Massachusetts § 70 - Records; examination papers; inspection; destruction
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 70 — Records; examination papers; inspection; destruction, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 70. Records; examination papers; inspection; destruction
Section 70. The commission and the administrator shall maintain on file a record of their proceedings. Such records shall be open to public inspection pursuant to the rules of the commission. An appointing authority may inspect applications and references in connection with a certification of names; such applications and references shall be preserved for a period of two years and may then be destroyed. The question and answer sheets of examination papers, other than essay questions and answers, shall not be open for inspection and may be destroyed as determined by the administrator. The papers used by an applicant in an examination may be destroyed as determined by the administrator, except that they shall be preserved while a request for a review of a marking or finding in relation to such examination or an appeal from the decision of the administrator after such review is acceptable or pending pursuant to sections twenty-two, twenty-three and twenty-four.
Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, an applicant's examination papers may be inspected only by such applicant or his designated representative upon presentation of a written authorization from the applicant. Such inspection may take place only while a request by such applicant for a review of a marking or finding in relation to such examination or an appeal from the decision of the administrator after such review is acceptable or pending pursuant to sections twenty-two, twenty-three and twenty-four. No inspection of any examination papers may be made in connection with a request for a review of whether the examination was a fair test of the applicant's fitness to actually perform the primary or dominant duties of the position for which the examination was held, made under section twenty-two, or of examination papers to which sections twenty-two and twenty-three do not apply.
No question shall be copied except one on which the applicant received less than full credit in the marking of the examination. In such case, both the question and answer may be copied.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 70
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 70 cover?
Section 70 ("Records; examination papers; inspection; destruction") 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 § 70?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 70" (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 § 70 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.