Commonwealth v. Alvarez

In this case, we consider challenges to the validity of G. L. c. 94C, § 32J, as inserted by St. 1989, c. 227, § 2, set forth below. This statute, commonly known as the “school zone” statute, establishes a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of not less than two years for any person who violates G. L. c. 94C, §§ 32-32F, or § 321, while within 1,000 feet of a public or private elementary, vocational or secondary school. The statute also provides that lack of knowledge of school boundaries is not a defense in such a case and that the two-year mandatory minimum sentence be served from and…