Massachusetts § 5 - Commonwealth boundary markers; removing or defacing; penalty
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 5 — Commonwealth boundary markers; removing or defacing; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5. Commonwealth boundary markers; removing or defacing; penalty
Section 5. No person shall wilfully or maliciously disturb or injure, or, except as herein provided, remove, obliterate, deface or cover up any monument or mark designating the boundary line of the commonwealth. Any person desirous of removing and replacing any such monument or mark may apply in writing to the department, who may grant permission therefor under its supervision, first making provision for preserving the exact location of the original boundary or mark, and also giving notice to the adjoining state of the time and place at which proposed action is to be taken. The monument shall be reset in the identical location from which it was removed, or at a convenient distance therefrom upon the boundary line. A full description of any change in such monument or mark shall be recorded in the offices of the clerks of the contiguous towns, and a copy thereof shall be forwarded to the state secretary. Violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 5
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 5 cover?
Section 5 ("Commonwealth boundary markers; removing or defacing; penalty") 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 § 5?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 5" (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 § 5 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.