# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 4: Accessory in duel

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S4

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 4
- **Heading:** Accessory in duel
- **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 4

## Text

Section 4. An inhabitant or resident of this commonwealth who, by previous appointment or engagement made within the same, becomes the second of either party in such duel and is present as a second when a mortal wound is inflicted upon a person whereof he dies within this commonwealth shall be an accessory before the fact to murder in this commonwealth, and may be indicted, tried and convicted in the county where the death occurs.

Section 4. An inhabitant or resident of this commonwealth who, by previous appointment or engagement made within the same, becomes the second of either party in such duel and is present as a second when a mortal wound is inflicted upon a person whereof he dies within this commonwealth shall be an accessory before the fact to murder in this commonwealth, and may be indicted, tried and convicted in the county where the death occurs.

## 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_S4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.