Massachusetts § 42 - Issuance of search warrant
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 42 — Issuance of search warrant, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42. Issuance of search warrant
Section 42. If two persons of full age make complaint to a district court or justice of the peace authorized to issue warrants in criminal cases that they have reason to believe and do believe that alcoholic beverages, described in the complaint, are kept or deposited by a person named therein in a store, shop, warehouse, building, vehicle, steamboat, vessel or place, and are intended for sale contrary to law, such court or justice, if it appears that there is probable cause to believe said complaint to be true, shall issue a search warrant to a sheriff, deputy sheriff, city marshal, chief of police, deputy chief of police, deputy marshal, police officer, including a state police officer, or constable, commanding him to search the premises in which it is alleged that such alcoholic beverages are deposited, and to seize such beverages, the vessels in which they are contained and all implements of sale and furniture used or kept and provided to be used in the illegal keeping or sale of such beverages, and securely keep the same until final action thereon, and return the warrant with his doings thereon, as soon as may be, to a district court having jurisdiction in the place in which such beverages are alleged to be kept or deposited.
For the purposes of this and the thirteen following sections, the words ''alcoholic beverages'' shall be deemed to include ''alcohol''.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 42
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 42 cover?
Section 42 ("Issuance of search warrant") 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 § 42?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 42" (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 § 42 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.