Terms Used In Missouri Laws 509.360

  • Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

After the pleadings are closed, but within such time as not to delay the trial, any party may move for judgment on the pleadings.