Massachusetts § 23 - Identification of prisoners
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 23 — Identification of prisoners, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23. Identification of prisoners
Section 23. The officer in charge of a penal institution to which a person is committed under a sentence of imprisonment for any crime shall, unless the court otherwise orders, take or cause to be taken his name, age, height, weight, probation central file number, offense-based tracking number, fingerprint-based state identification number, photograph and general description and copies of his finger prints in accordance with the finger print system of identification of criminals. The court may order to be taken the photograph and the aforesaid description and finger prints of a person convicted of a felony who is not committed to a penal institution. All such photographs and identifying matter shall be transmitted forthwith to the colonel of state police.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 23
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 23 cover?
Section 23 ("Identification of prisoners") 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 § 23?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 23" (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 § 23 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.