Massachusetts § 117 - Temporary appellate relief from final judgments pending appeal
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 117 — Temporary appellate relief from final judgments pending appeal, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 117. Temporary appellate relief from final judgments pending appeal
Section 117. After an appeal has been taken from a final judgment of the superior court, the land court, the housing court of the city of Boston, the western division of the housing court department, the northeastern division of the housing court department, the southeastern division of the housing court department or the housing court of the county of Worcester, the appellate court may, by an order, on terms or otherwise, suspend the execution or operation of the final judgment appealed from, pending the appeal, and may modify or annul any order made for the protection of the rights of the parties, pending the appeal; but, until such order has been modified or annulled, the justice of the superior court by whom the final judgment appealed from was made, or any other justice of said court, or the justice of the land court, the judge of the housing court of the city of Boston, the western division of the housing court department, the northeastern division of the housing court department, the southeastern division of the housing court department, or the housing court of the county of Worcester, by whom the judgment appealed from was made, may make any proper interlocutory orders, pending such appeal, including orders for the appointment of receivers, of injunction, of prohibition, and orders for continuing in force such orders previously made, or for modifying or dissolving them. The justice or judge who makes any such interlocutory orders may enforce them by appropriate proceedings, pending the appeal.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 117
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 117 cover?
Section 117 ("Temporary appellate relief from final judgments pending appeal") 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 § 117?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 117" (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 § 117 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.