# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13: Manslaughter; punishment; business organization as defendant

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13
- **Heading:** Manslaughter; punishment; business organization as defendant
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part IV / Title I / Chapter 265 / Section 13

## Text

Section 13. Whoever commits manslaughter shall, except as hereinafter provided, be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars and imprisonment in jail or a house of correction for not more than two and one half years. Whoever commits manslaughter while violating the provisions of sections 102 to 102C, inclusive, of chapter 266 shall be imprisoned in the state prison for life or for any term of years. Any business organization including, without limitation, a corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity that commits manslaughter shall be punished by a fine of not more than $250,000. If a business organization is found guilty under this section, the appropriate commissioner or secretary may debar the corporation under section 29F of chapter 29 for a period of not more than 10 years.

Section 13. Whoever commits manslaughter shall, except as hereinafter provided, be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than twenty years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars and imprisonment in jail or a house of correction for not more than two and one half years. Whoever commits manslaughter while violating the provisions of sections 102 to 102C, inclusive, of chapter 266 shall be imprisoned in the state prison for life or for any term of years.

Any business organization including, without limitation, a corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity that commits manslaughter shall be punished by a fine of not more than $250,000. If a business organization is found guilty under this section, the appropriate commissioner or secretary may debar the corporation under section 29F of chapter 29 for a period of not more than 10 years.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 1 Murder defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 2 Punishment for murder; parole; executive clemency](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 3 Duel; wound without and death within state; venue](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 4 Accessory in duel](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 5 Duel; conviction or acquittal in foreign state; effect](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 9 Prize fighting; engaging](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S9.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 10 Prize fight; aiding or promoting; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S10.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 11 Prize fight; appointment within and fight without state; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S11.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 12 Boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting matches or sparring exhibitions; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S12.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13 Manslaughter; punishment; business organization as defendant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13A Assault or assault and battery; punishment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13B Indecent assault and battery on child under age of 14; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13C Assault and battery to collect loan; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13C.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13D Assault and battery upon public employees; attempt to disarm police officer; assault and battery upon a police officer; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13D.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.