{ "batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_chapter272_anchor", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Statute chapter containing prostitution offences", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, titled 'CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY, DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER', is the chapter containing prostitution and solicitation offences.", "body": "Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, titled 'CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY, DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER', is the chapter containing prostitution and solicitation offences.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Chapter 272: CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY, DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER”\n\nNote: Anchor record for the chapter containing prostitution statutes. This is the official Massachusetts legislature site.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Chapter 272: CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY, DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272", "topic": "statute chapter containing prostitution offences", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section53a", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §53A: prostitution; sexual conduct for a fee", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 53A criminalizes engaging, agreeing to engage, or offering to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee, whether or not the conduct occurs.", "body": "Section 53A criminalizes engaging, agreeing to engage, or offering to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee, whether or not the conduct occurs.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 53A. (a) Whoever engages, agrees to engage or offers to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 1 year or by a fine of not more than $500, or by both such imprisonment and fine, whether such sexual conduct occurs or not.”\n\nNote: Key statute for paid sexual conduct. Does not use the term 'assignation.' Massachusetts does not appear to have a separate 'assignation' statute; the offence is defined by the fee-for-sexual-conduct exchange.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section53A", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 53A. (a) Whoever engages, agrees to engage or offers to engage in sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 1 year or by a fine of not more than $500, or by both such imprisonment and fine, whether such sexual conduct occurs or not.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §53A", "topic": "prostitution; sexual conduct for a fee", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This is the principal prostitution statute. 'Sexual conduct' is not defined in section 53A itself; section 31 defines 's", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section53a_b", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §53A(b): paying for sexual conduct; fee-based offence", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 53A(b) criminalizes paying, agreeing to pay, or offering to pay another person to engage in sexual conduct, or to agree to engage in sexual conduct with another person.", "body": "Section 53A(b) criminalizes paying, agreeing to pay, or offering to pay another person to engage in sexual conduct, or to agree to engage in sexual conduct with another person.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“(b) Whoever pays, agrees to pay or offers to pay another person to engage in sexual conduct, or to agree to engage in sexual conduct with another person, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 2 and one-half years or by a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine, whether such sexual conduct occurs or not.”\n\nNote: Buyer-side prostitution statute. The offence turns on a fee paid for sexual conduct.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section53A", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "(b) Whoever pays, agrees to pay or offers to pay another person to engage in sexual conduct, or to agree to engage in sexual conduct with another person, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 2 and one-half years or by a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine, whether such sexual conduct occurs or not.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §53A(b)", "topic": "paying for sexual conduct; fee-based offence", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This is the buyer-side provision. It criminalizes the payment for sexual conduct regardless of whether the conduct occur", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section53a_c", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §53A(c): sexual conduct with child under 18 for a fee", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 53A(c) criminalizes paying for sexual conduct with a child under 18, with significantly enhanced penalties including state prison up to 10 years.", "body": "Section 53A(c) criminalizes paying for sexual conduct with a child under 18, with significantly enhanced penalties including state prison up to 10 years.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“(c) Whoever pays, agrees to pay or offers to pay any person with intent to engage in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 18, or whoever is paid, agrees to pay or agrees that a third person be paid in return for aiding a person who intends to engage in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 18, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 10 years, or in the house of correction for not more than 2 and one-half years and by a fine of not less than $3,000 and not more than $10,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine; provided, however, that a prosecution commenced under this section shall not be continued without a finding or placed on file.”\n\nNote: Child exploitation enhancement. 'Child' defined as under 18 in section 31.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section53A", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "(c) Whoever pays, agrees to pay or offers to pay any person with intent to engage in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 18, or whoever is paid, agrees to pay or agrees that a third person be paid in return for aiding a person who intends to engage in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 18, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 10 years, or in the house of correction for not more than 2 and one-half years and by a fine of not less than $3,000 and not more than $10,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine; provided, however, that a prosecution commenced under this section shall not be continued without a finding or placed on file.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §53A(c)", "topic": "sexual conduct with child under 18 for a fee", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Child exploitation enhancement. Age of consent in Massachusetts is 16, but this section raises the age threshold to 18 f", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section8", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §8: soliciting for prostitute", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 8 criminalizes soliciting or receiving compensation for soliciting for a prostitute.", "body": "Section 8 criminalizes soliciting or receiving compensation for soliciting for a prostitute.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 8. Whoever solicits or receives compensation for soliciting for a prostitute shall be punished by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than 2 and one-half years, or by a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000 or by both such imprisonment and fine.”\n\nNote: Solicitation-for-prostitution statute. Uses 'solicits' and 'compensation for soliciting' — covers both the prostitute seeking a client and third-party solicitation.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section8", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 8. Whoever solicits or receives compensation for soliciting for a prostitute shall be punished by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than 2 and one-half years, or by a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000 or by both such imprisonment and fine.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §8", "topic": "soliciting for prostitute", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This covers solicitation for prostitution — whether the solicitor is the prostitute seeking a client, or a third party s", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section7", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §7: living off or sharing earnings of prostitute", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 7 criminalizes knowingly living on or deriving support from the earnings of a prostitute, or sharing in such earnings or moneys loaned/advanced to a prostitute.", "body": "Section 7 criminalizes knowingly living on or deriving support from the earnings of a prostitute, or sharing in such earnings or moneys loaned/advanced to a prostitute.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 7. Whoever, knowing a person to be a prostitute, shall live or derive support or maintenance, in whole or in part, from the earnings or proceeds of his prostitution, from moneys loaned, advanced to or charged against him by any keeper or manager or inmate of a house or other place where prostitution is practiced or allowed, or shall share in such earnings, proceeds or moneys, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a period of five years and by a fine of five thousand dollars.”\n\nNote: 'Pimping' statute. The knowledge requirement ('knowing a person to be a prostitute') is a key element. The statute also covers moneys loaned, advanced, or charged against the prostitute.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section7", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 7. Whoever, knowing a person to be a prostitute, shall live or derive support or maintenance, in whole or in part, from the earnings or proceeds of his prostitution, from moneys loaned, advanced to or charged against him by any keeper or manager or inmate of a house or other place where prostitution is practiced or allowed, or shall share in such earnings, proceeds or moneys, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a period of five years and by a fine of five thousand dollars.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §7", "topic": "living off or sharing earnings of prostitute", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This is the 'pimping' statute. It targets anyone who finances or benefits from another person's prostitution.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section4a", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §4A: inducing minor into prostitution", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 4A criminalizes inducing a minor to become a prostitute or knowingly aiding such inducement, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years.", "body": "Section 4A criminalizes inducing a minor to become a prostitute or knowingly aiding such inducement, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 4A. Whoever induces a minor to become a prostitute, or who knowingly aids and assists in such inducement, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five, nor less than three years, and by a fine of five thousand dollars. The sentence of imprisonment imposed under this section shall not be reduced to less than three years, nor suspended, nor shall any person convicted under this section be eligible for probation, parole or furlough or receive any deduction from his sentence for good conduct or otherwise until he shall have served three years of such sentence.”\n\nNote: Inducing a minor (under 18) into prostitution. Mandatory minimum of 3 years. The term 'prostitute' is used but the statute does not define 'fee' — the offence is the inducement itself.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section4A", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 4A. Whoever induces a minor to become a prostitute, or who knowingly aids and assists in such inducement, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five, nor less than three years, and by a fine of five thousand dollars. The sentence of imprisonment imposed under this section shall not be reduced to less than three years, nor suspended, nor shall any person convicted under this section be eligible for probation, parole or furlough or receive any deduction from his sentence for good conduct or otherwise until he shall have served three years of such sentence.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §4A", "topic": "inducing minor into prostitution", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Minor is defined as under 18 in section 31. This is a strict liability-type offence regarding the minor's age — the defe", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section4b", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §4B: living off earnings of minor prostitute", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 4B criminalizes living on or deriving support from the earnings of a minor's prostitution, knowing the same to be earnings of prostitution.", "body": "Section 4B criminalizes living on or deriving support from the earnings of a minor's prostitution, knowing the same to be earnings of prostitution.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 4B. Whoever lives or derives support or maintenance, in whole or in part, from the earnings or proceeds of prostitution committed by a minor, knowing the same to be earnings or proceeds of prostitution, or shares in such earnings, proceeds or monies, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than five years and by a fine of five thousand dollars.”\n\nNote: Child exploitation 'pimping' statute. Mandatory minimum 5 years. Knowledge element: must know the earnings are from prostitution of a minor.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section4B", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 4B. Whoever lives or derives support or maintenance, in whole or in part, from the earnings or proceeds of prostitution committed by a minor, knowing the same to be earnings or proceeds of prostitution, or shares in such earnings, proceeds or monies, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than five years and by a fine of five thousand dollars.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §4B", "topic": "living off earnings of minor prostitute", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "The knowledge element requires knowing the earnings are from prostitution of a minor.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section2", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §2: enticing away person for prostitution or sexual intercourse", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 2 criminalizes fraudulently and deceitfully enticing or taking away a person from the house of a parent or guardian for the purpose of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse.", "body": "Section 2 criminalizes fraudulently and deceitfully enticing or taking away a person from the house of a parent or guardian for the purpose of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 2. Whoever fraudulently and deceitfully entices or takes away a person from the house of his parent or guardian or elsewhere, for the purpose of prostitution or for the purpose of unlawful sexual intercourse, and whoever aids and assists in such abduction for such purpose, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than three years or in jail for not more than one year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment in jail.”\n\nNote: Enticement/abduction for prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse. Requires 'fraudulently and deceitfully' enticement.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section2", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 2. Whoever fraudulently and deceitfully entices or takes away a person from the house of his parent or guardian or elsewhere, for the purpose of prostitution or for the purpose of unlawful sexual intercourse, and whoever aids and assists in such abduction for such purpose, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than three years or in jail for not more than one year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment in jail.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §2", "topic": "enticing away person for prostitution or sexual intercourse", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Abduction/enticement statute directed at the act of taking a person away for the purpose of prostitution.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section6", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §6: owner of place inducing person to resort for sexual intercourse for money", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 6 criminalizes being the owner of a place and knowingly inducing or suffering a person to resort to that place for the purpose of unlawfully having sexual intercourse for money or other financial gain.", "body": "Section 6 criminalizes being the owner of a place and knowingly inducing or suffering a person to resort to that place for the purpose of unlawfully having sexual intercourse for money or other financial gain.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 6. Whoever, being the owner of a place or having or assisting in the management or control thereof induces or knowingly suffers a person to resort to or be in or upon such place, for the purpose of unlawfully having sexual intercourse for money or other financial gain, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a period of five years and a five thousand dollar fine.”\n\nNote: The offence turns on both contact (inducing/suffering a person to resort) AND a fee/money or financial gain. Minimum 2 years before eligibility for release.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section6", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 6. Whoever, being the owner of a place or having or assisting in the management or control thereof induces or knowingly suffers a person to resort to or be in or upon such place, for the purpose of unlawfully having sexual intercourse for money or other financial gain, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a period of five years and a five thousand dollar fine.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §6", "topic": "owner of place inducing person to resort for sexual intercourse for money", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This is the 'keeping a house of prostitution' statute with a specific financial-gain element.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section9", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §9: warrant to enter place for prostitution; detention of person", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 9 authorizes a district court, upon oath of probable cause, to issue a warrant for entering a house or place kept or resorted to for prostitution, and detaining the owner and any other person found there.", "body": "Section 9 authorizes a district court, upon oath of probable cause, to issue a warrant for entering a house or place kept or resorted to for prostitution, and detaining the owner and any other person found there.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 9. If a person makes oath before a district court that he has probable cause to suspect that a house, building, room or place is kept or resorted to for prostitution and that a certain person owning or having or assisting in the management or control of such house, building, room or place knowingly suffers another person to be in or upon such place for the purpose of unlawfully having sexual intercourse, said court shall, if satisfied that there is probable cause thereof, issue a warrant commanding the sheriff or his deputy, or any constable or police officer, to enter such house, building, room or place and search for such owner or person in control, and take into custody both the owner or person in control and such other person as may be in or upon such place for such purpose.”\n\nNote: Procedural enforcement section. Authorizes warrant entry and detention of persons found at a place resorted to for prostitution.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section9", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 9. If a person makes oath before a district court that he has probable cause to suspect that a house, building, room or place is kept or resorted to for prostitution and that a certain person owning or having or assisting in the management or control of such house, building, room or place knowingly suffers another person to be in or upon such place for the purpose of unlawfully having sexual intercourse, said court shall, if satisfied that there is probable cause thereof, issue a warrant commanding the sheriff or his deputy, or any constable or police officer, to enter such house, building, room or place and search for such owner or person in control, and take into custody both the owner or person in control and such other person as may be in or upon such place for such purpose.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §9", "topic": "warrant to enter place for prostitution; detention of person", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Enforcement/procedure section. Authorizes warrant-based entry and detention for prostitution investigation.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section10", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §10: arrest without warrant for prostitution offences", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 10 authorizes warrantless arrest of any person an officer has reasonable cause to believe is violating any provision of chapter 272, or keeping a house resorted to for prostitution or lewdness.", "body": "Section 10 authorizes warrantless arrest of any person an officer has reasonable cause to believe is violating any provision of chapter 272, or keeping a house resorted to for prostitution or lewdness.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 10. Nothing in the preceding section shall prevent the arrest and detention without a warrant of any person who, the officer serving said process may have reasonable cause to believe, is violating any provision of this chapter, or is keeping a house, room or place resorted to for prostitution or lewdness, and said officer may upon such search arrest without a warrant any such person, and detain him until complaint may be made against him.”\n\nNote: Warrantless arrest authority for chapter 272 violations. Supplements section 9.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section10", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 10. Nothing in the preceding section shall prevent the arrest and detention without a warrant of any person who, the officer serving said process may have reasonable cause to believe, is violating any provision of this chapter, or is keeping a house, room or place resorted to for prostitution or lewdness, and said officer may upon such search arrest without a warrant any such person, and detain him until complaint may be made against him.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §10", "topic": "arrest without warrant for prostitution offences", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This is a general enforcement provision that supplements section 9.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section11", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §11: corroboration requirement for prostitution prosecutions", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 11 requires corroboration of a witness's testimony in a material particular for conviction under sections 2, 4, and 6, and limits prosecution to within one year of the crime.", "body": "Section 11 requires corroboration of a witness's testimony in a material particular for conviction under sections 2, 4, and 6, and limits prosecution to within one year of the crime.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 11. A person shall not be convicted under sections 2, 4 and 6 upon the evidence of one witness only, unless his testimony is corroborated in a material particular, and prosecution for a violation of any of said sections shall not be commenced more than one year after the commission of the crime.”\n\nNote: Corroboration requirement for sections 2, 4, and 6. One-year statute of limitations for those sections.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section11", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 11. A person shall not be convicted under sections 2, 4 and 6 upon the evidence of one witness only, unless his testimony is corroborated in a material particular, and prosecution for a violation of any of said sections shall not be commenced more than one year after the commission of the crime.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §11", "topic": "corroboration requirement for prostitution prosecutions", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Section 4 here refers to section 4 (not 4A) — the inducing person under 18 for prostitution section that preceded the cu", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section12", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §12: procuring person to practice prostitution; employment office procuring", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 12 criminalizes knowingly procuring, enticing, sending, or aiding a person to practice prostitution or enter a house of ill fame, and separately penalizes employment agency proprietors who procure persons for such purposes.", "body": "Section 12 criminalizes knowingly procuring, enticing, sending, or aiding a person to practice prostitution or enter a house of ill fame, and separately penalizes employment agency proprietors who procure persons for such purposes.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 12. Whoever knowingly procures, entices, sends, or aids or abets in procuring, enticing or sending, a person to practice prostitution, or to enter as an inmate or a servant a house of ill fame or other place resorted to for prostitution, whether within or without the commonwealth, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not less than three months nor more than two years. Whoever as a proprietor or keeper of an employment agency, either personally or through an agent or employee, procures or sends a person to enter as aforesaid a house of ill fame or other place resorted to for prostitution, the character of which on reasonable inquiry could have been ascertained by him, shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than two hundred dollars.”\n\nNote: Procuring statute. The employment agency subsection has a 'reasonable inquiry' knowledge standard.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section12", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 12. Whoever knowingly procures, entices, sends, or aids or abets in procuring, enticing or sending, a person to practice prostitution, or to enter as an inmate or a servant a house of ill fame or other place resorted to for prostitution, whether within or without the commonwealth, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not less than three months nor more than two years. Whoever as a proprietor or keeper of an employment agency, either personally or through an agent or employee, procures or sends a person to enter as aforesaid a house of ill fame or other place resorted to for prostitution, the character of which on reasonable inquiry could have been ascertained by him, shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than two hundred dollars.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §12", "topic": "procuring person to practice prostitution; employment office procuring", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Covers the act of procuring a person for prostitution regardless of whether a fee is directly charged by the procurer.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section13", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §13: detaining or drugging person in place for prostitution", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 13 criminalizes unlawfully detaining a person, or providing/administering drugs or liquor for the purpose of detaining a person in a house of ill fame or place where prostitution is practiced.", "body": "Section 13 criminalizes unlawfully detaining a person, or providing/administering drugs or liquor for the purpose of detaining a person in a house of ill fame or place where prostitution is practiced.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 13. Whoever, for any length of time, unlawfully detains or attempts to detain, or aids or abets in unlawfully detaining or attempting to detain, or provides or administers or aids or abets in providing or administering any drug or liquor for the purpose of detaining a person in a house of ill fame or other place where prostitution is practiced or allowed, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in the house of correction for not less than one nor more than two and one half years or by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than five hundred dollars.”\n\nNote: Covers detention and drugging to detain a person for prostitution purposes.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section13", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 13. Whoever, for any length of time, unlawfully detains or attempts to detain, or aids or abets in unlawfully detaining or attempting to detain, or provides or administers or aids or abets in providing or administering any drug or liquor for the purpose of detaining a person in a house of ill fame or other place where prostitution is practiced or allowed, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in the house of correction for not less than one nor more than two and one half years or by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than five hundred dollars.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §13", "topic": "detaining or drugging person in place for prostitution", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This covers physical detention or drugging to facilitate prostitution.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section24", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §24: keeping house of ill fame", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 24 criminalizes keeping a house of ill fame which is resorted to for prostitution or lewdness.", "body": "Section 24 criminalizes keeping a house of ill fame which is resorted to for prostitution or lewdness.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 24. Whoever keeps a house of ill fame which is resorted to for prostitution or lewdness shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than two years.”\n\nNote: Keeping a house of ill fame. Does not require a fee — 'resorted to for prostitution or lewdness' is the trigger.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section24", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 24. Whoever keeps a house of ill fame which is resorted to for prostitution or lewdness shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than two years.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §24", "topic": "keeping house of ill fame", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "The classic 'keeping a brothel' statute.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section53", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §53: penalty for certain offenses including common night walkers and indecent exposure", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 53 penalizes common night walkers, common street walkers, persons who accost or annoy another with offensive acts or language, lewd persons, keepers of noisy houses, and persons guilty of indecent exposure.", "body": "Section 53 penalizes common night walkers, common street walkers, persons who accost or annoy another with offensive acts or language, lewd persons, keepers of noisy houses, and persons guilty of indecent exposure.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 53. (a) Common night walkers, common street walkers, both male and female, persons who with offensive and disorderly acts or language accost or annoy another person, lewd, wanton and lascivious persons in speech or behavior, keepers of noisy and disorderly houses, and persons guilty of indecent exposure shall be punished by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 6 months, or by a fine of not more than $200, or by both such fine and imprisonment.”\n\nNote: Misdemeanor-level public order offences. 'Common night walkers' and 'common street walkers' are traditional prostitution-adjacent offences.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section53", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 53. (a) Common night walkers, common street walkers, both male and female, persons who with offensive and disorderly acts or language accost or annoy another person, lewd, wanton and lascivious persons in speech or behavior, keepers of noisy and disorderly houses, and persons guilty of indecent exposure shall be punished by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 6 months, or by a fine of not more than $200, or by both such fine and imprisonment.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §53", "topic": "penalty for certain offenses including common night walkers and indecent exposure", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "These are misdemeanor-level offences that overlap with public-order prostitution-related conduct.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section16", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §16: open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 16 criminalizes open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, whether married or unmarried.", "body": "Section 16 criminalizes open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, whether married or unmarried.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 16. A man or woman, married or unmarried, who is guilty of open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than three years or in jail for not more than two years or by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars.”\n\nNote: Open and gross lewdness — could apply to filming sexual acts in public or semi-public contexts.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section16", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 16. A man or woman, married or unmarried, who is guilty of open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than three years or in jail for not more than two years or by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §16", "topic": "open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This is a general lewdness statute that could apply to public sexual conduct.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section26", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §26: resorting to restaurants or taverns for immoral purposes", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 26 criminalizes resorting to cafés, restaurants, taverns, or other places where food or drink is sold for the purpose of immoral solicitation or bargaining, and inducing another person to engage in immoral conduct in such places.", "body": "Section 26 criminalizes resorting to cafés, restaurants, taverns, or other places where food or drink is sold for the purpose of immoral solicitation or bargaining, and inducing another person to engage in immoral conduct in such places.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 26. Whoever, for the purpose of immoral solicitation or immoral bargaining, shall resort to any café, restaurant, tavern, as defined in section one of chapter one hundred and thirty-eight, or other place where food or drink is sold or served to be consumed upon the premises, and whoever shall resort to any such place for the purpose of, in any manner, inducing another person to engage in immoral conduct, and whoever, being in or about any such place, shall engage in any such acts, and any person owning, managing or controlling such place and any employee of such person who induces or knowingly suffers any person to resort to, or be in such place for the purpose of immoral solicitation or immoral bargaining, shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.”\n\nNote: Covers 'immoral solicitation' in food/drink establishments. The term 'immoral' is not defined in this section.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section26", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 26. Whoever, for the purpose of immoral solicitation or immoral bargaining, shall resort to any café, restaurant, tavern, as defined in section one of chapter one hundred and thirty-eight, or other place where food or drink is sold or served to be consumed upon the premises, and whoever shall resort to any such place for the purpose of, in any manner, inducing another person to engage in immoral conduct, and whoever, being in or about any such place, shall engage in any such acts, and any person owning, managing or controlling such place and any employee of such person who induces or knowingly suffers any person to resort to, or be in such place for the purpose of immoral solicitation or immoral bargaining, shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §26", "topic": "resorting to restaurants or taverns for immoral purposes", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Covers 'immoral solicitation' in food/drink establishments.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "suggestive" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section54", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §54: apprehension without warrant for section 53/53A offences", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 54 authorizes warrantless apprehension of persons found in a public way committing offences set forth in sections 53 and 53A.", "body": "Section 54 authorizes warrantless apprehension of persons found in a public way committing offences set forth in sections 53 and 53A.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 54. Whoever is found in a public way or other public place, committing any offence or disorder set forth in sections fifty-three and fifty-three A, may be apprehended by a sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable or police officer or by any other person by the order of a magistrate or any of said officers, without a warrant and be kept in custody for not more than twenty-four hours, Sundays and legal holidays excepted, until he can be taken before a court or trial justice having jurisdiction of such offence.”\n\nNote: Warrantless arrest for section 53A offences in public places. Directly relevant to enforcement of prostitution laws.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section54", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 54. Whoever is found in a public way or other public place, committing any offence or disorder set forth in sections fifty-three and fifty-three A, may be apprehended by a sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable or police officer or by any other person by the order of a magistrate or any of said officers, without a warrant and be kept in custody for not more than twenty-four hours, Sundays and legal holidays excepted, until he can be taken before a court or trial justice having jurisdiction of such offence.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §54", "topic": "apprehension without warrant for section 53/53A offences", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This directly brings section 53A (sexual conduct for a fee) within warrantless arrest authority.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section62", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §62: third conviction of being a common nightwalker", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 62 provides enhanced sentencing for a third conviction of being a common nightwalker, with commitment to the house of correction for up to 2.5 years or the reformatory.", "body": "Section 62 provides enhanced sentencing for a third conviction of being a common nightwalker, with commitment to the house of correction for up to 2.5 years or the reformatory.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 62. If a complaint charges a person with being a common nightwalker, and it is proved at the trial that such person has been twice before convicted of the same offence, such person may be sentenced to the house of correction for not more than two and one half years or if a male, to the Massachusetts reformatory, or if a female, to the reformatory for women.”\n\nNote: Repeat-offender provision. 'Common nightwalker' is a traditional prostitution-adjacent offence.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section62", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 62. If a complaint charges a person with being a common nightwalker, and it is proved at the trial that such person has been twice before convicted of the same offence, such person may be sentenced to the house of correction for not more than two and one half years or if a male, to the Massachusetts reformatory, or if a female, to the reformatory for women.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §62", "topic": "third conviction of being a common nightwalker", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Repeat-offender provision for 'common nightwalker' — a traditional prostitution-adjacent offence.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section28", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §28: matter harmful to minors; dissemination; possession; defenses", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 28 criminalizes purposefully disseminating matter harmful to minors, with escalating fines for repeat offences up to $30,000 for third offence.", "body": "Section 28 criminalizes purposefully disseminating matter harmful to minors, with escalating fines for repeat offences up to $30,000 for third offence.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 28. Whoever purposefully disseminates to a person he knows or believes to be a minor any matter harmful to minors, as defined in section 31, knowing it to be harmful to minors, or has in his possession any such matter with the intent to disseminate the same to a person he knows or believes to be a minor, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or in a jail or house of correction for not more than 21/2 years, or by a fine of not less than $1000 nor more than $10,000 for the first offense, not less than $5000 nor more than $20,000 for the second offense, or not less than $10,000 nor more than $30,000 for a third or subsequent offenses, or by both such fine and imprisonment.”\n\nNote: Harmful-to-minors dissemination. Electronic communications require specific intent to direct to a minor. Defenses: parental relationship, bona fide school/museum/library.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section28", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 28. Whoever purposefully disseminates to a person he knows or believes to be a minor any matter harmful to minors, as defined in section 31, knowing it to be harmful to minors, or has in his possession any such matter with the intent to disseminate the same to a person he knows or believes to be a minor, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or in a jail or house of correction for not more than 21/2 years, or by a fine of not less than $1000 nor more than $10,000 for the first offense, not less than $5000 nor more than $20,000 for the second offense, or not less than $10,000 nor more than $30,000 for a third or subsequent offenses, or by both such fine and imprisonment.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §28", "topic": "matter harmful to minors; dissemination; possession; defenses", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to visual material depicting nudity or sexual conduct. A creator filming adult content could face this section i", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section29", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §29: dissemination or possession of obscene matter", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 29 criminalizes disseminating or possessing obscene matter with intent to disseminate, with escalating fines up to $30,000 for third and subsequent offenses.", "body": "Section 29 criminalizes disseminating or possessing obscene matter with intent to disseminate, with escalating fines up to $30,000 for third and subsequent offenses.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 29. Whoever disseminates any matter which is obscene, knowing it to be obscene, or whoever has in his possession any matter which is obscene, knowing it to be obscene, with the intent to disseminate the same, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in a jail or house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or by a fine of not less than one thousand nor more than ten thousand dollars for the first offense, not less than five thousand nor more than twenty thousand dollars for the second offense, or not less than ten thousand nor more than thirty thousand dollars for the third and subsequent offenses, or by both such fine and imprisonment.”\n\nNote: Obscenity provisions. Defense: bona fide school/museum/library.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section29", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 29. Whoever disseminates any matter which is obscene, knowing it to be obscene, or whoever has in his possession any matter which is obscene, knowing it to be obscene, with the intent to disseminate the same, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in a jail or house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or by a fine of not less than one thousand nor more than ten thousand dollars for the first offense, not less than five thousand nor more than twenty thousand dollars for the second offense, or not less than ten thousand nor more than thirty thousand dollars for the third and subsequent offenses, or by both such fine and imprisonment.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §29", "topic": "dissemination or possession of obscene matter", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Obscenity is distinct from 'harmful to minors' — obscene material lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scient", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section34", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §34: crime against nature", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 34 criminalizes the 'abominable and detestable crime against nature' with mankind or a beast, punishable by state prison up to 20 years.", "body": "Section 34 criminalizes the 'abominable and detestable crime against nature' with mankind or a beast, punishable by state prison up to 20 years.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 34. Whoever commits the abominable and detestable crime against nature, either with mankind or with a beast, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years.”\n\nNote: Broad 'crime against nature' statute. The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts has interpreted this statute — Lawrence v. Texas (2003, US Supreme Court) effectively invalidated such statutes for consensual private conduct, but no Massachusetts-specific AG opinion was found on the point.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section34", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 34. Whoever commits the abominable and detestable crime against nature, either with mankind or with a beast, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §34", "topic": "crime against nature", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "This is a broad statute criminalizing certain sexual acts. Its application to filmed consensual adult content is an open", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section35", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §35: unnatural and lascivious acts", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 35 criminalizes any unnatural and lascivious act with another person, with penalties ranging from fine to state prison up to 5 years.", "body": "Section 35 criminalizes any unnatural and lascivious act with another person, with penalties ranging from fine to state prison up to 5 years.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 35. Whoever commits any unnatural and lascivious act with another person shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in jail or the house of correction for not more than two and one half years.”\n\nNote: Broad 'unnatural and lascivious acts' statute. Application to filmed adult content is an open legal question.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section35", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 35. Whoever commits any unnatural and lascivious act with another person shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in jail or the house of correction for not more than two and one half years.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §35", "topic": "unnatural and lascivious acts", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Broad statute covering 'unnatural and lascivious acts.' Could apply to filmed sexual content depending on interpretation", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section35a", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §35A: unnatural and lascivious acts with child under 16", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 35A criminalizes unnatural and lascivious acts with a child under 16, with enhanced penalties for second or subsequent offenses by persons over 18.", "body": "Section 35A criminalizes unnatural and lascivious acts with a child under 16, with enhanced penalties for second or subsequent offenses by persons over 18.\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 35A. Whoever commits any unnatural and lascivious act with a child under the age of sixteen shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in jail or the house of correction for not more than two and one half years, and whoever over the age of eighteen commits a second or subsequent such offence shall be sentenced to imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than five years.”\n\nNote: Child protection provision. Second/subsequent offense by person over 18 carries mandatory minimum of 5 years.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section35A", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 35A. Whoever commits any unnatural and lascivious act with a child under the age of sixteen shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in jail or the house of correction for not more than two and one half years, and whoever over the age of eighteen commits a second or subsequent such offence shall be sentenced to imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than five years.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §35A", "topic": "unnatural and lascivious acts with child under 16", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Child protection provision. Age of 'child' is under 16.", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "safety.harm" ], "explicitness": "explicit_solo" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r245_massachusetts_prostitution_statute_every_section_245_mass_prostitution_section31_definitions", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §31: definitions for sections 28-30, 31D (obscenity and child exploitation)", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Section 31 defines key terms used in the obscenity and child-exploitation provisions of chapter 272, including 'sexual conduct,' 'sexually explicit conduct,' 'obscene,' 'harmful to minors,' and 'visual material.'", "body": "Section 31 defines key terms used in the obscenity and child-exploitation provisions of chapter 272, including 'sexual conduct,' 'sexually explicit conduct,' 'obscene,' 'harmful to minors,' and 'visual material.'\n\nWhat The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually says:\n\n“Section 31. As used in sections twenty-eight, twenty-eight C, twenty-eight D, twenty-eight E, twenty-nine, twenty-nine A, twenty-nine B, thirty and thirty D, the following words shall, unless the context requires otherwise, have the following meanings:— 'Disseminate', to import, publish, produce, print, manufacture, distribute, sell, lease, exhibit or display. 'Harmful to minors', matter is harmful to minors if it is obscene or, if taken as a whole, it (1) describes or represents nudity, sexual conduct or sexual excitement, so as to appeal predominantly to the prurient interest of minors; (2) is patently contrary to prevailing standards of adults in the county where the offense was committed as to suitable material for such minors; and (3) lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.”\n\nNote: Section 31's definitions do NOT apply to section 53A. The 'sexual conduct' definition in section 31 covers 'human masturbation, sexual intercourse, actual or simulated, normal or perverted, any lewd exhibitions of the genitals, flagellation or torture in the context of a sexual relationship, any lewd touching of the genitals, pubic areas, or buttocks... and any depiction or representation of excretory functions in the context of a sexual relationship.' This definition is relevant for evaluating whether filmed content could fall under obscenity/child-exploitation provisions.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section31", "last_verified": "2026-09-23", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", "evidence_quote": "Section 31. As used in sections twenty-eight, twenty-eight C, twenty-eight D, twenty-eight E, twenty-nine, twenty-nine A, twenty-nine B, thirty and thirty D, the following words shall, unless the context requires otherwise, have the following meanings:— 'Disseminate', to import, publish, produce, print, manufacture, distribute, sell, lease, exhibit or display. 'Harmful to minors', matter is harmful to minors if it is obscene or, if taken as a whole, it (1) describes or represents nudity, sexual conduct or sexual excitement, so as to appeal predominantly to the prurient interest of minors; (2) is patently contrary to prevailing standards of adults in the county where the offense was committed as to suitable material for such minors; and (3) lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "245-massachusetts-prostitution-statute-every-section", "subject": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, §31", "topic": "definitions for sections 28-30, 31D (obscenity and child exploitation)", "applies_to_country": "us-ma", "applies_to_scope": "Section 31's definitions are explicitly limited to sections 28, 28C, 28D, 28E, 29, 29A, 29B, 30, and 31D — NOT to sectio", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-ma" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "safety.legal", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } } ] }