Terms Used In Missouri Laws 545.090

  • 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

No judge, prosecuting attorney, or other officer of any court, shall disclose the fact of any such indictment being found until the defendant therein shall have been arrested or recognized to answer the same; and any person violating this provision shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.