Terms Used In Missouri Laws 545.080

  • 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.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Missouri Laws 1.020

When any indictment shall be found against any person for a felony or misdemeanor, not being in actual confinement, or held by recognizance to answer thereto, such indictment shall not be open to the inspection of any person except the judge and clerk of the court and the prosecuting attorney; nor shall it be docketed or entered upon the minutes or records of the court until the defendant therein shall have been arrested.