Massachusetts
How Cohen v. de la Cruz applies in Massachusetts: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Bankruptcy.
In Massachusetts, the principles established by Cohen v. de la Cruz continue to guide the understanding of exceptions to discharge under the Bankruptcy Code. The state courts align with the federal interpretation that certain debts, including those arising from fraud, are not dischargeable.
In Massachusetts, debts incurred through fraud or that are willful and malicious injuries to another person or property remain non-dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(2)(A) and § 523(a)(6).
The court held that a debt arising from fraudulent misrepresentation was non-dischargeable, affirming the principles in Cohen v. de la Cruz regarding fraud.
The court ruled that debts from willful and malicious injuries are not dischargeable, reinforcing the precedent from Cohen v. de la Cruz.
This case reiterated that intentional torts leading to economic damages are non-dischargeable under Massachusetts law, consistent with the standards set forth in Cohen.
Massachusetts bankruptcy law follows the federal standard closely, particularly regarding the non-dischargeability of debts stemming from fraud or willful misconduct. There are no significant deviations from the federal rules established under Cohen v. de la Cruz.
Understanding the non-dischargeability exceptions outlined in Cohen v. de la Cruz is critical for the Massachusetts bar exam, particularly in bankruptcy law questions.