Around New England

District Attorneys Say Judges Ignoring Mandatory-Minimum Laws, Choosing Unelected State Commission’s Guidelines Instead

Matthew McDonald

Several district attorneys in Massachusetts are calling on judges to stop using more lenient sentencing guidelines that contradict minimum sentences set by law.

One example:  Rape and abuse of a child aggravated by age difference between the defendant and the victim carries a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence in state law (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 265, Section 23A), but according to Essex County district attorney Jonathan Blodgett, the Massachusetts Sentencing Commission has recommended a sentence of 7 ½ years, and some judges are going by it. Blodgett calls it a "a clear violation of existing law," according to the Brockton Enterprise.

Around New England

Surrounded By Police, Victims, NH Gov. Sununu Vetoes Repeal Of Death Penalty Despite Veto-proof Majority

Bill Gnade

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has vetoed a bill to repeal capital punishment despite bi-partisan support for the legislation that appears to be backed by a veto-proof majority in the legislature.

The governor signed his veto during a ceremony held in the Michael Briggs Community Center, a facility named for a policeman killed in the line of duty by Michael Addison, the only inmate sitting on the state's death row. Addison shot Briggs to death in

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