Press Office

Private playground open to public not “school or park” for purposes of G. L. c. 94C, sec. 32J

In a case charging the defendant with the sale of marijuana within 100 feet of a school or park, the Appeals Court ruled that a private playground open to the public does not fit the definition of a “school or park” under G. L. c. 94C, § 32J. 


In Commonwealth v. Gopaul, the Court answered the following reported questions:

1)  With reference to the phrase ‘public park or playground’ in G. L. c. 94C, § 32J, does the word public modify both park and playground?  Yes

2)  Is it within the purview of G. L. c. 94C, § 32J, if the incident occurs within 100 feet of a playground on private property?”   No

http://www.socialaw.com/services/slip-opinions/slip-opinion-details/commonwealth-vs.-christopher-l.-gopaul

Photo credit:  Playground

Return to all news and updates

Share this article

Related articles

Upcoming CLE Opportunity-March 26th, April 9th & 16th (hour for hour credit)

Read more

Upcoming CLE Opportunity-March 25th (3 credits)

Read more

U.S. Department of Justice and HHS Find that DCF Violated ADA and Section 504

Read more

Reporters seeking comment from CPCS or its attorneys should contact Communications Director Bob McGovern

Send an email

Breathalyzer Case Inquiry Form

Breathalyzer Case Inquiry Form

Defendant Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Defendant Mailing Address

Drug Lab Case Inquiry Form

Defendant Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Defendant Mailing Address

GPS Monitoring Inquiry Form

Your Name(Required)
Contact Address

MH Hospital Admission Contact Form

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
What is your date of birth?*