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THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT IS SOLICITING AMICUS BRIEFS OR MEMORANDA FROM INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE FOLLOWING MATTER PENDING BEFORE THE COURT

ARGUMENT IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 2008.
AMICUS SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2008.

SJC-10120
Commonwealth v. Tyson Benoit

     The issue presented, among others, is whether the rule in Commonwealth v. Adjutant, 443 Mass. 649 (2005), concerning the admissibility of an alleged victim's recent violent conduct, should be extended to a case in which the evidence raises a question of "sudden combat," but not, in the trial judge's view, a question of self defense.  Amici are also invited to present reasons why trial courts' experience applying the Adjutant rule supports extending or limiting that rule.

Interested parties may file their briefs in the Office of the Clerk for the Commonwealth, John Adams Courthouse, Suite 1-400, Pemberton Square, Boston MA 02108-1724 (Telephone 617-557-1020). Parties filing amicus briefs are expected to comply with the requirements of Rules 17, 19 and 20 of Mass. Rules of Appellate Procedure. Amicus briefs, to assist the court, should focus on the ramifications of a decision and not solely on the interests of the parties filing such briefs.

January 31, 2008