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, the following words shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings:—

''Bank'', any association or corporation chartered by the commonwealth under chapter 168, 170, 171 or 172, or an individual, association, partnership or corporation incorporated or doing a banking business in the commonwealth subject to the supervision of the commissioner.

''Commissioner'', the commissioner of banks.

''Cooperative bank'', an association or corporation chartered pursuant to chapter 170.

''Credit union'', an association or corporation chartered pursuant to chapter 171.

''Federal bank'', a national banking association, savings and loan association or savings bank that exists by authority of the United States, the main office of which is located in the commonwealth.

''Federal branch'', a branch in the commonwealth of any out-of-state federal bank.

''Foreign bank'', an association or corporation authorized to do a banking business the main office of which is located outside the commonwealth and which exists by authority of a country other than the United States.

''Internet bank'', a bank, federal bank, foreign bank or out-of-state bank that provides its services exclusively or primarily through the internet.

''Limited purpose trust company'', an association or corporation chartered pursuant to section 9A of chapter 172.

''Massachusetts bank'', a bank, other than an association or corporation chartered pursuant to chapter 171.

''Massachusetts branch'', a branch in the commonwealth of an out-of-state bank.

''Out-of-state bank'', an association or corporation authorized to do a banking business, the main office of which is located outside the commonwealth and which exists by authority of a state of the United States except the commonwealth.

''Out-of-state branch'', a branch of a Massachusetts bank located outside the commonwealth.

''Out-of-state federal bank'', a national banking association, savings and loan association or savings bank that exists by authority of the United States, the main office of which is located outside the commonwealth.

''Savings bank'', an association or corporation chartered pursuant to chapter 168.

''State'', a state, commonwealth or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country.

''Trust company'', an association or corporation chartered pursuant to chapter 172.

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.