Commonwealth v. Bucknam

First some beer was thrown; then punches. The victim, Gillis, was flung into a swimming pool. As he clambered out, one or more persons kicked him in the head. By the time he had made his escape from the defendant’s party, Gillis had sustained a moderately severe beating. All concerned seem to have drunk a formidable amount of beer.

For his part in the imbroglio the defendant was charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, a shod foot. G. L. c. 265, § 15A. A jury of six found the defendant guilty of simple assault and battery.

1. Questions on bias. During cross-examination…