Terms Used In Missouri Laws 272.040

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • 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.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

Upon complaint of either party claiming to be injured because of the trespass or taking up of livestock as described in section 272.030, the associate circuit judge shall, without delay, issue an order to three disinterested householders of the neighborhood, not of kin to either party, reciting the complaint, and requiring them to view the fence where the trespass is complained of, and take memoranda of the same, and appear before the court on the day set for trial; and their evidence shall determine the lawfulness of such fence. The persons appointed by the associate circuit judge shall be paid twenty-five dollars each per day for the time actually employed which shall be taxed as costs in the case equally against the parties and collected accordingly.