Terms Used In Missouri Laws 542.040

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Missouri Laws 1.020
  • State: when applied to any of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" includes such district and territories. See Missouri Laws 1.020
  • Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.

Upon such person being brought before such associate circuit judge, the associate circuit judge shall summon all witnesses which either party may require, and cause the matters charged in the complaint to be inquired into by a jury of six competent citizens. If the jury find that there is good reason to fear the commission of the offense charged, then they shall render a verdict of guilty against the defendant, and the associate circuit judge thereupon shall require the defendant to enter into a recognizance in such sum, not exceeding one thousand dollars, as he shall direct, with one or more sufficient sureties, conditioned that the defendant will keep the peace toward the people of the state, and particularly toward the complainant, for such time as shall be specified in said recognizance, which shall be not less than three months nor more than one year from the date thereof; and the defendant shall be liable for costs as in other cases of conviction.