Section 21. Except as provided in sections twenty-two to twenty-four, inclusive, and in section twenty-six, if there is a trial in the land court, it shall at the same time assess the amounts due the plaintiff for rents and profits or other damages, if any, and shall determine the amount to be allowed to the defendant for improvements, if any, and also, if duly required, the value of the plaintiff’s estate, unless, on its own motion or that of either party, made before its finding or decision on the title is recorded, it postpones such assessment or determination until after its trial of the title and its finding or decision thereon.

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Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 237 sec. 21

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.