Massachusetts § 35 - Keeper; appointment; oath; penalty for failure to appoint keeper
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 35 — Keeper; appointment; oath; penalty for failure to appoint keeper, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35. Keeper; appointment; oath; penalty for failure to appoint keeper
Section 35. The mayor of each city, except Boston, and in Boston the police commissioner, and the selectmen of each town required to maintain a lockup shall annually, by a writing recorded with the town clerk, appoint a keeper of the lockup, who shall have the care and custody thereof and of persons committed thereto. He shall accept the appointment within three days after notice thereof, shall be sworn and shall hold office for one year unless sooner removed. If the selectmen neglect to appoint a keeper, each selectman shall forfeit ten dollars for each month during which such neglect continues; and if the mayor, except in Boston, or in Boston the police commissioner, neglects for three months to appoint a keeper, he shall forfeit thirty dollars and ten dollars additional for each subsequent month of such neglect.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 35
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 35 cover?
Section 35 ("Keeper; appointment; oath; penalty for failure to appoint keeper") 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 § 35?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 35" (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 § 35 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.