Massachusetts § 14 - Sittings of court; places

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 14 — Sittings of court; places, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 14. Sittings of court; places

Section 14. A regular sitting or regular sittings of the court in the several counties shall be held in each year in each of the following places:—

For Barnstable, at Barnstable;

For Berkshire, at Pittsfield;

For Bristol, at Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River;

For Dukes county, at Edgartown;

For Essex, at Salem, Lawrence and Newburyport;

For Franklin, at Greenfield;

For Hampden, at Springfield;

For Hampshire, at Northampton;

For Middlesex, at Lowell and Cambridge;

For Nantucket, at Nantucket;

For Norfolk, at Dedham;

For Plymouth, at Plymouth and Brockton;

For Suffolk, at Boston;

For Worcester, at Worcester and Fitchburg.

Said court may adjourn any sitting or session from one place to another within the county, whether or not it be to a place mentioned in this section, in the manner and with the effect of adjournment to another shire town, and such adjournment shall be subject to all the laws relative to adjournment to another shire town. Said court may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 14

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 14 cover?

Section 14 ("Sittings of court; places") 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 § 14?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 14" (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 § 14 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.