Courts, Crime & Police  

 

 

Social Issues

The Problem of Our Aging Prison Population


By Abbie Ruzicka
As the number of prisoners growing old behind bars increases at an alarming rate, correctional facilities are scrambling to come up with the resources for the care of elderly prisoners.
Technology

The 31 Songs That Cost $675,000


By WGBH News
See and hear the songs Joel Tenenbaum downloaded that were at stake in the BMG lawsuit. You've definitely heard many of them yourself ... and perhaps you even own a few.
Courts, Crime & Police

AG Moves to Close Drunk-Driving Loophole


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts lawmakers are trying to change a part of the state's drunk driving law that advocates say could let thousands of drunk drivers get back on the road sooner than expected.
Immigration

Seething over 'Secure Communities'


By Adam Reilly
A federal program aimed at identifying undocumented immigrants is now in effect — but that doesn't mean the debate is done.
Government

Attorney General Calls for Change to Open Meeting Law


THE STATE INTEGRITY INITIATIVE
By Danielle Dreilinger
The attorney general's move comes as no surprise to those who have followed the State Integrity Investigation, a nationwide look at corruption risk.
Gambling

Gaming Official Turns Down Job


By Adam Reilly & Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick said he hoped the resignation of Carl Stanley McGee would let the new state Gaming Commission proceed with its work.
Courts, Crime & Police

In Southie, Police Promise a New Focus on Drugs


By Adam Reilly
Police are promising to crack down on drug dealing as residents talked about the dangers they see in their neighborhood.
Courts, Crime & Police

Barnstable DA: Killer Will Be Brought to Justice


By Sean Corcoran
Law enforcement officials have identified a body found in a remote area of woods in Falmouth as Trudie Hall, a Nantucket resident who went missing in July 2010.
WGBH Local News

Franco Garcia 'A Remarkable Young Man'


By Cristina Quinn
Family and friends of a Boston College student who went missing on Feb. 22 mourned after a body found in Chestnut Hill Reservoir was preliminarily identified as that of Franco Garcia. 
Energy

State Aims to Slow Nuclear Plant Relicensing


By Jordan Weinstein
Attorney General Martha Coakley cited a expert report concluding the risks of severe accidents are greater than previously thought.
Courts, Crime & Police

Cahill Defends Himself Outside Courthouse


IS THE PUBLIC FED UP?
By Adam Reilly
Former state Treasurer Tim Cahill pleaded not guilty to charges that he used public funds to advance his own career. 
Government

Is the Public Fed Up with Politics as Usual?


FORMER TREASURER INDICTED
By Adam Reilly & WGBH News
After Tim Cahill's indictment on corruption charges for lottery ads, politicians are saying everyone does it — and some observers say that's the problem. Also: What's your grade for corruption in Massachusetts?
Government

Former Treasurer Indicted for Corruption


YOUR CORRUPTION REPORT CARD
By WGBH News
Attorney General Martha Coakley alleged that Tim Cahill used publicly funded lottery ads to advance his candidacy for governor in 2010. Cahill's former campaign manager and his former chief of staff were also indicted.
Health Care

Physicians' Group Advocates for the Affordable Care Act


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: HEALTH CARE ON TRIAL
By Phillip Martin
Doctors for America, which filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court, has 15,000 members of various political persuasions who all support President Barack Obama's health care law, the group's co-founder says.
Health Care

Commonwealth Care: Immigration, Insurance and Independence


WGBH NEWS FOCUS: HEALTH CARE ON TRIAL
By Cristina Quinn
The scenario is daunting enough: a hard-working man, an immigrant, diagnosed with cancer. But when he is bounced back and forth by insurance, cancer is just part of his struggle.
Courts, Crime & Police

'Stand Your Ground' Law in the Bay State?


By Adam Reilly
Despite Gov. Deval Patrick's opposition, several lawmakers are backing a self-defense bill that's similar to the Florida law at the center of the Trayvon Martin shooting.
Health Care

The Callie Crossley Show Puts Health Care in Focus


SPECIAL COVERAGE
Everyone wants the best treatment when they get sick. But is there such a thing as too much medicine? We examine ethics and costs as part of the show's weeklong special health care coverage.
Courts, Crime & Police

The Aftermath in Mattapan


THE MATTAPAN VERDICT
By Tonia Magras
Four days after an unpopular verdict, Woolson Street was still reverberating with shock, anger — and a sense of business-as-usual.
Courts, Crime & Police

What to Listen for in the Health Care Arguments


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
Law professor Renée Landers and WGBH News' Bob Seay preview the week's Supreme Court verbal arguments with a guide to what's at stake.
Government

Three Former Mass. Probation Officials Indicted on Fraud


By Sarah Birnbaum
A former commissioner and two deputies pleaded not guilty to charges of seeking favors in exchange for hiring job applicants sponsored by state lawmakers. (AP photo)
Health Care

WGBH News Focus: Health Care on Trial


FULL WGBH NEWS COVERAGE
By WGBH News
Last week, WGBH News shone a spotlight on the Affordable Care Act: the Supreme Court arguments and analysis, plus features and conversations illuminating the many facets of health care.
Courts, Crime & Police

The Mattapan Murder Verdict


SOLVING VIOLENCE IN THE INNER CITY
By Toni Waterman & Adam Reilly
Shouting, swearing, rage, tears: The verdict in the Mattapan quadruple-murder trial stunned the victims' families. But one of the defendants could be back in court soon.
Courts, Crime & Police

Stanching Violence in Boston's Inner City


THE MATTAPAN SURVIVOR'S STORY
By Will Roseliep & Danielle Dreilinger
A policeman and a preacher talk about working together to combat an increase in violence in the inner city — a problem brought home this week as jurors struggled to come to a verdict in the Mattapan trial. 
Government

Governor Responds to Corruption Risk Investigation


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
By Sarah Birnbaum
The executive branch earned a C-plus on the nationwide State Integrity Initiative, which looked at laws on the books to prevent corruption in government.
Government

This Week in State Politics: Gambling, Courts and Utilities


By Sarah Birnbaum
On Beacon Hill, judges make the case for more state funding for the trial courts, officials weigh the proposed NStar-Northeast merger and the final members of Massachusetts Gambling Commission are expected to be announced.
WGBH Special Reports

Mass. Earns a C on National Corruption Risk Index


FILL OUT YOUR MASS. CORRUPTION REPORT CARD
By Sarah Birnbaum
When you think of Sal DiMasi and his two convicted predecessors, Massachusetts can seem like a hotbed of political intrigue. See how we ranked in a new nationwide study of corruption risk.
Courts, Crime & Police

Danroy Henry Sr.: 'Of Course We Suspect'


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
By WGBH News
After police released a batch of documents from the night of DJ Henry's death, his father talked about what he thought it all meant.
Government

Your Take: A Mass. Corruption Report Card


THE STATE INTEGRITY INITIATIVE
By WGBH News
Tim Cahill's indictment was another reminder of the long history of corruption in Massachusetts. What does that mean for your grade on the corruption report card?
Courts, Crime & Police

From the Courtroom: Catherine Greig


By WGBH News & Wires
The girlfriend of James "Whitey" Bulger pleaded guilty Wednesday to helping him evade capture. Greater Boston has the word from the courtroom.
Courts, Crime & Police

What Really Happened on Oct. 17, 2010?


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
By Phillip Martin
The story that emerges from newly released, previously classified documents in the DJ Henry case is unclear. Here's a video and some of the voices from that night.
Courts, Crime & Police

The New DJ Henry Documents


COMPLETE WGBH COVERAGE
By Phillip Martin & WGBH News
New documents are now available from the DJ Henry case, including video of the night of the shooting, multiple depositions and police hotline audio. Check them out online.
Courts, Crime & Police

Henry Family Has the Right to See Surveillance Tapes


Complete WGBH coverage
By Phillip Martin
A federal judge ruled Thursday afternoon that the family of Danroy "DJ" Henry has the right to see surveillance tapes taken on the night of Henry's death. We continue our ongoing coverage of the case.
Courts, Crime & Police

The Mattapan Survivor Tells His Story


By Toni Waterman
Marcus Hurd, the sole survivor of a brutal mass shooting in Mattapan, testified in court this week against the men accused of paralyzing him and killing four people, including a 2-year-old boy.
Government

State Considers Option to Free Terminally Ill Prisoners


By Sarah Birnbaum
A state Legislature hearing turned contentious over a bill that would permit compassionate release of terminally ill inmates.
THIS WEEK ON BEACON HILL

Patrick Hobnobs with Obama, and More


By Sarah Birnbaum
This week in Mass. state politics, Gov. Deval Patrick continues his whirlwind tour of the nation's capital, former House speaker Sal DiMasi fights for his pension and the treasurer mulls online lottery sales.
Courts, Crime & Police

Judge Explains Reasoning in Controversial Decision


By Frannie Carr
Was judge Christina Harms in the right when she ruled that a mentally ill woman should have an abortion and undergo sterilization? She defended her decision and explained her thinking to WGBH News.
Courts, Crime & Police

What's DiMasi Doing Up North?


By WGBH News
Beacon Hill is quaking over the return of former Mass. House Speaker Sal DiMasi, whose knowledge of corruption in the Probation Department could get some people into trouble.
Courts, Crime & Police

Pols Debate DNA Database Expansion


WGBH: INMATE ACCESS TO DNA
By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering proposals to collect DNA from people who have been arrested for felonies but not yet convicted, raising concerns about civil rights and privacy. 
Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking And The Super Bowl


By Phillip Martin
As sports fans watched the Patriots-Giants Super Bowl in record numbers, Indianapolis police, taxi drivers and private security were keeping a close eye on venues where trafficking might take place.
Courts, Crime & Police

'Three Strikes' Inches Toward Compromise

By Sarah Birnbaum
Progress this week on the so-called "three strikes" habitual offenders bill is leading observers to believe some version of the law will pass this year, despite ongoing criticism from communities of color.
WGBH Local News

Newton Teacher 'An Isolated Case,' Official Says


By Toni Waterman & Wires
Newton superintendent of schools David Fleishman said that though two public employees have been arrested in two weeks on child pornography charges, "most people can be trusted."
Courts, Crime & Police

Despite Uproar, 'Three Strikes' Bill Still In


By Frannie Carr
Public safety officials, prisoner advocates and judges are arguing over whether or not the state should pass the "three-strikes" law that's currently on the table on Beacon Hill.
Government

What's The Public's Right-To-Know In Lt. Gov. Crash?


WGBH NEWS: LT. GOV.'S CRASH
By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. Lt. Gov. Tim Murray continues to resist calls to release his cell phone records from the days surrounding his Nov. 2 car crash. It’s his latest effort to limit access to information about the unusual high-speed, pre-dawn crash — and a watchdog group says it could be hard to force more information out.
Courts, Crime & Police

Tamer Mehanna: 'My Brother Is Passionate'


GREATER BOSTON: TAREK MEHANNA
By Adam Reilly
Tarek Mehanna, his brother said, brought the same passion and scholarship to the study of Islam and Arabic that he'd brought to all his previous interests — and that's why he translated those videos.
Local Politics

Questions Remain About Lt. Gov.'s Crash


MORE GREATER BOSTON
READ THE ORIGINAL CRASH REPORT
By Sarah Birnbaum & WGBH News
The newly released black-box data on Lt. Gov. Tim Murray's November car crash may be creating as many questions as it answers.
Energy

Utility Gets Go-Ahead To Purchase Cape Wind Power


WGBH/WCAI CAPE WIND BLOG
CAPE WIND MULTIMEDIA
By Sean Corcoran
The Mass. Supreme Judicial Court has no problem with the state-sanctioned power purchase agreement between Cape Wind and the utility National Grid, ruling that the deal is in the public's interest. 
Courts, Crime & Police

Gaming, Foreclosures And Chelsea On The Front Burner As 2011 Ends


By WGBH News
State Attorney General Martha Coakley discussed several of her office's key concerns and cases as the year draws to a close.
WGBH Special Reports

What’s On The Tape? DJ Henry’s Family Still Doesn’t Know


DJ HENRY AND THE TRAINING OF POLICE: COMPLETE SERIES
By Phillip Martin
The family of Danroy “DJ” Henry has turned down an offer from the Westchester Country district attorney’s office to review surveillance tape that was recorded the night of the shooting. The offer was predicated on the condition that the family not make public what is on the tapes. 
WGBH Local News

Church Arsonist Gets Nearly 14 Years In Prison

By Phillip Martin
On Nov. 5, 2008, shortly after Barack Obama was elected president of the United States, Michael Jacques and two other men set an African American church on fire in protest. The Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield, Mass. burnt to the ground. On Dec. 22, Jacques received his sentence.
Courts, Crime & Police

First Amendment Advocates Respond To Mehanna Verdict


By WGBH News & Wires
The conviction of Tarek Mehanna on charges that he conspired to help al-Qaida and plotted to kill US soldiers raises questions about freedom of speech in a lengthy war on terror.
War & Conflict

Soldier's Death An Accident?


By Sean Corcoran

Army Sgt. Brent McBride, facing murder charges for allegedly killing Sgt. Matthew Gallagher of Falmouth, testified on Dec. 17 that Gallagher died while playing a game of "quick-draw."

People & Profiles

Debbie DiMasi's New Life


WGBH NEWS: SAL DIMASI'S TYPICAL DAY IN JAIL
MORE GREATER BOSTON
By WGBH News
In her first interview since parting with her incarcerated husband Sal DiMasi, Debbie DiMasi opened up to WGBH News' Emily Rooney about the transition, her health and Boston media.
Courts, Crime & Police

Coakley: One Year Is Long Enough


CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW: THE FACE OF FORECLOSURE
By WGBH News & Wires
In an interview with WGBH News, Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley defended her decision to sue five major banks. One of those banks has announced it will stop buying new mortgages written by third parties in Mass.
WGBH Local News

Judge Delays Decision On Occupy Boston

By Phillip Martin
Occupy Boston activists left the courtroom on Thursday chalking up what they believed to be another legal victory, at least in the short run. WGBH NEWS: OCCUPY BOSTON COVERAGE
COURTS AND THE LAW

State Files Suit Against Mortgage Banks


By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley filed a lawsuit on Dec. 1 against five national mortgage lenders, in what could be a setback for broader national negotiations.
Courts, Crime & Police

A Day In The New Life Of Sal DiMasi


By WGBH News
What will Sal DiMasi's life be like at new home, the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Ky.? A former federal prosecutor says that for a prison, it's a pretty nice place.
Forensics & Investigations

Inmates' Access To DNA Evidence: Part Two


INMATES' ACCESS TO DNA EVIDENCE: PART ONE
By Phillip Martin
Legislators are considering a bill that would allow inmates access to DNA evidence that was critical to their convictions. Advocates say the law can help free the innocent. Opponents believe the bill might serve to assist the guilty.
 
Forensics & Investigations

Inmates' Access To DNA Evidence: Part One

By Phillip Martin
The Boston Globe reported Nov. 20 that Mass. inmates have an unusually difficult time getting access to DNA evidence that might exonerate them. WGBH News asked whether that evidence might help Tyrone Dixon, a man serving life.
WGBH SPECIAL REPORT

The Death of DJ Henry: Complete Coverage from WGBH News


By Phillip Martin
WGBH News has been covering the shooting death of Danroy “DJ” Henry, the Pace University football player from Easton, Massachusetts, since it happened in October 2010. Since the shooting, Henry’s death has continued to stir controversy over issues of police training and race.

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