community Service Award. Mintz practices in
Northampton.