Massachusetts § 24 - Oaths; form
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 24 — Oaths; form, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24. Oaths; form
Section 24. Every commissioned officer, before entering upon the performance of official duties or exercising any command, shall take and subscribe the following oath and declaration:
I, , do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and will support the constitution thereof and the constitution of the United States, that I will obey the lawful orders of all my superior officers, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as ___ according to the best of my ability and understanding, agreeably to the rules and regulations of the constitution and the laws of the commonwealth and the United States. So help me, God.
All officers shall take and subscribe the said oath before any competent authority or an officer qualified under section 81 to administer oaths, except retired officers and aides-de-camp of the commander-in-chief who may take said oath before any competent authority. The following certificate shall be printed on every commission and shall be signed by the person before whom the officer is qualified:
This may certify that , commissioned as within on this ___ day of , A.D., ___ personally appeared and took and subscribed the oaths required by the constitution and laws of this commonwealth and by a law of the United States, as qualification for the discharge of official duties.
Before me, .
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 24
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 24 cover?
Section 24 ("Oaths; form") 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 § 24?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 24" (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 § 24 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.