542.020 Certain officers to preserve peace, issue process.

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MO Code › Chapter 542 › Section 542.020

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

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542.020. Certain officers to preserve peace, issue process. — The following officers shall have power and jurisdiction to cause to be kept all laws made for the preservation of the public peace, to issue process for the apprehension of persons charged with criminal offenses, and hold them to bail; require persons to give security to keep the peace, and to execute the powers and duties herein conferred in relation thereto: The judges of the supreme court throughout the state; judges of the court of appeals and circuit judges within their respective districts and circuits; associate circuit judges within their respective counties; municipal judges within the limits of their respective municipalities; provided that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to authorize municipal judges to exercise jurisdiction in prosecutions under the laws of this state, other than those instituted under sections 542.020 to 542.140 for surety to keep the peace.

(RSMo 1939 § 3791, A.L. 1945 p. 839, A.L. 1947 V. I p. 261, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634) Prior revisions: 1929 § 3401; 1919 § 3746; 1909 § 4954 Effective 1-02-79 CROSS REFERENCE: Warrants issued by an associate circuit judge need not be sealed, 544.030

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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