§ 1 Justices keeping public peace; security
§ 2 Complaint of threat to commit crime
§ 3 Warrant to apprehend accused
§ 4 Punishment; recognizance to keep the peace
§ 5 Commitment on refusal or neglect to recognize
§ 6 Discharge of accused; complainant paying expenses
§ 7 Accused paying expenses; commitment
§ 8 Appeal from order to recognize
§ 9 Witnesses to recognize for appearance
§ 10 Proceedings on appeal
§ 11 Failure to prosecute appeal; recognizance remaining in force
§ 12 Discharge from commitment upon giving security
§ 13 Recognizance; breach of condition
§ 14 Affray, threats or disturbance of peace in presence of justice; recognizance to keep peace
§ 16 Remission of portion of forfeited penalty
§ 17 Right of surety to surrender principal; discharge from liability; new recognizance
§ 18 Community parole supervision for life in addition to sentence of imprisonment or probation; covered offenses
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Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws > Chapter 275 - Proceedings to Prevent Crimes

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
  • Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
  • Testify: Answer questions in court.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.