Terms Used In Missouri Laws 484.260

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

In all cases of a trial of charges in the circuit court, the defendant may except to any ruling or decision of the court, and may prosecute an appeal or writ of error to the supreme court, in all respects as in actions at law. And it is hereby made the duty of the supreme court to hear said appeal at the next term of said court unless continued for cause.