Massachusetts § 63 - Unlawful exercise or departments abuse of power; commonwealth, commissions, officers, etc.; court restraint

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 63 — Unlawful exercise or departments abuse of power; commonwealth, commissions, officers, etc.; court restraint, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 63. Unlawful exercise or departments abuse of power; commonwealth, commissions, officers, etc.; court restraint

Section 63. If a department, commission, board, officer, employee or agent of the commonwealth is about to expend money or incur obligations purporting to bind the commonwealth for any purpose or object or in any manner other than that for and in which such department, commission, board, officer, employee or agent has the legal and constitutional right and power to expend money or incur obligations, the supreme judicial or superior court may, upon the petition of not less than 24 taxable inhabitants of the commonwealth, not more than 6 of whom shall be from any 1 county, determine the same in equity, and may, before the final determination of the cause, restrain the unlawful exercise or abuse of such right and power.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 63

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 63 cover?

Section 63 ("Unlawful exercise or departments abuse of power; commonwealth, commissions, officers, etc.; court restraint") 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 § 63?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 63" (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 § 63 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.