Massachusetts § 20 - Negligently suffering prisoner to escape; refusal to receive prisoner
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20 — Negligently suffering prisoner to escape; refusal to receive prisoner, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20. Negligently suffering prisoner to escape; refusal to receive prisoner
Section 20. A jailer or officer who, through negligence, suffers a prisoner in his custody upon conviction or upon a charge of crime to escape, or wilfully refuses to receive into his custody a prisoner lawfully directed to be committed thereto upon conviction, upon a charge of crime, or upon a lawful process, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two years.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20 cover?
Section 20 ("Negligently suffering prisoner to escape; refusal to receive prisoner") 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 § 20?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 20" (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 § 20 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.