Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 257, § 2 (2026)

Libel; contents; time for filing

✓ current as of July 2026

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Section 2. The person who makes the seizure shall, within fourteen days thereafter, file a libel in the superior court or in a district court, stating briefly the cause of the seizure without the details, and praying for a decree of forfeiture.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 3 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1978–2025 · leading case: Commonwealth v. One 1969 Mercedes-Benz Auto., 378 N.E.2d 65 (Mass. 1978).

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Commonwealth v. One 1969 Mercedes-Benz Auto., 378 N.E.2d 65 (Mass. 1978). · cites it 3× “Askew relies on G. L. c. 257, § 2, which imposes a fourteen-day limitation period for the commencement of forfeiture proceedings following seizure of property.”

Commonwealth v. One 1976 Cadillac DeVille Auto., 403 N.E.2d 935 (Mass. 1980). “On June 21, 1979, Izzo commenced in the same court a cross action against the Commonwealth in effect demanding dismissal of the forfeiture action on the ground that the car was not within § 47, or that that action had not been initiated within fourteen days of the seizure as…”

Commonwealth v. One (1) Check in the Amount of $480.00 for 1,600 Pieces of Wild Oysters (Crassostrea Virginica) (Mass. App. Ct. 2025). “" G. L. c. 257, § 2. The court then issues an order of notice.”

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