Commonwealth v. Mattson

The defendant was convicted of assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to commit rape, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The judgments were affirmed by the Appeals Court, Commonwealth v. Mattson, 6 Mass. App. Ct. 893 (1978), and we granted the defendant’s application for further appellate review. G. L. c. 211A, § 11. Two issues are raised: Whether the trial judge erred in refusing to dismiss the case for lack of a prompt trial under G. L. c. 277, § 72A, and whether the judge erred in refusing to submit the defense of insanity to the jury. We hold that there was no…