Terms Used In Missouri Laws 524.120

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.

If the right of the plaintiff to the possession of the premises expire after the commencement of the suit, and before the trial, the verdict shall be returned according to the fact, and judgment shall be entered only for the damages and costs.