St Louis Lawyer
St Louis Lawyer
For helpful tips finding St Louis Lawyer please see our guide to choose a lawyer in the right column. For your convenience we have included resources for you to continue your search below.
Missouri Constitution Excerpts
Section 2. That all constitutional government is intended to promote the general welfare of the people; that all persons have a natural right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry; that all persons are created equal and are entitled to equal rights and opportunity under the law; that to give security to these things is the principal office of government, and that when government does not confer this security, it fails in its chief design.
Powers of the people over internal affairs, constitution and form of government.
Section 3. That the people of this state have the inherent, sole and exclusive right to regulate the internal government and police thereof, and to alter and abolish their constitution and form of government whenever they may deem it necessary to their safety and happiness, provided such change be not repugnant to the Constitution of the United States.
Religious freedom--liberty of conscience and belief--limitations.
Section 5. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no human authority can control or interfere with the rights of conscience; that no person shall, on account of his religious persuasion or belief, be rendered ineligible to any public office or trust or profit in this state, be disqualified from testifying or serving as a juror, or be molested in his person or estate; but this section shall not be construed to excuse acts of licentiousness, nor to justify practices inconsistent with the good order, peace or safety of the state, or with the rights of others.
Freedom of speech--evidence of truth in defamation actions--province of jury.
Section 8. That no law shall be passed impairing the freedom of speech, no matter by what means communicated: that every person shall be free to say, write or publish, or otherwise communicate whatever he will on any subject, being responsible for all abuses of that liberty; and that in all suits and prosecutions for libel or slander the truth thereof may be given in evidence; and in suits and prosecutions for libel the jury, under the direction of the court, shall determine the law and the facts.
Due process of law.
Section 10. That no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.
Imprisonment for debt.
Section 11. That no person shall be imprisoned for debt, except for nonpayment of fines and penalties imposed by law.
Ex post facto laws--impairment of contracts--irrevocable privileges.
Section 13. That no ex post facto law, nor law impairing the obligation of contracts, or retrospective in its operation, or making any irrevocable grant of special privileges or immunities, can be enacted.
Open courts--certain remedies--justice without sale, denial or delay.
Section 14. That the courts of justice shall be open to every person, and certain remedy afforded for every injury to person, property or character, and that right and justice shall be administered without sale, denial or delay.
Unreasonable search and seizure prohibited--contents and basis of warrants.
Section 15. That the people shall be secure in their persons, papers, homes and effects, from unreasonable searches and seizures; and no warrant to search any place, or seize any person or thing, shall issue without describing the place to be searched, or the person or thing to be seized, as nearly as may be; nor without probable cause, supported by written oath or affirmation.
Indictments and informations in criminal cases--exceptions.
Section 17. That no person shall be prosecuted criminally for felony or misdemeanor otherwise than by indictment or information, which shall be concurrent remedies, but this shall not be applied to cases arising in the land or naval forces or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger, nor to prevent arrests and preliminary examination in any criminal case.
Rights of accused in criminal prosecutions.
Section 18(a). That in criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right to appear and defend, in person and by counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation; to meet the witnesses against him face to face; to have process to compel the attendance of witnesses in his behalf; and a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the county.
Bail guaranteed--exceptions.
Section 20. That all persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses, when the proof is evident or the presumption great.
Excessive bail and fines--cruel and unusual punishment.
Section 21. That excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.
Right of trial by jury--qualification of jurors--two-thirds verdict.
Section 22(a). 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.
Source: Missouri General Assembly
Choosing a Lawyer
Do I really need to hire a lawyer in St Louis? This is the first question you need to ask yourself. In many cases you may be able to handle the situation without hiring a lawyer. If it is a small problem that can be managed without the consultation of a professional you may be able to save a considerable amount of money. If it is a serious situatuion than it is important that you speak with a good lawyer as soon as possible to avoid any long term problems..
Where can I find the best St Louis lawyers? There are many ways to find a great lawyer online that is local to your area. You can search in directories online where a great deal of information is available about each law firm and partner. You can also check with local associations for referrals and recommendations. While every issue is important there is one final question you should ask yourself before hiring a lawyer in St Louis. Are you comfortable with that lawyer and are you confident in their abilities? If the answer is anything other than a resounding "yes " you should keep looking for the lawyer that is right for you.
Lawyers typically specialize in the following fields:
- Administrative Law
- Agriculture Law
- Antitrust & Trade Regulation
- Banking Law
- Bankruptcy Law
- Civil Rights
- Commercial Law
- Communications Law
- Constitutional Law
- Construction Law
- Contracts
- Corporation & Enterprise Law
- Criminal Law
- Dispute Resolution & Arbitration
- Divorce Law
- Education Law
- Entertainment & Sports Law
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
- Gaming Law
- Health Law
- Immigration Law
- Injury and Tort Law
- Insurance Law
- Intellectual Property
- International Law
- Labor & Employment Law
- Litigation
- Military Law
- Personal Injury Law
- Probate, Trusts & Estates
- Property Law & Real Estate
- Securities Law
- Tax Law
- Transportation Law
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