The legislature mandated that "The Municipal Court shall sit on the first Monday of every month, and the City Council at such times and place as may be prescribed by city ordinance; special meetings of which may at any time be called by the Mayor or any two Aldermen."
According to the charter, "The Municipal Court shall have power to grant writs of habeas corpus in all cases arising under the ordinances of the City Council."
On August 8, 1842, the court released Smith and Rockwell after they were arrested and charged with the attempted assassination of Lilburn Boggs, former Governor of Missouri.
The Governor of Missouri issued a writ authorizing the arrest and extradition of Joseph Smith on the charge of treason.
The Governor charged Joseph H. Reynolds with arresting and conveying Smith to Daviess County, Missouri.