Court Opinion

ID: 9668921
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 02:31:50.430541+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:15:50.078118
License: Public Domain

DONNELLY, Judge
(dissenting).
In Missouri, the right of appeal is given by statute. Section 512.020, RSMo 1969. Historically, this statute has been construed as directing generally that appeals may be taken only from final orders or judgments.
In State ex rel. Smith v. Greene, 494 S.W.2d 55 (Mo. banc 1973), this Court effectually repealed § 512.020, supra, and held that the writ of prohibition may be utilized as a device for taking an appeal from an interlocutory order or judgment.
I must recognize, therefore, that the principal opinion is following precedent when it intrudes into the judicial process at the trial level. However, I note that as recently as March 8, 1976, in State ex rel. McCurley v. Hanna, 535 S.W.2d 107 (Mo. bane 1976), this Court cited State ex rel. Schaper v. Stussie, 487 S.W.2d 49, 51 (Mo.App.1972) for the proposition: “Prohibition is no substitute for appeal nor is it a device to correct trial errors or rulings.” I would submit that, in the present state of affairs, pronouncements such as these are confusing. They perpetuate myths.
I respectfully dissent.