This handbook is intended to serve as an informal guide to the laws that pertain to Fence Viewers and fencing in general in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We have used two primary sources for the current Massachusetts laws. We first searched the unofficial on-line text of the Massachusetts General Laws provided on the Internet (http://www.state.ma.us/legis/laws/mgl/) by the State Senate. This was followed by an examination of the laws, court decisions and notes as they appear in the most recent volumes and annual supplements of Massachusetts General Laws Annotated (1977). In every instance, the text describing each law consists only of a summary of the full language. Although the authors have done their best to be accurate, we have not been able to be complete. Readers must consult the original statutes or Massachusetts General Laws Annotated (1997) for a full and complete statement of each law and for extensive court decisions. It should also be noted that the Attorney General of Massachusetts has issued an opinion that the statutes on fences do not apply to state owned land of the Commonwealth (8 Op. Atty. Gen. 1928, p. 473). This Handbook does not constitute legal advice. City and town Fence Viewers should consult their City Solicitor or Town Counsel if any questions arise. Other users should consult their own lawyer. Readers should be aware that the laws change. Current supplements to Massachusetts General Laws Annotated should be consulted in city and town offices, public libraries, or the Trial Court Libraries.