Massachusetts § 20 - Selectmen; duties and oath; penalty

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20 — Selectmen; duties and oath; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20. Selectmen; duties and oath; penalty

Section 20. Selectmen shall, upon the receipt and approval of the bond of a collector of taxes or treasurer, give written notice thereof to the assessors. The selectmen shall be assessors of taxes in towns which have not authorized the election of such officers; and before acting as assessors they shall take the oath required of assessors. A person elected a selectman who enters upon the performance of his duties before taking the oath of office shall forfeit not more than one hundred dollars.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20 cover?

Section 20 ("Selectmen; duties and oath; penalty") 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 § 20?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 20" (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 § 20 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.