Missouri § 40.126 - Attempts to influence or coerce court prohibited — exceptions.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 40.126 — Attempts to influence or coerce court prohibited — exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40.126. Attempts to influence or coerce court prohibited — exceptions.
1. No authority convening a general, special, or summary court-martial nor any other commanding officer, or officer serving on the staff thereof, shall censure, reprimand or admonish the court or any member, military judge or counsel thereof, with respect to the findings or sentence adjudged by the court, or with respect to any other exercise of its or his functions in the conduct of the proceeding. No person subject to sections 40.005 to 40.490 may attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means, influence the action of a court-martial or any other military tribunal or any member thereof, in reaching the findings or sentence in any case, or the action of any convening, approving or reviewing authority with respect to his judicial acts. The foregoing provisions shall not apply to:
(1) General instructional or informational courses in military justice, if such courses are designed solely for the purpose of instructing members of a command in the substantive and procedural aspects of courts-martial; or
(2) Statements and instructions given in open court by the military judge or counsel.
2. In the preparation of an effectiveness, fitness or efficiency report, or any other report or document used in whole or in part for the purpose of determining whether a member of the state military forces is qualified to be advanced in grade or in determining the assignment or transfer of a member of the state military forces or in determining whether a member of the state military forces should be retained on duty, no person subject to sections 40.005 to 40.490 may in preparing any such report:
(1) Consider or evaluate the performance of duty of any such member as a member, military judge or trial counsel of a court-martial; or
(2) Give a less favorable rating or evaluation of any member of the state military forces because of the zeal with which such member as defense counsel represented any accused before a court-martial. This subsection is not applicable to evaluations made by the state judge advocate of the performance of personnel under his supervision.
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(L. 1984 H.B. 1035 § 38)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1984 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 40.126
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 40.126 cover?
Section 40.126 ("Attempts to influence or coerce court prohibited — exceptions.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 40.126?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 40.126" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 40.126 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.