MSL Dean Providing Insight on Bulger Trial on NECN

Michael Coyne, associate dean of the Massachusetts School of Law and a professor at the school, has been providing some colorful commentary on New England Cable News as the station's expert on the Whitey Bulger trial.  And it is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Weighing in about the first day of the trial, Coyne noted, "There was much more agreement than you’d expect between the two sides.  The government’s case could best be described as if you’re going to try the devil, you go to Hell to get the witnesses, and Whitey is in complete agreement that they’ve gone to Hell to get the witnesses against him here with a collection of murderers , rapists, and drug dealers who poisoned their own community in an attempt to get the jury to find him guilty."

It's that kind of lively analysis that has made Coyne a highly watchable legal expert on the trial of the reputed mob boss, brought to trial after 16 years in hiding.  Appearing on NECN's coverage of the trial on June 17, Coyne addressed the appearance of former hit man John Martorano, who had taken the stand against his former friend the day before. 

"What the government is trying to do is what we call 'draw the sting,'" Coyne explained.  "They need to lay out all their dirty laundry before they can really put some more meat on it to show the jury some of what he says is worthwhile as to Whitey."

Of course, it isn't just his clear yet lively opinions that have qualified him to offer his observations regarding one of the most anticipated trials in Boston's history.  At MSL, Coyne teaches courses in Trial Skills, The Courts, and Evidence.  A graduate of Boston Latin School, Boston State College, and Suffolk University Law School, Coyne previously practiced law for many years in Boston, trying cases in state and federal courts.  He has been a trial attorney for many years and specializes in complex litigation.

Coyne is not a new fixture in the NECN studio, having provided commentary on such high-profile cases as the Aurora, CO theater shooting back in July 2012.  Coyne also serves as Comcast Sports' Legal Analyst previously offering analysis on legal matters and trials involving Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, Ryan Braun and other sports celebrities.  Offering his analysis in NECN's studio as well as during interviews outside theJohn Joseph Moakley US Courthouse where the trial is taking place, Coyne should become a regular fixture to viewers: the trial of reputed mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger is expected to last all summer.

And for viewers who want to see more of Coyne, they will get their wish, as he begins his analysis of the Aaron Hernandez case.  Hernandez, the former tight end for the New England Patriots, has been charged with first degree murder in the death of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd.