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From January 1, 2019 through January 30, 2019, Massachusetts Law Updates presented a daily series of blog posts showcasing the thirty Articles in the Declaration of Rights in the Massachusetts Constitution. Below, please find an index hyperlinked to those blog posts.
Article 3 – Religious Responsibilities
Article 4 – Right of Self Governance
Article 5 – Consent of the Governed
Article 7 – For the Common Good
Article 9 – Right to Vote and Be Elected
Article 11 – Access to Justice
Article 12 – Due Process, Freedom Against Self-incrimination, Right to a Jury Trial
Article 13 – Verification of Facts in Criminal Proceedings
Article 14 – Search and Seizure
Article 15 – Right to a Jury Trial in Civil Suits
Article 16 – Freedom of the Press
Article 17 – Right to Keep and Bear Arms
Article 18 – Responsibility of Maintaining a Free Government
Article 19 – Right to Assemble and to Petition the Legislature
Article 20 – Legislative Functions Should Be Restricted to the Legislature
Article 21 – Freedom of Speech without Consequence in the Legislature
Article 22 – Legislative Body to Meet Frequently
Article 23 – No Taxation without Representation
Article 24 – Ex Post Facto laws
Article 25 – Treason and Limitations on Legislative Branch
Article 26 – Cruel or Unusual Punishment
Article 27 – Quartering of Soldiers
Article 28 – Limitations to Martial Law
Article 29 – On the Necessity of Impartial Administration of Justice
Recent Posts
New Law Gives Added Protections for Persons with Disabilities posted on Feb 20
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a new law on February 13, 2020 which gives more protections to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Chapter 19 of the Acts of 2020 establishes a registry for caretakers in Massachusetts who have been found to have caused serious physical …Continue Reading New Law Gives Added Protections for Persons with Disabilities
Real Estate Recording Fees to be Increased posted on Dec 10
Under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 44B section 8, real property conveyance documents recorded at the Registry of Deeds are subject to a Community Preservation Act surcharge. This law was amended by chapter 41 sections 29 and 30 of the Acts of 2019. Effective December 31, …Continue Reading Real Estate Recording Fees to be Increased
Portraits in Massachusetts Law: Lucy Stone posted on Nov 13

Portraits in Massachusetts Law is a regular feature of Massachusetts Law Updates. These pages provide links to biographical information abut people who have been particularly important in legal history in Massachusetts, as our government took shape in the cauldron of the American Revolution and grew and changed throughout …Continue Reading Portraits in Massachusetts Law: Lucy Stone
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