Massachusetts § 79 - Violations; penalties; official analysis as prima facie evidence
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 79 — Violations; penalties; official analysis as prima facie evidence, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 79. Violations; penalties; official analysis as prima facie evidence
Section 79. Whoever sells, offers or exposes for sale any commercial fertilizer or mixture thereof, or any soil conditioner or agricultural liming material, without complying with the requirements of sections sixty-five to seventy-eight, inclusive, applicable thereto, or in violation of any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, or whoever falsely marks, or labels any such product, or impedes, or obstructs, or hinders the commissioner or any of his duly authorized agents in the discharge of the authority or duties conferred or imposed by any provisions of said section, shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars or more than one hundred dollars for the first violation, or not less than one hundred dollars or more than five hundred dollars for a subsequent violation. In all prosecutions involving the composition of a lot of commercial fertilizer, a certified copy of the official analysis signed by the commissioner or his agent shall be accepted as prima facie evidence of the composition.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 79
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 79 cover?
Section 79 ("Violations; penalties; official analysis as prima facie evidence") 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 § 79?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 79" (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 § 79 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.