Section 4 Structural Modifications

• Library: Criminal Code Revision History & Overview 2014

The 2014 Revised Code, effective January 1, 2017, retains the same basic four-part structure as the Original Code:

1. Preliminary Provisions, Chapter 556, RSMo

2. Disposition of Offenders, Chapters 557–561, RSMo

3. General Provisions, Chapters 562–564, RSMo

4. Specific Offenses, Chapters 565–579, RSMo

Chapter 578, RSMo, Miscellaneous Offenses, was added at a later date. The defining features of the Original Code remain essentially unchanged:

· The classification of offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions for purposes of sentencing

· The provision of clear statements of the elements of particular offenses

· The articulation of clear statements of general principles and defenses that affect criminal liability

· The determination of punishments according to the severity of the offense or degree of harm

· The use of a common set of definitions or terms

Therefore, the overall structure of the Revised Code mirrors its predecessor in every major respect. The structural impact of the revision reflects an attempt to carry forward one of the major objectives of the Original Code: to simplify and clarify the criminal law by repealing or combining multiple offenses into fewer sections and logically grading them. Criminal offenses still remain widely scattered throughout the Revised Statutes, so wherever possible, the Revised Code attempts to gather them together in its chapters and remove from Criminal Code chapters the material that is not criminal in nature. Nevertheless, a significant number of criminal offenses still remain outside the bounds of the Revised Code.

Within the general chapters of the Revised Code, Chapters 556–564, the changes were relatively straightforward. Four of the following six sections relating to criminal fines were transferred to Chapter 558, RSMo, and two were repealed, effective January 1, 2017:

· Fines for...