Massachusetts § 23 - Execution on judgments against fiduciaries, sheriffs, etc.; execution for possession of rented or leased dwelling
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 23 — Execution on judgments against fiduciaries, sheriffs, etc.; execution for possession of rented or leased dwelling, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23. Execution on judgments against fiduciaries, sheriffs, etc.; execution for possession of rented or leased dwelling
Section 23. Original executions issuing on judgments against executors, administrators, trustees and other fiduciary officers in their representative capacity, including any such original execution running against two or more parties, any one or more of whom are fiduciary officers as aforesaid in their representative capacity, or against sheriffs under section ten of chapter thirty-seven, or on special judgments entered under section twenty-four, shall be made returnable within sixty days after the date of the execution. Except as hereinafter provided, in all other cases, original executions shall be made returnable within twenty years after the date of the judgment.
Executions for possession of premises rented or leased for dwelling purposes obtained in actions pursuant to chapter two hundred and thirty-nine shall not be issued later than three months following the date of judgment, except that any period during which execution was stayed by order of the court or by an agreement of the parties filed with the court shall be excluded from the computation of the period of limitation. Such executions shall be made returnable within three months after the date of issuance and shall state the date of issuance and the return date. No sheriff, constable, officer, or other person shall serve or levy upon any such execution for possession later than three months following the date of the issuance of the execution.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 23
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 23 cover?
Section 23 ("Execution on judgments against fiduciaries, sheriffs, etc.; execution for possession of rented or leased dwelling") 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.