Massachusetts § 16 - Certificate of judgment, decree or final disposition; recording
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 16 — Certificate of judgment, decree or final disposition; recording, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16. Certificate of judgment, decree or final disposition; recording
Section 16. At any time after final judgment or a decree in favor of the defendant, or after the discontinuance, dismissal or other final disposition, by consent of parties or otherwise, of a proceeding mentioned in the preceding section, or in case of the non-entry of the writ, petition or bill of complaint, the clerk of the court wherein such judgment, decree, discontinuance, dismissal or other final disposition is recorded, or out of which such writ issued or to which such petition or bill of complaint was addressed, shall upon demand give a certificate of the fact of such judgment, decree, discontinuance, dismissal, final disposal or non-entry, and such certificate may be recorded in the registry in which the original record mentioned in said section was made.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 16
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 16 cover?
Section 16 ("Certificate of judgment, decree or final disposition; recording") 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 § 16?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 16" (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 § 16 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.