by Circuit Judge R. Brent Elliott
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Missouri’s Supreme Court judges are selected under the Missouri non-partisan court plan. An “Appellate Judicial Commission” reviews applications, conducts interviews, and selects a panel of three qualified candidates whose names are submitted to the Governor.
The commission is comprised of one attorney and one citizen member from each of Missouri’s three appellate districts. It is chaired by the Chief Justice of Missouri’s Supreme Court (Justice Patricia Breckenridge).
This article focuses on how the Appellate Judicial Commission is selected and who currently serves on the commission.
The attorney members of the commission are chosen by a vote of members of the Missouri Bar (the organization of attorneys licensed to practice in this state). One attorney is selected from each of Missouri’s three appellate districts.
Attorney Thomas M. Burke of St Louis currently represents the Eastern District; his term will expire on Dec. 31, 2017. Donald E. Woody of Springfield is the Southern District’s attorney; his term expires Dec. 31, 2019. Scott Bethune of Kansas City represents lawyers in the Western District; his term will expire on Dec. 31, 2021.
Non-lawyer members are appointed by the Governor, one from each of the three appellate districts.
The Eastern District’s non-lawyer member is Edward “Nick” Robinson of Hazelwood; his term will expire Dec. 31, 2018. Michelle Beckler of Marshfield is the Southern District’s non-lawyer; her term expires Dec. 31, 2020. Kathy Ritter of Columbia is the Western District non-lawyer commission member; her appointment expires Dec. 31, 2020.
On a personal note, Memorial Day 2017 had a more significant impact than normal for me. The day before, I learned of the passing of my last uncle, Daryl Wilcoxson of Kellerton, Iowa. Like my father (and all of my other uncles) Daryl was a veteran of the U.S. Armed Services. I have fond memories of holiday gatherings, fishing, and weenie roasts with Aunt Carol and Uncle Daryl.
What Tom Brokaw described as “The Greatest Generation” has now slipped away for me. I regret not spending more time talking with them about their life’s experiences. I hope our next generation does not make the same mistake. Take a few moments to speak with your elders … before it is too late.
Editor’s note: Circuit Judge R. Brent Elliott’s “From the Bench” is a series of articles intended to provide the public with a better understanding of the judicial system and changes in the law. Last month’s article focused on Governor Grieten’s appointment of the Honorable W. Brent Powell to fill a recent vacancy on the Missouri Supreme Court. In the next article Judge Elliott will begin a discussion of Missouri’s jury selection process.