Law and Legal Research
Criminal Law
What is Criminal Law
Great question! Let's refer to a law dictionary.
From Wex, Cornell Legal Information Law Institute's community-built, freely available legal dictionary:
Criminal law, as distinguished from civil law, is a system of laws concerned with crimes and the punishment of individuals who commit crimes. Thus, where in a civil case two parties dispute their rights, a criminal prosecution involves the government deciding whether to punish an individual for either an act or an omission.
A “crime” is any act or omission in violation of a law prohibiting said action or omission.
Criminal Law in Massachusetts
Make use of Mass.gov to learn more about criminal law in the Commonwealth. Their Criminal Law page breaks the topic down into three categories:
The Massachusetts Trial Court Law Library website has done the research legwork on criminal law and has a page entitled "Massachusetts law about criminal law and procedure" which contains laws, cases, and web sources on criminal law and procedure law.
The Trial Court Law Library also has a Massachusetts Guide to Evidence. It is prepared annually by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. The guide arranges the current law in one easily usable document, along the lines of the Federal Rules of Evidence. The Guide presents evidence law as it currently exists, along with explanatory notes.
Local Resources
- Committee for Public Counsel Services
Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation recommends reaching out to CPCS for help with a criminal matter. - Harvard Defenders
The only legal service organization in Massachusetts representing low-income people for free in criminal show-cause hearings. - A Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual
This is not a local resource, but comes from Columbia University School of Law. A Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual (JLM) is a handbook of legal rights and procedures designed for use by currently incarcerated people. Since publication of the First Edition in 1978, tens of thousands of people in institutions across the country have used A Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual to exercise their legal rights. - Justia Lawyers
Massachusetts Criminal Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services. Browsable by city or county. - Massachusetts Criminal Law Sourcebook & Citator
From the publisher: "A wide body of frequently-needed information organized into one resource. Both prosecutors and defense attorneys will find this popular publication saves valuable time when preparing for a trial or when looking for a quick reference. Enjoy easy access to key elements of particular crimes; what the Commonwealth needs to prove to support its case; distinctions between related crimes; the lesser included offense in a given crime; available defenses; procedural requirements; key evidentiary issues; penalties for particular crimes; and sentencing options. - Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education
Criminal Law Checklists & Forms. MCLE is the Massachusetts legal community's premier provider of hands-on educational programs and reference materials. Its particular focus is applied law: practical, highly concrete training for attorneys in the essential elements of professional practice.