Section 2.30 Interspousal Immunity Abolished

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

E. (§2.30) Interspousal Immunity Abolished

In 1994, the Supreme Court of Missouri discussed whether the traditional interspousal immunity should remain as a bar to an action against a spouse for an intentional tort that causes personal injuries. Townsend v. Townsend, 708 S.W.2d 646 (Mo. banc 1986). In Townsend, a woman whose husband shot her in the back was not prohibited from bringing an action against him, thereby significantly broadening the traditional interpretation of the rights of married women statutes, now codified in §§ 451.250, et seq., RSMo Supp. 2011. Thus, the “archaic” doctrine of interspousal...