Massachusetts § 5 - Engagement in business or work without compliance with statutes; enforcement

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 5 — Engagement in business or work without compliance with statutes; enforcement, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5. Engagement in business or work without compliance with statutes; enforcement

Section 5. Any person, firm or corporation, or employee thereof, and any representative, member or officer of such firm or corporation individually, entering upon or engaging in the business and work hereinbefore defined, without having complied with this chapter, shall for the first offence be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $1,500, for a second offence by a fine of not less than $1,500 and not more than $2,000 and for each subsequent offence by a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $2,500 or by imprisonment in the house of correction for six months, or both.

The examiners and the inspectors of wires in each city and town, as defined in section thirty-two of chapter one hundred and sixty-six, shall be charged with the enforcement of this chapter. They shall have all necessary powers to require compliance therewith, including the power to institute and prosecute proceedings in the superior court department of the trial court.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 5

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 5 cover?

Section 5 ("Engagement in business or work without compliance with statutes; enforcement") 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.