Massachusetts § 52 - Towns; civil service offices and positions
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 52 — Towns; civil service offices and positions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52. Towns; civil service offices and positions
Section 52. The following offices and positions in towns shall be subject to the civil service law and rules:
(1) Inspectors of plumbing.
(2) Sealers and deputy sealers of weights and measures and inspectors and deputy inspectors of weights and measures, whether they are heads of departments or not, in towns of over ten thousand inhabitants.
(3) Offices and positions allocable to the official service in any town of more than five thousand inhabitants which votes pursuant to the provisions of sections fifty-four and fifty-five to accept the applicability of the civil service law and rules to such service.
(4) Positions allocable to the labor service in any town of more than five thousand inhabitants which votes pursuant to the provisions of sections fifty-four and fifty-five to accept the applicability of the civil service law and rules to such service.
(5) Any municipal office to which the civil service law and rules are made applicable pursuant to section fifty-three.
(6) Any office or position to which the civil service law and rules were applicable immediately preceding the effective date of this chapter.
The civil service law and rules shall also be applicable to any of the following in a town which accepts such applicability pursuant to the provisions of sections fifty-four and fifty-five:
(a) The chief of police, or the officer performing similar duties, whatever the title of his office, in any town.
(b) The chief of the fire department, or the officer performing similar duties, whatever the title of his office in any town.
(c) The police force, the fire force and the call fire force in any town.
(d) Parking meter supervisor in any town.
(e) Janitors of school buildings in a town with more than five thousand inhabitants.
(f) Supervisors of attendance in a town with more than five thousand inhabitants.
(g) Clerical positions in the school department of a town with more than five thousand inhabitants.
(h) Sealers and deputy sealers of weights and measures or inspectors and deputy inspectors of weights and measures, whether they are heads of departments or not, in a town with more than five thousand but not more than ten thousand inhabitants.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 52
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 52 cover?
Section 52 ("Towns; 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 § 52?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 52" (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 § 52 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.