Section 51. If a defendant dies during the pendency of such a suit in equity, it shall not abate thereby; but his estate in the hands of his executor or administrator shall be liable to the same extent as he would be if living. Such executor or administrator may voluntarily appear and become a party to the suit or may be summoned by the plaintiff.

Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 158 sec. 51

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Executor: A male person named in a will to carry out the decedent
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.