Massachusetts § 56 - Brokers or agents; embezzlement

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 56 — Brokers or agents; embezzlement, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 56. Brokers or agents; embezzlement

Section 56. A broker, or officer, manager or agent of a corporation doing the business of brokers, who, having been intrusted, solely or jointly, with money, stock or security for the payment of money, with any direction in writing to invest, dispose of, apply, pay or deliver such money, stock or security, or any part thereof, or the proceeds or any part of the proceeds thereof, in any manner, for any purpose or to any person mentioned or specified in such direction, in violation of good faith and contrary to the terms of such direction, embezzles or fraudulently converts such money, stock or security, or any part thereof, or the proceeds or any part of the proceeds thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in jail for not more than two and one half years or by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 56

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 56 cover?

Section 56 ("Brokers or agents; embezzlement") 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 § 56?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 56" (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 § 56 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.