Missouri § 214.131 - Tombstones, fences, destroying or mutilating in abandoned family or private cemetery, penalty — abandoned or private burying ground, defined.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 214.131 — Tombstones, fences, destroying or mutilating in abandoned family or private cemetery, penalty — abandoned or private burying ground, defined., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 214.131. Tombstones, fences, destroying or mutilating in abandoned family or private cemetery, penalty — abandoned or private burying ground, defined.
Every person who shall knowingly destroy, mutilate, disfigure, deface, injure or remove any tomb, monument or gravestone, or other structure placed in any abandoned family cemetery or private burying ground, or any fence, railing, or other work for the protection or ornamentation of any such cemetery or place of burial of any human being, or tomb, monument or gravestone, memento, or memorial, or other structure aforesaid, or of any lot within such cemetery is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. For the purposes of this section and subsection 1 of section 214.132, an "abandoned family cemetery" or "private burying ground" shall include those cemeteries or burying grounds which have not been deeded to the public as provided in chapter 214, and in which no body has been interred for at least twenty-five years.
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(L. 1987 H.B. 60 § 1)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1987 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 214.131
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 214.131 cover?
Section 214.131 ("Tombstones, fences, destroying or mutilating in abandoned family or private cemetery, penalty — abandoned or private burying ground, defined.") 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 § 214.131?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 214.131" (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 § 214.131 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.