Massachusetts § 10 - Examination of persons under oath; mandatory attendance and testimony of witnesses

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 10 — Examination of persons under oath; mandatory attendance and testimony of witnesses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 10. Examination of persons under oath; mandatory attendance and testimony of witnesses

Section 10. The director may examine on oath all persons who are believed to possess knowledge of material facts relative to the existence or dissemination, or danger of dissemination, of contagious diseases among domestic animals, or relative to any other matter within the provisions of this chapter, and, for the purposes of this chapter, shall have all the powers vested in justices of the peace by chapters two hundred and twenty-two and two hundred and thirty-three to take depositions, to compel witnesses to attend and testify before him and to administer oaths. Witnesses shall receive the same fees for attendance and travel as witnesses before the courts. The expense of procuring the attendance of such witnesses shall be paid by the commonwealth. Copies of the records of the division, or of any order, rule or regulation issued by the director, if duly certified by the clerk, and any certificate by the clerk of the issuing, recording, delivering or publishing of such orders, rules or regulations under this chapter, shall be competent evidence of such fact in any tribunal.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 10

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 10 cover?

Section 10 ("Examination of persons under oath; mandatory attendance and testimony of witnesses") 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 § 10?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 10" (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 § 10 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.