Massachusetts § 18 - Entry into land; legal proceedings required to recover possession of land or tenements; jurisdiction
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 18 — Entry into land; legal proceedings required to recover possession of land or tenements; jurisdiction, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18. Entry into land; legal proceedings required to recover possession of land or tenements; jurisdiction
Section 18. No person shall make an entry into land or tenements except in cases where his entry is allowed by law, and in such cases he shall not enter by force, but in a peaceable manner.
No person shall attempt to recover possession of land or tenements in any manner other than through an action brought pursuant to chapter two hundred and thirty-nine or such other proceedings authorized by law. The superior and district courts shall have jurisdiction in equity to enforce the provisions of this section.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 18
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 18 cover?
Section 18 ("Entry into land; legal proceedings required to recover possession of land or tenements; jurisdiction") 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 § 18?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 18" (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 § 18 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.