Section 27. If a person to whom a writ of habeas corpus is directed refuses to receive it, or neglects to execute it according to the provisions of this chapter and no sufficient excuse is shown therefor, the court or justice before whom the writ was returnable shall forthwith by process of attachment, as for a contempt, compel obedience to the writ, and punish the person guilty of the contempt.

Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 248 sec. 27

  • Attachment: A procedure by which a person's property is seized to pay judgments levied by the court.
  • Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.
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