Massachusetts § 66 - Pensions for court officers

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 66 — Pensions for court officers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 66. Pensions for court officers

Section 66. Any court officer of the supreme judicial or superior court who, in the judgment of the sheriff of his county, is disabled for useful service in either of said courts, and who is certified by a physician, designated by the sheriff, to be permanently incapacitated, either mentally or physically, by injuries sustained through no fault of his own, in the actual performance of his duty in said court, and any court officer of either of said courts who has performed faithful service in either or both of said courts for not less than twenty years, and who in the judgment of the sheriff of his county is incapacitated for further service in said courts, shall, if the sheriff so requests, with the approval of a majority of the justices of the court in which he serves, be retired, and shall annually receive a pension equal to one half of the compensation received by him at the time of his retirement.

No court officer whose employment begins after June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and thirty-seven, shall be subject to the provisions of this section.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 66

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 66 cover?

Section 66 ("Pensions for court officers") 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 § 66?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 66" (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 § 66 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.