Mo. Rev. Stat. § 514.170
Current with changes from the 2023 Legislative Session
Upon the plaintiff dismissing his suit, or defendant dismissing the same for want of prosecution, the defendant shall recover against the plaintiff his costs; and in all other cases it shall be in the discretion of the court to award costs or not, except in those cases in which a different provision is made by law.
§ 514.170, RSMo
RSMo 1939 § 1418