Section 4E. (a) A victim of female genital mutilation pursuant to section 60 of chapter 265 may bring a civil action for female genital mutilation. The court may award actual damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief or any other appropriate relief. A prevailing plaintiff shall also be awarded attorney’s fees and costs. Treble damages may be awarded on proof of actual damages if the defendant‘s acts were willful and malicious.

Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 260 sec. 4E

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.

(b) A civil action for female genital mutilation shall be commenced within 10 years of the acts alleged to have caused the injury; provided, however, the time limit for commencement of an action under this section shall be tolled for a child until the child attains the age of 18.

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