What are Missouri Court Records?

Docket Sheet

A summary document that lists the parties involved, attorneys of record, the presiding judge, and a chronological log of all filings, motions, hearings, and court orders in the case.

Judgments and Orders

These are decisions issued by the court. A final judgment outlines the outcome of the case, including the prevailing party and any penalties, remedies, or directives ordered by the judge.

Transcripts

These are verbatim records of courtroom proceedings, prepared by official court reporters upon request. Transcripts are commonly used in appeals or post-conviction proceedings and are not automatically created for all cases.

Evidence

This includes physical and documentary materials submitted during the trial, such as police reports, photos, or written records, introduced by either the prosecution or the defense.

Court Minutes

A brief summary of events during a court session, including start and end times, appearances, statements, testimony, and motions addressed during the hearing.

Pleadings

Formal written statements that present each party's claims, defenses, and legal arguments. These include

Briefs

These are legal documents submitted by attorneys to support their positions. These documents often include citations to state statutes, case law, and procedural rules to persuade the court in matters such as motions or appeals.

Civil Cases

Civil cases involve disputes between private individuals, businesses, or organizations. Unlike criminal cases, civil litigation seeks monetary compensation or equitable relief (such as injunctions or court orders).

In Missouri, civil cases are heard in the Circuit Courts, which have divisions for family law, probate, small claims, and general civil matters. Legal representation in civil matters is not guaranteed, and parties may hire an attorney or represent themselves (pro se). The burden of proof in a civil case is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it must be more likely than not that the plaintiff's claims are true.

Common examples of civil cases include:

• Family Law: Divorce, child custody, child support, visitation disputes.
• Property Disputes: Boundary disagreements, landlord-tenant issues, real estate claims.
• Contracts and Torts: Breach of contract, negligence, personal injury claims, defamation.
• Probate and Estate Matters: Wills, guardianships, estate administration.
• Bankruptcy Filings

Since civil cases do not involve the government prosecuting a defendant, they cannot result in imprisonment. Instead, remedies are usually monetary or equitable.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state, typically through the office of a county prosecuting attorney or circuit attorney in larger jurisdictions. These cases allege violations of Missouri's criminal statutes and are pursued in the name of "The State of Missouri."

The goal of criminal prosecution is to enforce the law, ensure public safety, and penalize unlawful behavior. Defendants in criminal cases have the right to legal counsel, and if they cannot afford one, the court will appoint a public defender. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, which must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In felony cases, a unanimous jury verdict is required for conviction. If the jury cannot reach a verdict, the judge may declare a mistrial, and the prosecution may retry the case.

Common types of criminal cases include:

• Violent Crimes: Murder, manslaughter, assault, and robbery.
• Domestic Violence: Including physical abuse, stalking, and violations of protection orders.
• Property Crimes: Burglary, theft, arson, and vandalism.
• Drug Offenses: Possession, trafficking, and distribution of controlled substances.
• Driving Offenses: Driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence (DUI), and driving with a suspended license.

Convictions in criminal court can result in penalties such as incarceration (jail or prison), probation, community service, restitution, fines, or loss of civil rights, including firearm possession or voting rights in certain cases

State Supreme Court

The Missouri Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and serves as the court of last resort. It primarily hears appeals involving:

• The validity of federal statutes or treaties,
• The validity of state statutes or constitutional provisions,
• State revenue laws,
• Cases involving the death penalty.

The court may also hear cases at its discretion if a question of general interest or importance arises, if the law needs to be re-examined, or if there is a conflict with prior appellate decisions. The decisions of the Supreme Court are binding on all other Missouri courts.

Justices on the Supreme Court are selected through the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan (also known as the Missouri Plan), a merit-based selection system. A judicial commission reviews applicants and submits a shortlist to the governor, who appoints the justice. After serving at least one year, the justice faces a retention vote in the next general election. If retained by voters, the justice serves a 12-year term before standing for retention again.

The Supreme Court also has supervisory authority over Missouri's judiciary and attorneys, including rule-making and judicial discipline.

Court of Appeals

The Missouri Court of Appeals is the state's intermediate appellate court. It hears appeals from the Circuit Courts in civil and criminal cases, except for certain cases reserved for direct appeal to the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals is divided into three geographic districts, Eastern, Western, and Southern, and cases are generally decided by panels of three judges.

District Courts

The Circuit Courts are the state's primary trial courts and have broad jurisdiction over most types of cases. Missouri is divided into 46 judicial circuits, covering all counties in the state. Circuit Courts handle:

• Criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors)
• Civil cases (including family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and support)
• Probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Juvenile matters
• Small claims
• Traffic offenses and municipal ordinance violations

Within each circuit, there may be divisions or specialized dockets for family law, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters.

Municipal Courts

These courts have original jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, such as traffic infractions and minor offenses. Most municipal courts operate under the supervision of a presiding Circuit Court judge and have one or more municipal judges. These courts do not conduct jury trials, and appeals typically go to the Circuit Court.

Specialty Courts

Missouri operates several specialty courts (also known as problem-solving or treatment courts) designed to reduce recidivism and address underlying issues through rehabilitation rather than punishment. These courts provide supervision, treatment, and support tailored to participants' needs.

Common specialty courts include:

• Drug Courts for individuals with substance abuse disorders
• Veterans Treatment Courts for military veterans with mental health or substance use issues
• Mental Health Courts for defendants with mental health challenges
• Family Treatment Courts for child welfare cases linked to parental substance abuse or neglect.