Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 34, § 13: Powers; administration of oaths; punishment for contempt

Section 13. When in session, the commissioners may administer oaths to witnesses and punish disorderly conduct which interrupts their meeting or is an open and direct contempt of their authority or persons by a fine of not more than five dollars or by confinement in the custody of the sheriff, a deputy sheriff or constable for not more than twelve hours.