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Mass. General Laws c.276 § 22

Warrants, procedure for issuance

This is an unofficial version of a Massachusetts General Law.

Updates

Amended by St. 2026, c. 137, § 88, effective July 9, 2026

Section 22

Upon complaint made to any justice that a crime has been committed, he shall examine on oath the complainant and any witnesses produced by him, reduce the complaint to writing, and cause it to be subscribed, electronically or in person, by the complainant, and, if it appears that a crime has been committed, shall issue a summons or warrant in compliance with the provisions of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure.

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Last updated: July 9, 2026

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