contemporaneous limiting instruction (Massachusetts) · Go Syfert
← Massachusetts issues

contemporaneous limiting instruction in Massachusetts

9 Massachusetts opinions name it 2 courts 1985–2026 1 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 (7)

CaseFollowedCited
Commonwealth v. Urreagreen
mass · 2005 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026See Urrea, 443 Mass. at 545 - 546 (no abuse of discretion in admitting graphic autopsy photographs where "judge instructed the jury when the photographs were admitted, and again during his final instruction, they were to decide the case unemotionally, dispassionately, and analytically"). 10Consistent with Massachusetts humane practice, the trial judge resubmitted the issue of voluntariness to the jury, instructing the jurors that they should not consider the defendant's admissions by way of his statement calling the victim "a fucking bitch" and confession that he "stabbed the owner," unless ba

11
Commonwealth v. Leonardigreen
mass · 1992 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
2 sentences

2019See Commonwealth v. Leonardi , 413 Mass. 757 , 764, 604 N.E.2d 23 (1992) ("the law does not require a judge to give limiting jury instructions regarding the purpose for which evidence is *48 offered unless so requested by the defendant").

2019See Commonwealth v. Leonardi , 413 Mass. 757 , 764, 604 N.E.2d 23 (1992) ("the law does not require a judge to give limiting jury instructions regarding the purpose for which evidence is *48 offered unless so requested by the defendant").

11
Commonwealth v. Diazgreen
mass · 1996 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015See Commonwealth v. Diaz, 422 Mass. 269, 273 (1996).

11
Commonwealth v. Barbosagreen
mass · 2012 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
1 sentence

2014See Commonwealth v. Barbosa, 463 Mass. at 123-124 ; Commonwealth v. Toro, 395 Mass. at 358 .

11
Commonwealth v. Rodriguezgreen
mass · 1997 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
1 sentence

2005He was in jail a long time.” It is well settled that “[ejvidence of prior bad acts may not be offered to prove bad character.” Commonwealth v. Rodriguez, 425 Mass. 361, 370 (1997), and cases cited.

11
Commonwealth v. Robertsgreen
mass · 1979 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
1 sentence

2002Commonwealth v. Roberts, 378 Mass. 116, 126 (1979) (“Ordinarily, judges are not required, sua sponte, to instruct juries as to the purposes for which evidence is offered at trial”).

11
Commonwealth v. Toneygreen
mass · 1982 · cited in 1 Massachusetts opinions naming this issue, 1985–1985
1 sentence

1985No objection to the final charge was lodged, and the defendant does not now argue that the instructions were not in compliance with Commonwealth v. Toney, 385 Mass. 575, 585 (1982).

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 (3)

CaseCitedYears
Commonwealth v. Daley green
mass · 2003
2 sentences

2018When this evidence was admitted, the judge provided a contemporaneous limiting instruction to the jury that they could consider these uncharged assaults on Colin for several specific purposes, including as evidence of the defendant's opportunity, intent, and state of mind and the relationship between the defendant and Colin. 13 See Commonwealth v. Daley , 439 Mass. 558 , 568, 789 N.E.2d 1070 (2003) (prosecutor's characterization of defendant as thief was "innocuous" in light of more incriminating evidence that jury had heard about him).

2018When this evidence was admitted, the judge provided a contemporaneous limiting instruction to the jury that they could consider these uncharged assaults on Colin for several specific purposes, including as evidence of the defendant's opportunity, intent, and state of mind and the relationship between the defendant and Colin. 13 See Commonwealth v. Daley , 439 Mass. 558 , 568, 789 N.E.2d 1070 (2003) (prosecutor's characterization of defendant as thief was "innocuous" in light of more incriminating evidence that jury had heard about him).

12018–2018
Commonwealth v. Linton green
mass · 2010
1 sentence

2018But you may consider it solely on the limited purpose of the witness's credibility and motive." It is "preferable that the limiting instruction be given the same day as the testimony at issue." Commonwealth v. Linton , 456 Mass. 534 , 551 n.12 (2010).

12018–2018
Commonwealth v. Toro green
mass · 1985
1 sentence

2014See Commonwealth v. Barbosa, 463 Mass. at 123-124 ; Commonwealth v. Toro, 395 Mass. at 358 .

12014–2014

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

TX 45 (1998–2025) GA 23 (1996–2025) CO 15 (1984–2025) NY 14 (1996–2022) MA 9 (1985–2026) CT 5 (2002–2018) IL 3 (2021–2021) NV 3 (2013–2020) TN 2 (2008–2015) WY 2 (2010–2021)

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.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check