Editor’s note: Circuit Judge R. Brent Elliott’s series of articles is intended to encourage a better understanding of the judicial system and changes in the law. This article features Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice, Zel Fischer, and his recent “State of the Judiciary” speech to Missouri’s General Assembly.
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by Judge R. Brent Elliott
In 2010, Justice Fischer recommended to his colleagues that Missouri become the first state to adopt a Uniform Bar Examination. He pointed out “the same bar examination given on the same date in many states generates a score that is portable to other states administering that same exam.” Up to that point, recent law school graduates were required to take the bar examination in each state in which they sought to practice.
Justice Fischer noted the Uniform Bar Exam permits law school graduates to transfer their bar exam score to another participating state “to pursue a law license in that state without the undue delay, stress, and expense of having to retake the bar exam.” This is particularly beneficial to our graduates who chose to practice law in other states or in close proximity to our bordering states. Twenty-eight other jurisdictions have followed Missouri’s lead and many other states are expected to adopt the system in the near future.
Justice Fischer also pointed out, in 2017, the Missouri Judiciary was ranked third – internationally – for the best use of technology to improve court services and access to the public. Only Arizona and Dubai were ranked higher than Missouri. Among the technological advances is the use of closed circuit transmission (CCT) systems.
The 43rd Judicial Circuit (Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb and Livingston counties) is the only circuit in the state with three major prisons and a regional jail. We are now able to take up cases from those facilities via CCT without the danger and expense of transporting prisoners.
Lastly, and perhaps most important to the citizens of our 43rd Circuit, Justice Fischer announced the formation of a task force that would work on the Circuit Realignment Plan. Pursuant to Section 478.073 of the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri, in 2020, this task force will make recommendations to Missouri’s legislature on the realignment of our circuits.
Within the last several years, legislation has been introduced that would divide the current makeup of the 43rd Circuit. Since this could greatly affect you, I will try to keep you updated on any developments.
On a personal note, I had the pleasure of working with Justice Zel Fischer on the committee to establish protocol for Missouri’s CCT system. He is an extremely intelligent, personable individual whom I believe exemplifies the “American Dream.”
Justice Fischer hails from Watson, Mo., in the extreme northwest corner of the state (Watson makes my hometown of Eagleville seem like a major metropolitan area!). Justice Fischer says the population sign count of 100 “must include some livestock.” He has risen to the highest ranking judicial officer in the entire state – so, kids, you can be anything you want to be!
I also want to mention the efforts of my friend and colleague, Judge Tom Chapman. Judge Chapman now serves as our Presiding Circuit Judge. In addition to his regular duties, he works with our county officials developing budgets for the Circuit Clerks, Courts, Sheriff’s Departments, and Juvenile Office.
Judge Chapman constantly strives to improve our efficiency while making the best use of our tax dollars. His is a very stressful, thankless position for which he receives no additional remuneration. If you get the chance – tell him thank you – he deserves it.