An inmates stands in a cell inside one of Massachusetts county jails. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)
With zero coronavirus cases now reported in Massachusetts prisons, the state s highest court is reviewing whether the virus should still be considered when a prisoner requests release.
The SJC heard arguments Wednesday in a case that asks whether a judge should take into account if a prisoner has had COVID-19 or has been vaccinated.
The case involves 59-year-old William McDermott, who is seeking a stay of his sentence. He s been in prison since his 1982 conviction on murder charges.
Other court rulings suggest that because McDermott had COVID, and has been vaccinated, judges do not have to consider the virus in reviewing requests for a stay of sentence. But McDermott s attorney Hayne Barnwell said there is still uncertainty about the long term benefits of the vaccine and the risks to clients like hers who have underlying health issues.