Missouri Constitution Article I Sec. 22(a) – Right of trial by jury — qualification of jurors — two-thirds verdict
[In order to assert our rights, acknowledge our duties, and proclaim the principles on which our government is founded, we declare:]
Terms Used In Missouri Constitution Article I Sec. 22(a) - Right of trial by jury -- qualification of jurors -- two-thirds verdict
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
- Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.
That the right of trial by jury as heretofore enjoyed shall remain inviolate; provided that a jury for the trial of criminal and civil cases in courts not of record may consist of less than twelve citizens as may be prescribed by law, and a two-thirds majority of such number concurring may render a verdict in all civil cases; that in all civil cases in courts of record, three-fourths of the members of the jury concurring may render a verdict; and that in every criminal case any defendant may, with the assent of the court, waive a jury trial and submit the trial of such case to the court, whose finding shall have the force and effect of a verdict of a jury.