Massachusetts § 42 - Standing of attorneys; records

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 42 — Standing of attorneys; records, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 42. Standing of attorneys; records

Section 42. The clerk of the supreme judicial court for Suffolk county shall cause to be made, and shall keep, a complete record in suitable form of all persons who are, or ever have been, or hereafter become, attorneys at law in this commonwealth, and of the suspension, removal or disbarment of such as have been or hereafter shall be suspended, removed or disbarred. Clerks of courts and other persons in whose custody there may be any record of an admission to the bar of an attorney at law, any record of a petition for suspension or removal therefrom, or of a judgment or decree of suspension or removal from practice of any attorney at law, shall within one month after the date of such record report the same to the clerk of the supreme judicial court for Suffolk county. The record of said clerk relative to an admission to the bar, or a suspension or removal therefrom, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts recorded. A certificate thereof signed by the clerk or assistant clerk shall be admissible as evidence of such record.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 42

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 42 cover?

Section 42 ("Standing of attorneys; records") 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.