Section 20.1 Introduction

• Library: Criminal Practice 2012 Supp

I. (§20.1) Introduction

Since the first edition of this deskbook was published in 1977, there have been many changes in the practice of criminal law. One of the changes resulted from the enactment of a new criminal code very shortly after that publication. Another change resulted from the amendment of Article V, the judicial article of the Missouri Constitution, which became effective January 2, 1979. The amendments to Article V resulted in the creation of the unified trial court system, with all former magistrates and probate judges becoming associate circuit court judges. Significant changes were made regarding appellate jurisdiction in felony cases. Before the amendment, the Supreme Court had exclusive appellate...