Missouri Laws 509.050 – Pleading, setting forth claim for relief, contents — demand for dollar ..
1. A pleading which sets forth a claim for relief, whether an original claim, counterclaim, crossclaim or third-party claim shall contain:
(1) A short and plain statement of the facts showing that the pleader is entitled to relief; and
Terms Used In Missouri Laws 509.050
- Counterclaim: A claim that a defendant makes against a plaintiff.
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(2) A demand for judgment for the relief to which he deems himself entitled. The prayer for relief need not include a request for prejudgment interest otherwise properly allowable under subsection 2 of section 408.040.
—
–
If a recovery of money be demanded, no dollar amount or figure shall be included in the demand except to determine the proper jurisdictional authority, but the prayer shall be for such damages as are fair and reasonable. The provisions of this section shall not affect the conduct of trial with regard to stating, proving, or arguing damages. Relief in the alternative or of several different types may be demanded.
2. A party may discover the total damages being claimed. The response to such discovery shall not be used at trial by opposing parties for any purpose.