Title: Commonwealth v. Curran

State: massachusetts

Issuer: Massachusetts Supreme Court

Document:

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT 
 
 
SUFFOLK, SS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SJC-13093 
 
 
 
COMMONWEALTH  vs.  MARTIN P. CURRAN. 
 
 
 
ORDER 
 
 
The conviction of the defendant, Martin P. Curran, is 
affirmed.  In the exercise of the general superintendence powers 
of this court, see G. L. c. 211, § 3, we provide the following 
guidance to be used prospectively by trial judges in the event 
that a virtual bench trial is contemplated in criminal cases.   
Prior to the commencement of such a trial, the judge shall 
obtain a defendant's assent to a virtual bench trial on the 
record.  In so doing, the judge shall satisfy him- or herself 
that the defendant understands that he or she has the option of 
appearing in person.  In addition, the judge shall explain to 
the defendant the procedure to be followed during the trial, 
including how to communicate with counsel, and the arrangements 
made for witness testimony and the public's access to the 
proceedings.  Finally, the judge shall ensure that the defendant 
has had an opportunity to discuss the decision to proceed with a 
virtual bench trial with trial counsel.  This guidance shall 
apply to cases tried after the date of this order.   
2 
 
The Reporter of Decisions will publish this order, and the 
Clerk will provide a copy of the order to the Chief Justice of 
the Trial Court, who is asked to ensure that it is distributed 
promptly to the affected departments of the Trial Court.  
Opinion or opinions to follow.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
By the Court, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_______________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Francis V. Kenneally, Clerk 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supreme Judicial Court 
 
 
 
Entered:  September 29, 2021