Votta v. Commonwealth

“This court has emphasized repeatedly that relief under G. L. c. 211, § 3, is extraordinary.” Pandey v. Roulston, 419 Mass. 1010, 1011 (1995). It applies only “in exceptional circumstances and where necessary to protect substantive rights in the absence of an alternative, effective remedy.” Id., quoting Soja v. T.P. Sampson Co., 373 Mass. 630, 631 (1977). “Where a petitioner can raise his claim in the normal course of trial and appeal, relief will be denied.” Foley v. Lowell Div. of the Dist. Court Dep’t, 398 Mass. 800, 802 (1986).

Here, Votta claims that review under G. L. c. 211, § 3, is…