Terms Used In Missouri Laws 532.060

  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

Any court empowered to grant a writ of habeas corpus under this chapter to whom such petition shall be presented, shall grant such writ without delay, unless it appear, from the petition itself, or the documents annexed, that the party can neither be discharged nor admitted to bail, nor in any other manner relieved under the provisions of this chapter.