Terms Used In Missouri Laws 511.220

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.

If the answer or motion is filed within the time so limited, the cause shall proceed as it would have done had the defendant appeared to the summons and filed his answer or motion to the petition; if not, the judgment shall be made absolute.