Gavin v. Commonwealth

These three cases launch a renewed attack on one feature of the statute, G. L. c. 278, §§ 28A-28D, laying down a procedure for appellate review of certain criminal sentences. When there is a sentence to the State prison 2 or a sentence to the reformatory for women for a term of more than five years, the person sentenced is promptly notified of his right to appeal for a review of the sentence, and he may lodge such an appeal in the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. This division consists of three judges of the court designated from time to time by its chief justice, but a judge may not…