Massachusetts § 49 - Commitment of witnesses; discharge upon recognizance
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 49 — Commitment of witnesses; discharge upon recognizance, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49. Commitment of witnesses; discharge upon recognizance
Section 49. A witness who, when required, refuses to recognize, either with or without sureties, shall, except as provided in the following section, be committed to jail until he complies with such order or is otherwise discharged; but if the court or justice finds that the witness, unless he is the prosecutor or an accomplice, is unable to procure sureties when so ordered, he shall, except in cases of felony, be discharged upon his own recognizance. Upon a complaint or indictment for a felony, against a defendant not in custody, a material witness committed for failure to furnish sureties upon his own recognizance may be held in custody for a reasonable time, pending the pursuit and apprehension of the defendant.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 49
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 49 cover?
Section 49 ("Commitment of witnesses; discharge upon recognizance") 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 § 49?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 49" (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 § 49 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.