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.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part III - Courts, Judicial Officers and Proceedings in Civil Cases
Title IV - Certain Writs and Proceedings in Special Cases
Chapter 257 - Seizure and Libelling of Forfeited Property
Section 1 - Persons Authorized
Section 2 - Libel; Contents; Time for Filing
Section 3 - Libel; Jurisdiction and Venue
Section 4 - Superior Court; Notice of Libel
Section 5 - District Court; Notice of Libel
Section 8 - Proceeds of Sale; Disposition
Section 9 - Seizure Without Probable Cause; Damages; Costs
Section 11 - Delivery of Property to Claimant; Conditions Precedent
Section 12 - Appraisal; Application of Claimant
Section 13 - Appraisal; Application of Person Making Seizure