New Mexico § 3-18-1 - General powers; body politic and corporate powers
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 3-18-1 — General powers; body politic and corporate powers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-18-1. General powers; body politic and corporate powers
A municipality is a body politic and corporate under the name and form of government
selected by its qualified electors. A municipality may: A. sue or be sued; B. enter into contracts or leases; C. acquire and hold property, both real and personal; D. have a common seal which may be altered at pleasure; E. exercise such other privileges that are incident to corporations of like character
or degree that are not inconsistent with the laws of New Mexico; F. protect generally the property of its municipality and its inhabitants; G. preserve peace and order within the municipality; and H. establish rates for services provided by municipal utilities and revenue-producing
projects, including amounts which the governing body determines to be reasonable and
consistent with amounts received by private enterprise in the operation of similar
facilities.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 3-18-1
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 3-18-1 cover?
Section 3-18-1 ("General powers; body politic and corporate powers") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. 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 New Mexico § 3-18-1?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 3-18-1" (New Mexico). 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 New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 3-18-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico 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 New Mexico.