Missouri Case Law
The Missouri state court system is divided into three levels. The highest court in Missouri is the Missouri Supreme Court, which consists of seven judges. The Supreme Court reviews appeals of decisions by the Missouri Court of Appeals. It also reviews appeals of decisions by trial courts in limited situations, such as death penalty cases and challenges to the validity of state laws or constitutional provisions. Decisions by the Missouri Supreme Court are final unless the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to review an appeal of a decision.
The middle level of the Missouri state court system is the Missouri Court of Appeals. It is divided into three districts that cover the eastern, western, and southern regions of Missouri. Decisions by the Court of Appeals are final in the vast majority of cases that it reviews.
The lowest level of the Missouri state court system consists of the Missouri Circuit Courts and the Missouri Municipal Courts. The Circuit Courts are trial courts with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. They are divided into 46 circuits. These courts also review appeals of decisions by Municipal Courts. The jurisdiction of the Municipal Courts is limited to violations of municipal ordinances.