Terms Used In Missouri Laws 543.200

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.

In misdemeanor cases, after the plea of the defendant has been entered, if he pleads not guilty, the defendant or prosecuting attorney may demand a jury; but if no jury is demanded, the case may be tried by the associate circuit judge.