The Three Levels of Courts in Missouri

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 49 views

Missouri's court system is a vital part of the state's justice system, ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected and that justice is served. The state's court system is divided into three levels: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Circuit Courts. However, there is a fourth option that is not one of the three levels of courts in the state of Missouri. In this article, we will explore the three levels of courts in Missouri and identify the option that does not belong.

The Three Levels of Courts in Missouri

1. The Supreme Court

The Missouri Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, with the power to interpret the state's constitution and laws. It has the authority to hear appeals from the Court of Appeals and make final decisions on cases that involve constitutional issues or questions of law. The Supreme Court is composed of seven judges, who are elected by the people of Missouri to serve six-year terms.

2. The Court of Appeals

The Missouri Court of Appeals is the intermediate appellate court, with the power to hear appeals from the Circuit Courts. It has the authority to review decisions made by the Circuit Courts and make decisions on cases that involve questions of law. The Court of Appeals is composed of 13 judges, who are elected by the people of Missouri to serve six-year terms.

3. Circuit Courts

The Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction, with the power to hear a wide range of cases, including civil and criminal cases. They have the authority to try cases, hear evidence, and make decisions on cases that involve questions of fact. The Circuit Courts are composed of 45 judges, who are elected by the people of Missouri to serve six-year terms.

The Option That Does Not Belong

The Court of Application

The Court of Application is not one of the three levels of courts in the state of Missouri. This court does not exist in Missouri's court system. The correct options are the Missouri Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Circuit Courts.

Why the Court of Application Does Not Exist

The Court of Application does not exist in Missouri's court system because it is not a recognized level of court in the state. The Missouri Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Circuit Courts are the three levels of courts that are established by the state's constitution and laws. The Court of Application is not mentioned in any of the state's court rules or statutes, and it is not recognized by the state's judicial system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the three levels of courts in Missouri are the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Circuit Courts. The Court of Application is not one of the three levels of courts in the state of Missouri. This court does not exist in Missouri's court system, and it is not recognized by the state's judicial system. Understanding the court system in Missouri is essential for anyone who is involved in the justice system, whether as a lawyer, a judge, or a citizen. By knowing the three levels of courts in Missouri, individuals can better understand how the justice system works and how it can be used to protect their rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the highest court in Missouri?

A: The highest court in Missouri is the Supreme Court.

Q: What is the intermediate appellate court in Missouri?

A: The intermediate appellate court in Missouri is the Court of Appeals.

Q: What is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Missouri?

A: The trial court of general jurisdiction in Missouri is the Circuit Court.

Q: What is the Court of Application?

A: The Court of Application is not a recognized level of court in Missouri. It does not exist in Missouri's court system.

Q: Why is the Court of Application not recognized in Missouri?

Missouri's court system is a complex and important part of the state's justice system. Understanding how the court system works can be helpful for anyone who is involved in the justice system, whether as a lawyer, a judge, or a citizen. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the court system in Missouri.

Q: What is the role of the Supreme Court in Missouri?

A: The Supreme Court is the highest court in Missouri, with the power to interpret the state's constitution and laws. It has the authority to hear appeals from the Court of Appeals and make final decisions on cases that involve constitutional issues or questions of law.

Q: What is the role of the Court of Appeals in Missouri?

A: The Court of Appeals is the intermediate appellate court in Missouri, with the power to hear appeals from the Circuit Courts. It has the authority to review decisions made by the Circuit Courts and make decisions on cases that involve questions of law.

Q: What is the role of the Circuit Courts in Missouri?

A: The Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in Missouri, with the power to hear a wide range of cases, including civil and criminal cases. They have the authority to try cases, hear evidence, and make decisions on cases that involve questions of fact.

Q: How are judges appointed or elected in Missouri?

A: Judges in Missouri are elected by the people of the state. They are elected to serve six-year terms and must be at least 30 years old and a resident of the state for at least five years.

Q: What is the process for appealing a decision in Missouri?

A: The process for appealing a decision in Missouri begins with the filing of a notice of appeal with the court that made the decision. The appeal is then heard by the Court of Appeals, which reviews the decision and makes a new decision based on the law.

Q: What is the difference between a civil and a criminal case in Missouri?

A: A civil case in Missouri is a lawsuit between two or more parties that involves a dispute over money or property. A criminal case in Missouri is a case in which the state charges a person with a crime, such as theft or assault.

Q: What is the role of the jury in Missouri?

A: The jury plays a crucial role in the court system in Missouri. In civil cases, the jury determines the amount of damages that a plaintiff is entitled to receive. In criminal cases, the jury determines whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Q: What is the process for filing a lawsuit in Missouri?

A: The process for filing a lawsuit in Missouri begins with the filing of a complaint with the court. The complaint must include the name and address of the plaintiff and the defendant, as well as a description of the dispute and the relief that the plaintiff is seeking.

Q: What is the difference between a trial and an appeal in Missouri?

A: A trial in Missouri is a hearing in which the court hears evidence and makes a decision on a case. An appeal in Missouri is a review of a decision made by a lower court, in which the higher court reviews the decision and makes a new decision based on the law.

Q: What is the role of the Missouri Supreme Court in interpreting the state's constitution and laws?

A: The Missouri Supreme Court has the power to interpret the state's constitution and laws. It has the authority to hear appeals from the Court of Appeals and make final decisions on cases that involve constitutional issues or questions of law.

Q: What is the process for amending the Missouri Constitution?

A: The process for amending the Missouri Constitution begins with the filing of a proposed amendment with the Secretary of State. The proposed amendment must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly and then submitted to the voters for approval.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the court system in Missouri is a complex and important part of the state's justice system. Understanding how the court system works can be helpful for anyone who is involved in the justice system, whether as a lawyer, a judge, or a citizen. By knowing the answers to these frequently asked questions, individuals can better understand how the court system works and how it can be used to protect their rights.

Additional Resources

For more information about the court system in Missouri, please visit the following websites:

Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If you have a specific question or concern about the court system in Missouri, please consult with a qualified attorney or other qualified professional.