Massachusetts § 51 - Cities; civil service offices and positions

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 51 — Cities; civil service offices and positions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 51. Cities; civil service offices and positions

Section 51. All positions in all cities shall be subject to the civil service law and rules except as provided by section forty-eight or other law and except that, in cities with less than one hundred thousand residents, positions which would fall within the labor service shall not be so subject unless the city council votes to accept the applicability of the civil service law and rules to the labor service.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section forty-eight, the following offices and positions in cities shall be subject to the civil service law and rules: (1) the position of parking meter supervisor in cities whose city councils vote to accept the applicability of civil service law and rules to such position; (2) the office or offices of chief of police or chief of fire department, or the officer performing similar duties, whatever his title, in cities which vote pursuant to the provisions of sections fifty-four and fifty-five to accept the applicability of the civil service law and rules to such office or offices; (3) any municipal office to which the civil service law and rules are made applicable pursuant to section fifty-three; and (4) any office or position to which the civil service law and rules were applicable immediately preceding the effective date of this chapter.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 51

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 51 cover?

Section 51 ("Cities; civil service offices and positions") 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 § 51?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 51" (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 § 51 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.