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
On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up.
Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/on-b...
Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/on-b...
On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up - CommonWealth Beacon
Massachusetts has positioned itself as a leader on a range of policy domains under attack by the Trump administration. But as a national conversation has arisen about cash bail and public safety, fuel...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 23, 2025 at 5:58 AM
On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up.
Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/on-b...
Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/on-b...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Massachusetts is so far behind on so many dimensions of its punishment bureaucracy.
Outdated bail policy is a key piece of the puzzle (and parole…and medical parole…and clemency….and life without parole sentencing…)
We can do so much better!
#mapoli
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/on-b...
Outdated bail policy is a key piece of the puzzle (and parole…and medical parole…and clemency….and life without parole sentencing…)
We can do so much better!
#mapoli
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/on-b...
On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up - CommonWealth Beacon
Massachusetts has positioned itself as a leader on a range of policy domains under attack by the Trump administration. But as a national conversation has arisen about cash bail and public safety, fuel...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 22, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Massachusetts is so far behind on so many dimensions of its punishment bureaucracy.
Outdated bail policy is a key piece of the puzzle (and parole…and medical parole…and clemency….and life without parole sentencing…)
We can do so much better!
#mapoli
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/on-b...
Outdated bail policy is a key piece of the puzzle (and parole…and medical parole…and clemency….and life without parole sentencing…)
We can do so much better!
#mapoli
commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/on-b...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Ex. article by Katy Naples-Mitchell @cwbeacon.bsky.social
Besides incredible racial disparities found in MA, "Evidence shows bail doesn’t even work: cash bail does not incentivize return to court." & "Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community"
Besides incredible racial disparities found in MA, "Evidence shows bail doesn’t even work: cash bail does not incentivize return to court." & "Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community"
On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up - CommonWealth Beacon
Massachusetts has positioned itself as a leader on a range of policy domains under attack by the Trump administration. But as a national conversation has arisen about cash bail and public safety, fuel...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 23, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Ex. article by Katy Naples-Mitchell @cwbeacon.bsky.social
Besides incredible racial disparities found in MA, "Evidence shows bail doesn’t even work: cash bail does not incentivize return to court." & "Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community"
Besides incredible racial disparities found in MA, "Evidence shows bail doesn’t even work: cash bail does not incentivize return to court." & "Pretrial detention continues to punish people based on wealth, not their threat to the community"
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
“Captain Timothy Gaughan—a 34-year employee of the BPD— filed the suit in Suffolk Superior Court. In it, he claims the directive came indirectly from Police Commissioner Michael Cox.”
November 21, 2025 at 10:27 PM
“Captain Timothy Gaughan—a 34-year employee of the BPD— filed the suit in Suffolk Superior Court. In it, he claims the directive came indirectly from Police Commissioner Michael Cox.”
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
“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.”
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 21, 2025 at 10:27 PM
“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.”
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Help us send 2,000 books to readers who are incarcerated this winter through our Books Not Bars program
Books Not Bars 2025 Holiday Campaign
BOOKS NOT BARS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Haymarket Books is committed to making our books available for free to people who are incarcerated.
In an effort to support those inside who are dealing with the imm...
haymarketbooks.app.neoncrm.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Help us send 2,000 books to readers who are incarcerated this winter through our Books Not Bars program
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Kavanaugh stop. Smashed the kid’s car windows and arrested him. He told them he was a U.S. citizen. The officer replied “I don’t care.”
www.oregonlive.com/portland/202...
www.oregonlive.com/portland/202...
High school senior, a U.S. citizen, detained by ICE in Oregon
The 17-year-old was held more than five hours Friday in an ICE facility, his brother said.
www.oregonlive.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Kavanaugh stop. Smashed the kid’s car windows and arrested him. He told them he was a U.S. citizen. The officer replied “I don’t care.”
www.oregonlive.com/portland/202...
www.oregonlive.com/portland/202...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/22/c... [gift link]
Chicago activists share blueprint for resisting Border Patrol: ‘Chicago clearly is front and center’
As President Donald Trump’s ramped up Border Patrol action hits city after city, Chicago’s immigration-focused community organizers are following.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/22/c... [gift link]
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
A very good idea
November 22, 2025 at 6:59 PM
A very good idea
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Marimar Martinez is a US citizen who was shot by ICE five times in Chicago.
She was then arrested, labelled a “domestic terrorist” and slandered on social media.
All charges against her have been dropped.
In this interview she shows on of the seven holes the ICE agent put in her body.
She was then arrested, labelled a “domestic terrorist” and slandered on social media.
All charges against her have been dropped.
In this interview she shows on of the seven holes the ICE agent put in her body.
November 22, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Marimar Martinez is a US citizen who was shot by ICE five times in Chicago.
She was then arrested, labelled a “domestic terrorist” and slandered on social media.
All charges against her have been dropped.
In this interview she shows on of the seven holes the ICE agent put in her body.
She was then arrested, labelled a “domestic terrorist” and slandered on social media.
All charges against her have been dropped.
In this interview she shows on of the seven holes the ICE agent put in her body.
So... #mapoli adopted really limited pretrial reforms 7-8 years ago and new data analysis finds it basically only benefitted White people.
Against this backdrop, this op-ed calls for a much more radical policy shift. Jail doesn't make us safe. Jail impedes safety. We need holistic pretrial reform.
Against this backdrop, this op-ed calls for a much more radical policy shift. Jail doesn't make us safe. Jail impedes safety. We need holistic pretrial reform.
“While … sheriff budgets receive new scrutiny due to high-profile instances of alleged misconduct, the Legislature and the public should be equally concerned with the underlying policy goals of this spending: human caging, disproportionately of Black and Hispanic people who are presumed innocent.“
On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up - CommonWealth Beacon
Massachusetts has positioned itself as a leader on a range of policy domains under attack by the Trump administration. But as a national conversation has arisen about cash bail and public safety, fuel...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:22 PM
So... #mapoli adopted really limited pretrial reforms 7-8 years ago and new data analysis finds it basically only benefitted White people.
Against this backdrop, this op-ed calls for a much more radical policy shift. Jail doesn't make us safe. Jail impedes safety. We need holistic pretrial reform.
Against this backdrop, this op-ed calls for a much more radical policy shift. Jail doesn't make us safe. Jail impedes safety. We need holistic pretrial reform.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
“While … sheriff budgets receive new scrutiny due to high-profile instances of alleged misconduct, the Legislature and the public should be equally concerned with the underlying policy goals of this spending: human caging, disproportionately of Black and Hispanic people who are presumed innocent.“
On bail policy, Massachusetts must catch up - CommonWealth Beacon
Massachusetts has positioned itself as a leader on a range of policy domains under attack by the Trump administration. But as a national conversation has arisen about cash bail and public safety, fuel...
commonwealthbeacon.org
November 22, 2025 at 3:47 PM
“While … sheriff budgets receive new scrutiny due to high-profile instances of alleged misconduct, the Legislature and the public should be equally concerned with the underlying policy goals of this spending: human caging, disproportionately of Black and Hispanic people who are presumed innocent.“
Excellent reporting on the harm + racism in Newman Flanagan's era. He prosecuted a Black doctor to an all-white jury for performing an abortion; the conviction was overturned by the SJC. He investigated Willie Bennett & ignored Chuck Stuart as a suspect. #bospoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
Newman Flanagan, district attorney in Stuart case, other high-profile prosecutions, dies at 95 - The Boston Globe
"Newman was always on the hot seat, in wanted and unwanted circumstances, and he didn’t shy away from that," said Ralph C. Martin II, Mr. Flanagan's successor as Suffolk district attorney.
www.bostonglobe.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Excellent reporting on the harm + racism in Newman Flanagan's era. He prosecuted a Black doctor to an all-white jury for performing an abortion; the conviction was overturned by the SJC. He investigated Willie Bennett & ignored Chuck Stuart as a suspect. #bospoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/20/m...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
The federal government shot Marimar Martinez in Brighton Park, charged her with federal crimes, and just weeks later is dismissing the case. This follows several dropped prosecutions against protesters. To say the immigration raids have been all around mess is an understatement
November 20, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The federal government shot Marimar Martinez in Brighton Park, charged her with federal crimes, and just weeks later is dismissing the case. This follows several dropped prosecutions against protesters. To say the immigration raids have been all around mess is an understatement
"One officer punches the teenager repeatedly in the face, another tries to pull his arms behind his back so he can be handcuffed. A third applies a Taser directly to his back to incapacitate him. The aggressive arrest is documented in [body cam] footage" #mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/19/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/19/m...
Bodycam footage shows intense struggle during teen’s arrest in Webster; police chief defends officers - The Boston Globe
“I will admit, the video does not look pretty," the town's police chief said. "However, anytime officers have to use force, it never does.”
www.bostonglobe.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:38 PM
"One officer punches the teenager repeatedly in the face, another tries to pull his arms behind his back so he can be handcuffed. A third applies a Taser directly to his back to incapacitate him. The aggressive arrest is documented in [body cam] footage" #mapoli
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/19/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/19/m...
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
www.wbez.org/public-safet... - the fact that this is just regular order really speaks to this country.
Chicago’s top cop pledges to address rise in officers pointing their guns at people
The independent monitor overseeing the city’s consent decree pointed to CPD data showing a nearly 44% increase from 2022 to 2024.
www.wbez.org
November 19, 2025 at 9:51 PM
www.wbez.org/public-safet... - the fact that this is just regular order really speaks to this country.
Reposted by CourtWatchMA
Astonishing to stop and realize that, at any given moment, bands of masked men armed to the teeth are storming churches and daycares, terrorizing entire communities—and that most of the country's political establishment barely blinks.
November 19, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Astonishing to stop and realize that, at any given moment, bands of masked men armed to the teeth are storming churches and daycares, terrorizing entire communities—and that most of the country's political establishment barely blinks.
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...