Massachusetts § 31 - Delivery or receipt of articles to or from inmates
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 31 — Delivery or receipt of articles to or from inmates, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31. Delivery or receipt of articles to or from inmates
Section 31. Whoever delivers or procures to be delivered, or has in his possession with intent to deliver, to an inmate confined in any penal institution, or whoever deposits or conceals in or about the institution, or the dependencies thereof, or upon any land appurtenant thereto, or in any boat or vehicle going into the premises belonging to the institution, any article, with intent that an inmate shall obtain or receive it, and whoever receives from an inmate any article with intent to convey it out of the institution, contrary to the rules and regulations thereof, and without the knowledge and permission of the commissioner of correction or of the superintendent, keeper, sheriff or other officer in charge thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than three years or in jail for not more than two and one half years.
Any inmate of a correctional institution who, upon returning from a furlough or a work program, brings or attempts to bring into said institution an illegal drug, gun, knife or other similar weapon as defined in section ten of chapter two hundred and sixty-nine of the General Laws, shall be punished by an additional sentence of not less than seven nor more than ten years in state prison.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 31
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 31 cover?
Section 31 ("Delivery or receipt of articles to or from inmates") 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 § 31?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 31" (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 § 31 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.