Massachusetts § 177 - False or insufficient weight or measure; misrepresentation of weight, quantity, or price; penalties
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 177 — False or insufficient weight or measure; misrepresentation of weight, quantity, or price; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 177. False or insufficient weight or measure; misrepresentation of weight, quantity, or price; penalties
Section 177. Except as otherwise provided by section two hundred and forty-eight, whoever himself or by his servant or agent gives or attempts to give false or insufficient weight or measure, or inferentially misrepresents the weight or quantity of a commodity sold or delivered by weight or measure by stating a price without stating the weight or quantity of such commodity, such price being in fact greater than the price advertised for such commodity or mutually understood by both parties to be the price for a given weight or measure, or demands or accepts payment in excess of the regularly quoted selling price of a commodity sold or delivered by weight or measure, or misrepresents the price of any commodity or service sold, offered, exposed, or advertised for sale by weight, measure, or count or represents the price in any manner calculated or tending to mislead or in any way deceive a person, or takes or attempts to take more than the quantity he represents when, as the buyer, he furnishes the weights, measures or weighing or measuring device by means of which the amount of commodity is determined, shall be punished for the first offense by a fine of one hundred dollars, for the second offense by a fine of two hundred and fifty dollars, and for a subsequent offense by a fine of five hundred dollars or shall be subject to a civil citation as provided in section 29A of chapter 98.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 177
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 177 cover?
Section 177 ("False or insufficient weight or measure; misrepresentation of weight, quantity, or price; penalties") 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 § 177?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 177" (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 § 177 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.