Massachusetts § 1 - Definitions
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 1 — Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1. Definitions
Section 1. As used in this chapter and elsewhere in the general laws, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words shall have the following meanings:
(a) ''administrator'', chief administrative officer of a county correctional facility;
(b) ''commissioner'', the commissioner of correction;
(c) ''committed offender'', a person convicted of a crime and committed, under sentence, to a correctional facility;
(d) ''correctional facility'', any building, enclosure, space or structure used for the custody, control and rehabilitation of committed offenders and of such other persons as may be placed in custody therein in accordance with law;
(e) ''correctional institution'', correctional facility;
(f) ''county correctional facility'', any correctional facility owned, operated, administered or subject to the control of a county of the commonwealth;
(g) ''department'', the department of correction;
(h) ''gainful employment'', employment within or without any correctional facility including but not limited to labor for the operation and maintenance of any correctional facility;
(i) ''inmate'', a committed offender or such other person as is placed in custody in a correctional facility in accordance with law;
(j) ''institution'', facility;
(k) ''penal institution'', correctional facility;
(l) ''prison'', correctional facility;
(m) ''prisoner'', a committed offender and such other person as is placed in custody in a correctional facility in accordance with law;
(n) ''state correctional facility'', any correctional facility owned, operated, administered or subject to the control of the department of correction, including but not limited to: Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Cedar Junction; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Norfolk; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Framingham; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Bridgewater; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Plymouth; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Warwick; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Monroe;
(o) ''state prison'', any prison owned, operated, administered or subject to the control of the department of correction including, but not limited to: Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Cedar Junction; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Norfolk; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Framingham; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Bridgewater; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Plymouth; Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Warwick; and Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Monroe;
(p) ''superintendent'', the chief administrative officer of a state correctional facility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 1
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 1 cover?
Section 1 ("Definitions") 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 § 1?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 1" (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 § 1 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.