Martin v. Commonwealth

Anthony Martin appeals from a judgment of a single justice of this court denying his petition for relief pursuant to G. L. c. 211, § 3. Martin, shortly before his jury trial on multiple indictments charging aggravated rape and one indictment charging kidnapping,1 requested that he be permitted to hold a *1029small Bible during the trial. The trial judge denied the request, and Martin’s petition sought relief from that ruling. Martin has since been convicted on all counts.2

The case was submitted on the papers filed, accompanied by a memorandum of law. Beth L. Eisenberg for the petitioner.

The case…