Missouri Laws 491.120 – Subpoenas, how served and returned
1. The service of a subpoena to testify shall be by reading the same or delivering a copy thereof to the person to be summoned; provided, that in all cases where the witness shall refuse to hear such subpoena read or to receive a copy thereof, the offer of the officer or other person to read the same or to deliver a copy thereof, and such refusal, shall be a sufficient service of such subpoena.
2. The return shall show the manner of service; and in civil cases, if the witness reside at a greater distance than forty miles from the place of trial, it shall be so stated in the return, and also whether his legal fees have been tendered or paid, and if served by an officer his return shall be conclusive of the facts therein stated; if served by a private person, the return shall be verified by affidavit, which shall be received as evidence, and such affidavit may be made before the sheriff of the county where such service is made.
Terms Used In Missouri Laws 491.120
- Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Missouri Laws 1.020
- Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.