Massachusetts § 12 - District attorneys; qualifications; election; term; appearances
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 12 — District attorneys; qualifications; election; term; appearances, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12. District attorneys; qualifications; election; term; appearances
Section 12. There shall be a district attorney for each district set forth in the following section, who shall be a resident therein and a member of the bar of the commonwealth and shall be elected as provided by section one hundred and fifty-four of chapter fifty-four. He shall serve for four years beginning with the first Wednesday of January after his election and until his successor is qualified.
The district attorney shall appear for a county constituting such district in all civil actions in which such county is a party under the provisions of chapter two hundred and fifty-eight.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 12
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 12 cover?
Section 12 ("District attorneys; qualifications; election; term; appearances") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 12?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 12" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.