Massachusetts General Laws
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 233, § 21A (2026)
Evidence of reputation
✓ current as of July 2026
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Section 21A. Evidence of the reputation of a person in a group with the members of which he has habitually associated in his work or business shall be admissible to the same extent and subject to the same limitations as is evidence of such reputation in a community in which he has resided.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 10
cases, 1961–2018 · leading case: Commonwealth v. Vitello, 381 N.E.2d 582 (Mass. 1978).
Commonwealth v. Vitello, 381 N.E.2d 582 (Mass. 1978). “872 (1967); G.L.c. 233, § 21A. Cf. Fed. R. Evid. 608.”
Commonwealth v. Sheline, 461 N.E.2d 1197 (Mass. 1984). “See G.L.c. 233, § 21A (evidence of reputation in work or business community admissible to same extent as evidence of reputation in community of residence).”
Commonwealth v. Walker, 812 N.E.2d 262 (Mass. 2004). “See also G. L. c. 233, § 21A (reputation evidence may be based on reputation at place of work or business).”
Commonwealth v. Dockham, 542 N.E.2d 591 (Mass. 1989). “” The defendant argues that, although a five year old boy cannot have a general reputation in a community, the statement that the boy “lies a lot” was admissible because it suggests a poor reputation for truth and veracity within his foster family.”
Commonwealth v. Bumpus, 290 N.E.2d 167 (Mass. 1972). “See also G. L. c. 233, § 21A. 8. The defendant claims error in the refusal to grant him three separate trials on the issues of guilt, mental responsibility, and punishment.”
Commonwealth v. Binkiewicz, 175 N.E.2d 473 (Mass. 1961). “See G. L. c. 233, § 21A. The applicable rule called for exclusion of the evidence in respect of Maricola’s absence without leave and discharge.”
Commonwealth v. Belton, 225 N.E.2d 53 (Mass. 1967). “410, evidence of the defendant’s reputation among those with whom “he has habitually associated in his work or business shall be admissible to the same extent and subject to the same limitations as is evidence of such reputation in a community in which he has resided.”
Commonwealth v. LaPierre, 408 N.E.2d 883 (Mass. App. Ct. 1980). “” Although by reason of G. L. c. 233, § 21A, evidence of a person’s reputation is not limited to his reputation in the community in which he resides, but can also be shown by his reputation in the community in which he works, the trial judge has discretion to exclude such…”
Commonwealth v. Walker, 801 N.E.2d 267 (Mass. App. Ct. 2004). “591, 593 (1929); G. L. c. 233, § 21A. Cf. Burke v. Toothaker, 1 Mass.”
Commonwealth v. Ramos, 119 N.E.3d 357 (Mass. App. Ct. 2018). “618 , 631 (1989), and cases cited (reputation in community); G. L. c. 233, § 21A (reputation in place of work or business).”
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