News, Pleadings
David Nathanson
Public Trial Amicus Brief

On March 6, 2017, Attorney Wood and a team of attorneys from Ropes & Gray filed a brief in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Weaver v. Massachusetts, No. 16-240. They argue that the Court should not shy away from vindicating the treasured right to a public trial. The government's argument that vindicating the right to a public trial would "open up the floodgates" is both factually incorrect and diverts attention from the real issue: whether our Constitution entitles everyone to a public trial. Read the brief here.

Prisoner's Rights

Souza Baranowski Lawsuit Regarding Retaliation Against Prisoners

Wood & Nathanson is extremely concerned about reports that Massachusetts Department of Correction employees have engaged in retaliation against and collect punishment of men imprisoned at SBCC, particularly those who had no role in a recent assault on prison guards. We are helping to fight back. Disturbing reports, including from one of our own clients, describe a terrifying situation in which guards are assaulting people and threatening them. Making the situation worse, DOC excluded attorneys for nearly two weeks and continues to limit attorney access. We are extremely grateful for the work of MACDL president Victoria Kelliher, CPCS Attorney Rebecca Jacobstein and others in filing a lawsuit against the DOC challenging their actions, including actions against Attorney Wood’s client and limitations on Attorney Wood’s access to him.