Massachusetts § 1 - Application of chapter; secretary defined
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 1 — Application of chapter; secretary defined, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1. Application of chapter; secretary defined
Section 1. The provisions of this chapter, unless expressly limited in their application, and except so far as they are inconsistent with other provisions of law relative to particular corporations or classes of corporations, or with the provisions of special laws, shall apply to corporations heretofore or hereafter organized under general or special laws of the commonwealth for the purpose of carrying on the business of a safe deposit company and to corporations heretofore or hereafter organized under general or special laws of the commonwealth for the purpose of carrying on within the commonwealth the business of transmitting intelligence by electricity or of a heat or canal or aqueduct company, and to any other corporations, except railroad, street railway, electric railroad or trolleymotor or power, gas, electric or water companies, which now have or may hereafter have the right to take land within the commonwealth by eminent domain, or to exercise franchises in public ways granted by the commonwealth or by any county, city or town. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, ''secretary'' or ''state secretary'' means the secretary of the commonwealth.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 1
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 1 cover?
Section 1 ("Application of chapter; secretary defined") 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.