Section 6. The libel shall be entered and conducted as a civil action; and if after notice no claimant appears, the court shall, upon a hearing, decree a forfeiture, restoration or other appropriate disposition of the property. If a claimant appears, he may allege and answer any matter material for his defence, and either party shall be entitled to claim a jury trial upon issues of fact as in other civil actions.

Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 257 sec. 6

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
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