# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 2: Punishment for murder; parole; executive clemency

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S2

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 2
- **Heading:** Punishment for murder; parole; executive clemency
- **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 2

## Text

Section 2. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), any person who is found guilty of murder in the first degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life and shall not be eligible for parole pursuant to section 133A of chapter 127. (b) Any person who is found guilty of murder in the first degree who committed the offense on or after the person's fourteenth birthday and before the person's eighteenth birthday shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life and shall be eligible for parole after the term of years fixed by the court pursuant to section 24 of chapter 279. (c) Any person who is found guilty of murder in the second degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life and shall be eligible for parole after the term of years fixed by the court pursuant to section 24 of chapter 279. (d) Any person whose sentence for murder is commuted by the governor and council pursuant to section 152 of chapter 127 shall thereafter be subject to the laws governing parole.

Section 2. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), any person who is found guilty of murder in the first degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life and shall not be eligible for parole pursuant to section 133A of chapter 127.

(b) Any person who is found guilty of murder in the first degree who committed the offense on or after the person's fourteenth birthday and before the person's eighteenth birthday shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life and shall be eligible for parole after the term of years fixed by the court pursuant to section 24 of chapter 279.

(c) Any person who is found guilty of murder in the second degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life and shall be eligible for parole after the term of years fixed by the court pursuant to section 24 of chapter 279.

(d) Any person whose sentence for murder is commuted by the governor and council pursuant to section 152 of chapter 127 shall thereafter be subject to the laws governing parole.

## 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_S2. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.