Commonwealth v. Adkinson

Along with her husband, the defendant was convicted of sexual abuse of her four minor sons and related drug offenses after a joint jury-waived trial in 1997.1 In 2002, she filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that battered woman syndrome had rendered her incompetent to stand trial, and thus *571she suffered a violation of her constitutional right to due process.2 *A judge other than the trial judge was assigned to hear the motion for a new trial.3 After reviewing the motion and supporting materials and conducting a three-day evidentiary hearing, the motion judge denied the motion.4 We reverse.

F…