Missouri Revised Statutes § 1.090 - Words and phrases, how construed

1.090. Words and phrases, how construed. — Words and phrases shall be taken in their plain or ordinary and usual sense, but technical words and phrases having a peculiar and appropriate meaning in law shall be understood according to their technical import. (RSMo 1939 § 655, A. 1949 S.B. 1001, A.L. 1957 p. 587) Prior revisions: 1929 § 655; 1919 § 7058; 1909 § 8057 (1967) When used in statutes the word "shall" is generally regarded as imperative or mandatory and must be given a compulsory meaning. Stanfield v. Swenson (A.) 381 F.2d 755. (1991) If language of statute may be subject to more than one construction, the law favors the construction which is in harmony with reason and common sense and tends to avoid unreasonable and absurd results. Term "resident" means resident at time of commencement of appointed duties. Shands v. City of Kennett, 756 F.Supp. 420 (E.D. Mo.).