Missouri § 40.325 - Hostile force, in presence of, commits certain offenses — court-martial.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 40.325 — Hostile force, in presence of, commits certain offenses — court-martial., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40.325. Hostile force, in presence of, commits certain offenses — court-martial.
Any person subject to sections 40.005 to 40.490 shall be punished as a court-martial may direct who before or in the presence of a hostile force:
(1) Runs away;
(2) Shamefully abandons, surrenders, or delivers up any command, unit, place or military property which it is the person's duty to defend;
(3) Through disobedience, neglect, or intentional misconduct endangers the safety of any such command, unit, place, or military property;
(4) Casts away his arms or ammunition;
(5) Is guilty of cowardly conduct;
(6) Quits his place of duty to plunder or pillage;
(7) Causes false alarms in any command, unit, or place under control of the Armed Forces of the United States or the state military forces;
(8) Willfully fails to do his utmost to encounter, engage, capture, or destroy any hostile force, combatants, vessels, aircraft, or any other thing, which it is the person's duty so to encounter, engage, capture, or destroy; or
(9) Does not afford all practicable relief and assistance to any troops, combatants, vessels, or aircraft of the Armed Forces belonging to the United States or their allies, to this state or to any other state, when engaged in battle or suppression of civil disorders.
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(L. 1984 H.B. 1035 § 100)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1984 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 40.325
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 40.325 cover?
Section 40.325 ("Hostile force, in presence of, commits certain offenses — court-martial.") 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 § 40.325?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 40.325" (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 § 40.325 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.