Massachusetts § 96 - Impairment of private property rights; contracts; leasing at public auction
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 96 — Impairment of private property rights; contracts; leasing at public auction, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 96. Impairment of private property rights; contracts; leasing at public auction
Section 96. Sections ninety-three, ninety-four and ninety-five shall not impair the private rights of any person under any law passed before April twenty-fifth, eighteen hundred and sixty-six, or under any contract existing on said date, or authorize a town to enter upon or build canals or sluiceways into a pond which is private property. Whenever in section ninety-three or section ninety-four authority is granted to lease alewife fisheries, such leasing shall be made at public auction, held in such city or town, each of such fisheries to be leased separately, and no such lease shall authorize the operation of any fishery thereunder subsequent to June fifteenth in any year. Notices of any auction hereunder shall be published and posted as provided by law for notices of town meetings, and every such lease shall terminate on June fifteenth.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 96
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 96 cover?
Section 96 ("Impairment of private property rights; contracts; leasing at public auction") 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 § 96?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 96" (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 § 96 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.