Effective - 28 Aug 1957
1.090. Words and phrases, how construed. — Words and phrases shall be taken in their plain or ordinary and usual sense, but technical words and phrases having a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be understood according to their technical import.
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(RSMo 1939 § 655, A. 1949 S.B. 1001, A.L. 1957 p. 587)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 655; 1919 § 7058; 1909 § 8057
(1967) When used in statutes the word "shall" is generally regarded as imperative or mandatory and must be given a compulsory meaning. Stanfield v. Swenson (A.) 381 F.2d 755.
(1991) If language of statute may be subject to more than one construction, the law favors the construction which is in harmony with reason and common sense and tends to avoid unreasonable and absurd results. Term "resident" means resident at time of commencement of appointed duties. Shands v. City of Kennett, 756 F.Supp. 420 (E.D. Mo.).
Structure Missouri Revised Statutes
Chapter 1 - Laws in Force and Construction of Statutes
Section 1.016 - Secondary sources do not constitute law or public policy, when.
Section 1.025 - Registered mail defined.
Section 1.028 - English is the common language of Missouri.
Section 1.030 - Plural includes the singular — masculine includes feminine.
Section 1.035 - Voter defined.
Section 1.040 - Computation of time.
Section 1.050 - Majority may act for all.
Section 1.060 - Powers of deputies.
Section 1.070 - Reference to provisions in revised statutes.
Section 1.080 - County to include St. Louis — county clerk to include register of St. Louis.
Section 1.090 - Words and phrases, how construed.
Section 1.092 - Best interest of child, welfare policy of state.
Section 1.120 - Reenactments, how construed.
Section 1.130 - Effective date of laws.
Section 1.140 - Severability of statute provisions.
Section 1.150 - Repealing law repealed, former law not revived, when.
Section 1.160 - Effect of repeal of penal statute.
Section 1.170 - Repeal of law not to affect rights acquired thereunder.
Section 1.180 - Actions pending, how affected by repeal of law.
Section 1.190 - Notices, how served.
Section 1.200 - Equality of citizens.
Section 1.210 - No imprisonment without authority of law.
Section 1.217 - Cloning — use of state funds prohibited, definition.
Section 1.302 - Religious freedom restoration act.
Section 1.410 - Citation of law — findings.
Section 1.420 - Federal laws deemed infringements of United State and Missouri Constitutions.
Section 1.430 - Invalidity of federal laws deemed an infringement.
Section 1.440 - Protection of citizens against infringement against right to keep and bear arms.
Section 1.450 - Enforcement of federal laws that infringe on right to keep and bear arms prohibited.
Section 1.460 - Violations, liability and civil penalty — sovereign immunity not a defense.
Section 1.480 - Definitions — acts not deemed violation.
Section 1.485 - Severability clause.
Section 1.513 - Broadband deployment, federal funds — failure to deploy, disclosure.