Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 261 - Costs in Civil Actions
Section 13 - Discretion of Court

Section 13. In civil actions or other proceedings in which no provision is expressly made by law, the costs shall be wholly in the discretion of the court, but no greater amount shall be taxed therein than is allowed for similar charges in actions in which costs are expressly provided for by law.

Structure Massachusetts General Laws

Massachusetts General Laws

Part III - Courts, Judicial Officers and Proceedings in Civil Cases

Title VI - Costs and Fees

Chapter 261 - Costs in Civil Actions

Section 1 - Prevailing Party to Recover Costs

Section 2 - Insolvency of Defendant

Section 4 - Superior Court Cases

Section 5 - Offer of Payment and Satisfaction; Effect

Section 6 - Real Actions and Replevin

Section 7 - Unnecessary Actions

Section 8 - Cases Tried Together

Section 9 - Judgment on Certain Counts Only; Effect on Costs

Section 10 - Subsequent Actions for Same Cause; Conditions Precedent for Commencement

Section 11 - Double or Treble Costs; Allowance

Section 13 - Discretion of Court

Section 14 - Actions by State; Liability for Costs

Section 15 - Action by State in Behalf of Private Parties; Effect on Costs

Section 16 - Judgment for Costs Against State; Payment

Section 17 - Attorney General; Travel Costs

Section 18 - Arbitrators and Courts; Powers; Effect of This Chapter

Section 19 - Clerk; Duty to Tax Costs; Notice

Section 20 - Appeal From Taxation of Costs

Section 21 - Execution for Costs; Bond for Costs

Section 22 - Appeal Costs; Allowance

Section 23 - Supreme Judicial, Appeals and Superior Courts; Items of Costs

Section 24 - Trials at Designated Place

Section 25a - Miscellaneous Expenses; Allowances

Section 26 - District Courts; Items of Costs

Section 27a - Definitions Applicable to Secs. 27a to 27g

Section 27b - Affidavit of Indigency; Waiver, Substitution or State Payment of Fees or Costs; Supplementary Affidavits

Section 27c - Granting Requests for Waiver, Substitution or State Payment

Section 27d - Appeal; Notice; Record; Speedy Hearing; Stay of Proceedings; Decision Final

Section 27e - Repayment; Deductions From Judgment or Settlement; Notice; Procedure

Section 27f - Substitute Documents, Services or Objects at Less Cost; Court Order

Section 27g - Payment Procedure; Public Record; Report of Expenditures

Section 29 - Court Action by Inmate; Affidavit of Indigency; Court-Ordered Payment Plan; Review and Recommendation; Penalties for Abuse of Process