Is there justice within the Mass. legal system?

Have a defense attorney's efforts become meaningless? Have the Commonwealth's judge's made a decision before the defense can make closing arguments?

"Much to the surprise of Nee's lawyers, Grabau started to issue his ruling close to 10 a.m., before closing arguments had been made. "The Commonwealth has proved this case beyond a reasonable doubt . . ., " he began.
Several people gasped. Some of Nee's family and friends began sobbing. Nee's father, Thomas, stormed out of the crowded courtroom, red-faced, muttering "This is due process?"
But when Nee's lawyer, Thomas Drechsler, stood up and pointed out that he had not made his closing argument yet, the judge stopped short of announcing his decision and directed the lawyer to begin his closing argument.
Almost two hours later, following Drechsler's impassioned argument on behalf of his client, the judge issued his ruling, convicting Nee on one of three charges. Nee is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday."

Link: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/02/15/judge_convicts_ex_student_in_school_plot/