Massachusetts § 26 - Gathering or retaining bank bills or notes

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 26 — Gathering or retaining bank bills or notes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26. Gathering or retaining bank bills or notes

Section 26. Whoever maliciously gathers up or retains or maliciously aids in gathering up or retaining bills or notes of a bank or banking company, current by law or usage in the commonwealth, for the purpose of injuring or impeding the circulation or business of such bank or banking company, or of compelling it to do any act out of the usual course of its business, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two years; and in the prosecution of any such crime it shall not be necessary to set out and describe each bill, but it shall be sufficient to aver and prove any amount of the bills of any bank which have been so gathered up or retained.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 26

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 26 cover?

Section 26 ("Gathering or retaining bank bills or notes") 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 § 26?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 26" (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 § 26 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.