Massachusetts § 62B - Clerks of courts as magistrates

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 62B — Clerks of courts as magistrates, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 62B. Clerks of courts as magistrates

Section 62B. Clerks of court for the several counties, the clerk of the superior court for criminal business in Suffolk county, the clerk of the superior court for civil business in Suffolk county, clerks of the housing courts, registers of the probate courts, clerks of district courts, clerks of juvenile courts, and clerks of the Boston municipal court department; shall hereafter also have the title of magistrate for their particular department, or division as the case may be, of the trial court.

Magistrates herein provided shall continue to have and exercise all the powers, duties and responsibilities of clerks and registers and shall also have those provided for in section sixty-two C.

An assistant clerk, temporary clerk, temporary assistant clerk, or assistant register, shall also have and exercise the powers, duties and responsibilities of magistrate, subject to specific authorization by the clerk, or register, and specific approval of such authorization by the first justice of the division wherein he serves, or in the case of the superior court department or Boston municipal court department by the administrative justice therefor. Said first justice or administrative justice may place such restrictions on such authorization as is conducive to the effective administration of justice.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 62B

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 62B cover?

Section 62B ("Clerks of courts as magistrates") 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 § 62B?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 62B" (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 § 62B 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.