line inquiry (Massachusetts) · Go Syfert
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line inquiry in Massachusetts

36 Massachusetts opinions name it 2 courts 1920–2025 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Massachusetts courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (37)

CaseFollowedCited
Commonwealth v. Wardsworthgreen
mass · 2019 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025See Commonwealth v. Robertson, 489 Mass. 226 , 236, cert. denied, 143 S. Ct. 498 (2022); Commonwealth v. Wardsworth, 482 Mass. 454, 475-476 (2019) (noting that jurors were able to view same surveillance footage that officers watched as reason against admitting opinion testimony by officers about footage).

11
Commonwealth v. Whitegreen
mass · 1991 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024See Commonwealth v. White, 409 Mass. 266, 276-277 (1991) (no ineffective assistance where any benefits defendant would have realized from testimony largely offset by harm from other aspects of testimony).

11
Commonwealth v. Irenegreen
mass · 2012 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020See Commonwealth v. Irene, 462 Mass. 600, 618 , cert. denied, 568 U.S. 968 (2012). 16 questions were improper, but argues that no substantial risk of a miscarriage of justice occurred because the prosecutor did not refer to the line of inquiry during closing argument and there was substantial evidence to support the Commonwealth's case.

11
Irene v. Massachusettsgreen
scotus · 2012 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020See Commonwealth v. Irene, 462 Mass. 600, 618 , cert. denied, 568 U.S. 968 (2012). 16 questions were improper, but argues that no substantial risk of a miscarriage of justice occurred because the prosecutor did not refer to the line of inquiry during closing argument and there was substantial evidence to support the Commonwealth's case.

11
Taylor v. Sturgellgreen
scotus · 2008 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016See Taylor v. Sturgell, 553 U.S. 880, 894-895 (2008) (identifying established grounds for nonparty preclusion under Federal common law). 6 “[T]he board of supervisors and the board of managers shared responsibility for overseeing the Adams Fund.” Woodward Sch. for Girls.

11
Commonwealth v. Baldwingreen
mass · 1982 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016The judge denied the motion. *662 Here it appears that the prosecutor had a good faith basis to believe that two Ford Explorers were registered to Cristina Balboni, and pursued a line of inquiry meant to impeach the defense witness by eliciting information that tended to show the limited value of Shamshak’s examination of the Balboni vehicle. ‘“[T]he question[s], on a matter put in issue in the first place by the defendant, was within the scope of allowable cross-examination.” Commonwealth v. Baldwin, 385 Mass. 165, 179 (1982).

11
Commonwealth v. Keygreen
mass · 1980 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016See Commonwealth v. Key, 381 Mass. 19, 28-30 (1980) (prosecution entitled to pursue subject raised on direct exantination by defense counsel).

11
Commonwealth v. Dotsongreen
mass · 2012 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Compare, e.g., Bradley, supra at 553 , and Watts, supra at 55, 60 , with Commonwealth v. Galvin, 466 Mass. 286, 290-291 (2013), and Commonwealth v. Dotson, 462 Mass. 96, 100-101 (2012).

11
Commonwealth v. Galvingreen
mass · 2013 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Compare, e.g., Bradley, supra at 553 , and Watts, supra at 55, 60 , with Commonwealth v. Galvin, 466 Mass. 286, 290-291 (2013), and Commonwealth v. Dotson, 462 Mass. 96, 100-101 (2012).

11
Watts v. Commonwealthgreen
mass · 2014 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015As discussed, this more limited scope of retroactivity is consistent with the actual language of § 48. 11 Although in Commonwealth v. Bradley, 466 Mass. 551 (2013), and Watts v. Commonwealth, 468 Mass. 49 (2014), we treated these two exceptions to the rule of prospective application as distinct.analyses, at other times, we have determined that a single line of inquiry is sufficient to address both exceptions.

2015Compare, e.g., Bradley, supra at 553 , and Watts, supra at 55, 60 , with Commonwealth v. Galvin, 466 Mass. 286, 290-291 (2013), and Commonwealth v. Dotson, 462 Mass. 96, 100-101 (2012).

11
Commonwealth v. Saundersgreen
massappct · 2009 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
1 sentence

2013Cf. Commonwealth v. Ortega, 441 Mass. 170 , 180 n.17 (2004); Commonwealth v. Saunders, 75 Mass. App. Ct. 505, 509 (2009).

11
Commonwealth v. Bowdengreen
mass · 1980 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
1 sentence

2005The judge asked defense counsel if he was going to present any witnesses to testify on this subject, to which defense counsel responded, “Well, I don’t think we can get into, Judge, whether or not this fellow, the Dominican, Raoul, did it, but I think it goes — this isn’t my only focus — into the Bowden type instruction.” See Commonwealth v. Bowden, 379 Mass. 472, 485-486 (1980) (failure of, authorities to conduct certain tests or produce certain evidence “permissible ground on which to build a defense in the circumstances”).

11
Commonwealth v. McDonoughgreen
mass · 1987 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
1 sentence

2001See Commonwealth v. McDonough, 400 Mass. at 651 .

11
Bain v. City of Springfieldgreen
mass · 1997 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
1 sentence

2000As described by Dalrymple, LaMonica was “upset” when she returned to work in September, 1991. 8 When asked how she knew that LaMonica was displeased, Dalrymple stated that she saw him interviewed on television and heard him say “[tjhat he was upset” that he “hoped the town would follow this through or appeal it.” The defendants argue that this testimony was inadmissible under Bain v. Springfield, 424 Mass. 758, 759-760, 766-767 (1997).

11
Commonwealth v. Roselligreen
mass · 1956 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
1 sentence

1999See Commonwealth v. Roselli, 335 Mass. 38, 39-40 (1956).

11
Commonwealth v. Russogreen
massappct · 1991 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997See Commonwealth v. Kirouac, 405 Mass. 557, 561-562 (1987); Commonwealth v. Russo, 30 Mass. App. Ct. 923, 926 (1991).

11
Commonwealth v. Rathburngreen
massappct · 1988 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997Compare Commonwealth v. Rathburn, 26 Mass. App. Ct. 699, 709-711 (1988).

11
Commonwealth v. Kirouacgreen
mass · 1989 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997See Commonwealth v. Kirouac, 405 Mass. 557, 561-562 (1987); Commonwealth v. Russo, 30 Mass. App. Ct. 923, 926 (1991).

11
Commonwealth v. Reedgreen
massappct · 1983 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
11
Commonwealth v. Calhoungreen
massappct · 1990 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
11
Commonwealth v. D'Ambragreen
mass · 1970 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
1 sentence

1996Cases standing for that proposition include Commonwealth v. Otsuki, 411 Mass. 218, 234 (1991); Commonwealth v. Paszko, 391 Mass. 164, 172 (1984); Commonwealth v. D’Ambra, 357 Mass. 260, 263 (1970); Commonwealth v. Calhoun, 28 Mass. App. Ct. 949, 951 (1990); Commonwealth v. Currier, 15 Mass. App. Ct. 929, 930 (1983).[ 5 ] “Here, as I found, the Commonwealth did not participate in any of the viewings that Ms. LeBlanc had of the defendant.

11
Commonwealth v. Otsukigreen
mass · 1991 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
11
Commonwealth v. Paszkogreen
mass · 1984 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
1 sentence

1996Cases standing for that proposition include Commonwealth v. Otsuki, 411 Mass. 218, 234 (1991); Commonwealth v. Paszko, 391 Mass. 164, 172 (1984); Commonwealth v. D’Ambra, 357 Mass. 260, 263 (1970); Commonwealth v. Calhoun, 28 Mass. App. Ct. 949, 951 (1990); Commonwealth v. Currier, 15 Mass. App. Ct. 929, 930 (1983).[ 5 ] “Here, as I found, the Commonwealth did not participate in any of the viewings that Ms. LeBlanc had of the defendant.

11
Commonwealth v. Freemangreen
mass · 1967 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992
11
Commonwealth v. Stockhammergreen
mass · 1991 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992
11
Commonwealth v. Blairgreen
massappct · 1986 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991
11
Commonwealth v. Aguiargreen
mass · 1976 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1987–1987
11
Commonwealth v. Harmondgreen
mass · 1978 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1987–1987
11
Commonwealth v. Lombardigreen
mass · 1979 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1986–1986
11
Commonwealth v. Sansonegreen
mass · 1925 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1981–1981
11
Commonwealth v. DeBroskygreen
mass · 1973 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1980–1980
11
Commonwealth v. Corradinogreen
mass · 1975 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1980–1980
11
Donahue v. Kenneygreen
mass · 1953 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1979–1979
11
Davis v. Alaskagreen
scotus · 1974 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1974–1974
11
Brush Hill Development, Inc. v. Commonwealthgreen
mass · 1959 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1974–1974
11
Alexander v. United States and Nine Other Titlesgreen
ca9 · 1950 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1961–1961
11
Healey v. United Statesgreen
ca9 · 1950 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1961–1961
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Massachusetts. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (18)

CaseCitedYears
Commonwealth v. Hamilton green
massappct · 2013
1 sentence

2017However, responding to a preliminary question, Hall implicitly offered an opinion on the defendant's guilt. 4 See Commonwealth v. Hamilton , 83 Mass. App. Ct. 406 , 417 (2013) (expert's explanation of how prosecutors seek his opinion, and that they typically do not proceed with distribution charges if his opinion is that personal use is more likely than distribution, "generally not an appropriate line of inquiry").

12017–2017
Commonwealth v. Bradley green
mass · 2013
1 sentence

2015As discussed, this more limited scope of retroactivity is consistent with the actual language of § 48. 11 Although in Commonwealth v. Bradley, 466 Mass. 551 (2013), and Watts v. Commonwealth, 468 Mass. 49 (2014), we treated these two exceptions to the rule of prospective application as distinct.analyses, at other times, we have determined that a single line of inquiry is sufficient to address both exceptions.

12015–2015
Commonwealth v. Ortega green
mass · 2004
1 sentence

2013Cf. Commonwealth v. Ortega, 441 Mass. 170 , 180 n.17 (2004); Commonwealth v. Saunders, 75 Mass. App. Ct. 505, 509 (2009).

12013–2013
Commonwealth v. Morales green
massappct · 2007
1 sentence

2010Id. at 846 . [11] We need not and do not consider when the addition or revision of a probationary term crosses the line to be in violation of the prohibition against double jeopardy in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which is applicable to the States through the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. [12] Rule 12 of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, as appearing in 442 Mass. 1511 (2004), applies to cases initiated after its September 7, 2004, effective date, but this language has not changed.

12010–2010
Shapiro v. Thompson green
scotus · 1969
1 sentence

2005The judge decided the case presumably on the line of analysis developed in Shapiro v. Thompson, 394 U.S. 618 (1969), and related cases.

12005–2005
Commonwealth v. Kowalski green
massappct · 1992
1 sentence

2001Id. at 52 .

12001–2001
Commonwealth v. Saferian green
mass · 1974
1 sentence

2001Commonwealth v. Saferian, supra at 96 .

12001–2001
Oregon v. Elstad green
scotus · 1985
1 sentence

1997This line of analysis reflects Federal case law, but we have narrowed the application of Oregon v. Elstad, supra, by accepting a rule that a statement taken in violation of Miranda presumptively taints any subsequent confession.

11997–1997
Commonwealth v. D'AGOSTINO green
mass · 1962
1 sentence

1997Although the Commonwealth’s information regarding Alves’s and Hollingsworth’s involvement was derived from questionable sources, an anonymous tip and an unreliable witness, we conclude that the judge, in the exercise of his substantial discretion in controlling the scope of cross-examination designed to show bias, Commonwealth v. D’Agostino, 344 Mass. 276, 280 , cert, denied, 371 U.S. 852 (1962), did not err in allowing this line of inquiry.

11997–1997
Cisneros v. California green
scotus · 1962
1 sentence

1997Although the Commonwealth’s information regarding Alves’s and Hollingsworth’s involvement was derived from questionable sources, an anonymous tip and an unreliable witness, we conclude that the judge, in the exercise of his substantial discretion in controlling the scope of cross-examination designed to show bias, Commonwealth v. D’Agostino, 344 Mass. 276, 280 , cert, denied, 371 U.S. 852 (1962), did not err in allowing this line of inquiry.

11997–1997
Globe Newspaper Co. v. Superior Court green
mass · 1980
11989–1989
Mastrangelo v. Pennsylvania green
scotus · 1980
11989–1989
Commonwealth v. Walker green
mass · 1976
11987–1987
Teague v. California green
scotus · 1976
11987–1987
Commonwealth v. DiSanto green
massappct · 1979
11980–1980
Ovington v. Racine neutral
mass · 1953
11954–1954
Bryer v. PS Thorsen Co. of Massachusetts green
mass · 1951
11954–1954
Commonwealth v. Billings neutral
mass · 1867
11920–1920

Statutes the citing opinions construe

MA § Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 278, § 33E (5)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

NY 106 (1890–2025) IL 101 (1897–2026) CA 86 (1880–2024) TN 51 (1926–2025) PA 42 (1896–2025) GA 42 (1909–2025) CT 37 (1974–2025) MA 36 (1920–2025) TX 31 (1908–2025) AL 31 (1883–2026) MO 30 (1881–2023) IN 28 (1910–2020) MD 26 (1949–2017) MI 24 (1913–2024) OR 19 (1890–2025) OH 19 (1900–2026) NJ 17 (1966–2022) FL 17 (1951–2025) MS 15 (1959–2014) NE 14 (1976–2018) WI 13 (1926–2024) NC 13 (1961–2017) CO 13 (1922–2025) DC 12 (1978–2023) RI 12 (1964–2016) VT 12 (1881–2019) VA 11 (1995–2026) KS 11 (1895–2026) NM 11 (1958–2020) LA 10 (1912–2019) OK 9 (1927–2019) AZ 8 (1997–2026) WA 8 (1899–2023) HI 7 (1990–2023) ID 7 (1904–2019) IA 7 (1903–2016) KY 6 (1931–2022) UT 5 (1983–2019) NH 5 (1991–2016) WV 5 (1980–1990) DE 5 (1939–2025) ME 4 (2004–2025) SC 4 (2004–2008) MN 4 (1957–2009) MT 3 (1929–1997) SD 3 (1997–2007) GU 2 (2023–2023) AK 2 (1971–1985) AR 2 (1938–1995)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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