Constitution · Massachusetts

Mass. Const. pt. 1, art. 14

Constitution
Constitution of Massachusetts
Text as of
October 2026

What does this section say?

Every subject has a right to be secure from all unreasonable searches, and seizures, of his person, his houses, his papers, and all his possessions. All warrants, therefore, are contrary to this right, if the cause or foundation of them be not previously supported by oath or affirmation; and if the order in the warrant to a civil officer, to make search in suspected places, or to arrest one or more suspected persons, or to seize their property, be not accompanied with a special designation of the persons or objects of search, arrest, or seizure: and no warrant ought to be issued but in cases, and with the formalities prescribed by the laws. [See Amendments, Art. XLVIII, The Initiative, II, sec. 2].

The text is copied from the official source: malegislature.gov. This is the stored text for research. It is not legal advice; check the official source before you rely on it.

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