Terms Used In Missouri Laws 517.132

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Counterclaim: A claim that a defendant makes against a plaintiff.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • 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.

If any suit, setoff, counterclaim or cross claim is based upon a written instrument purporting to have been executed by the opposite party, and the same or a verified copy is filed with the court, such instrument shall be admitted in evidence at trial unless the opposing party by responsive pleadings or affidavit shall deny the execution of the instrument, prior to admission of the instrument in evidence.