If a court case gets delayed because a witness did not show up after being properly told to come, the court can order that witness to be picked up by law enforcement. The side that needed the witness has to swear the witness is important to the case and that the case cannot move forward without them. The witness is then brought in to testify at the next court date.
491.160. may , when. — When a shall be continued on account of the absence of a , , and the for whom such witness shall have been shall make that such absent witness is , and that he cannot safely go to trial without his , the court may a , directed to the sheriff or other proper officer of the proper county, commanding him to take the body of such witness, that he appear and in the cause at the next thereafter; and the shall issue such accordingly, stating therein the day on which the cause is set for trial, as the day of his appearance.
(RSMo 1939 § 1901)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 1737; 1919 § 5424; 1909 § 6368
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Related Missouri laws
Witness attached, may be discharged on bail
RSMo 491.170
Attendance, how enforced
RSMo 491.150
Penalty where party refuses to attend and testify
RSMo 491.180
Witness liable to action, when
RSMo 491.140
Fine for nonattendance
RSMo 491.190
Fees to be tendered, when
RSMo 491.130
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.