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Missouri Law Matters
Missouri Law Matters episodes
- How Are Judges Selected in Missouri? The Missouri Plan & Judicial Retention | Missouri Law MattersHow are judges selected in Missouri, and what does it mean when voters are asked whether a judge should be retained? In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner talks with Athena Dickson, president of The Missouri Bar, about the Missouri Non-Partisan Court Plan, also known as the Missouri Plan, and how judicial selection and retention work in Missouri. They explain why Missouri voters adopted the Missouri Plan in 1940, how judicial nominating commissions help identify qualified candidates, the governor’s role in the selection process and how Missouri voters participate through judicial retention elections. The conversation also explores the role of The Missouri Bar in supporting Missouri lawyers and helping the public better understand the courts and legal system. Topics include: • How judges are selected in Missouri • What the Missouri Plan is and how it works • Missouri judicial retention elections • The role voters play in judicial retention • Merit-based judicial selection • The Missouri Bar and civic education • Resources for finding legal help in Missouri • Lawyer referral services and Free Legal Answers • Attorney wellness and the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program • Athena Dixon’s path from first-generation college student to attorney and president of The Missouri Bar • Why lawyers and judges are working to expand civic education across Missouri • How Missourians can learn more about their courts and judges The Missouri Plan has been part of Missouri’s judicial system since 1940. Judges serving under the plan are selected through a merit-based process and later appear before voters in retention elections. For Missourians who have wondered, “Who chooses Missouri judges?” “What is a judicial retention election?” or “How does the Missouri Non-Partisan Court Plan work?” this episode offers a clear look at the process and the people who take part in it. Missouri Law Matters is a podcast about Missouri courts, the law and the people who help make the justice system work. Hosted by Judge Matt Hamner of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. Subscribe for more conversations about Missouri courts, judges, lawyers, civic education and access to justice.35 min
- Missouri Court System Explained: What Does the Court of Appeals Do?
How does the Missouri court system work, and what does the Missouri Court of Appeals actually do?
In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner talks with Chief Judge John P. Torbitzky of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, about appellate courts in Missouri, how judges review trial court decisions and why the Eastern District’s 150th anniversary matters.
The conversation also covers Missouri’s court structure, civic education, Case.net, public access to court information, court technology and how Missouri courts are thinking about artificial intelligence.
Chief Judge Torbitzky also shares his path to the law, from earning an English degree to serving as a judicial law clerk, working in private practice and becoming an appellate judge.
In this episode:
- What the Missouri Court of Appeals does
- How appellate courts are different from trial courts- How Missouri judges review trial court decisions- The history of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District- Why the Eastern District is marking 150 years of serviceHow Case.net helps the public access Missouri court information- Why civic education matters for public trust in courts- How AI and court technology may affect the judiciaryMissouri Law Matters is a podcast from the Supreme Court of Missouri featuring conversations about Missouri courts, judges, court services and the work being done to support public access to justice.
Subscribe for more great conversations about the Missouri judiciary and how the court system works.
#MissouriCourts #MissouriCourtSystem #MissouriJudiciary #MissouriCourtOfAppeals #MissouriLawMatters #CaseNet #CourtTechnology #AIinCourts #CivicEducation
30 min - How a First-Generation Lawyer Became a Missouri Judge | Missouri Law Matters
How does someone become a judge in Missouri? What role does civic education play in helping the public understand the courts? And what can students learn from a judge who did not start with every advantage?
In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner chats with Judge Jeffrey McPherson about his path from a small college to the Supreme Court of Missouri, private practice and the bench.
Judge McPherson shares what it was like to become the first person in his family to graduate from college and law school. He also reflects on attending a high school with limited opportunities, working hard in the classroom and building a legal career that included clerking for the Supreme Court of Missouri and nearly 30 years in private practice before becoming a judge.
The conversation also explores the importance of civic education, why courts matter in everyday life and how students can begin to see a place for themselves in the legal system.
This episode is a reminder that there is no single path to a legal career. Hard work, curiosity and public service can open doors, even when the starting point looks different than expected.
Listen to Missouri Law Matters for conversations about Missouri courts, civic education, the legal profession and the people who help make the justice system work.
40 min - Case.net, Court Technology and Public Access in Missouri Courts l Judge Gary Lynch
In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner talks with Senior Judge Gary Lynch about Missouri courts, court technology and the role of Case.net in helping the public access court information.
The conversation explores how Missouri developed a statewide court automation system, why court technology matters and how tools like Case.net support public access to justice. Judge Lynch also discusses his service as a trial judge, appellate judge and senior judge, along with the importance of public service, mental health initiatives and the future of artificial intelligence in the justice system.
For anyone searching for Case.net Missouri, Missouri court records, Missouri courts online, Missouri court case search or how Missouri courts use technology, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and systems working to serve the public.
44 min - How to Become a Judge in Missouri: Judge Jalilah Otto’s Path to the Bench
What does it take to become a judge in Missouri? In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Jalilah Otto of the 16th Judicial Circuit in Jackson County shares her path to the bench, the work judges do each day, and how Missouri’s nonpartisan court plan shapes judicial selection in Kansas City and beyond.
Judge Otto talks about growing up in Kansas City, discovering the law almost by accident, and building a career as a prosecutor at the state and federal levels before becoming an associate circuit judge, then a circuit judge. She also explains how Missouri circuit courts work, why civic education matters, and what people should know before stepping into a courtroom.
This conversation is designed for Missourians searching for:
• how to become a judge in Missouri• Missouri nonpartisan court plan• Missouri circuit courts explained• Jackson County Court and Kansas City legal system• what judges do in Missouri courts• legal and judicial career pathsAbout Missouri Law Matters
Missouri Law Matters is a public education initiative of the Supreme Court of Missouri that helps increase access and understanding of how our courts work.Follow Missouri Courts on Instagram and Facebook @MOCourts and @SupremeCourtMO.
36 min - Missouri Family & Landlord-Tenant Court: What to Expect | Judge Denise Childress
What really happens inside Missouri’s Associate Circuit Courts?
Judge Denise Childress of St. Charles County joins host Judge Matt Hamner to share what everyday justice looks like - from orders of protection and child support to family law and landlord-tenant cases.She talks about handling hundreds of cases a week, working with people who represent themselves, and why keeping courts open and accessible matters to every Missourian. Judge Childress also reflects on her journey from public defender to the bench, the mentors who guided her, and how teaching and fairness shape her approach to the law.
Topics include:
– What to expect in Missouri’s Associate Circuit Court– Orders of protection and family law cases– Child support, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes– The role of mentorship and education in the judiciary– Why open courts build public trustAbout Missouri Law Matters
A podcast from the Supreme Court of Missouri, sharing conversations with judges and court professionals about how the law works in real life - and how Missouri’s courts serve the public every day.31 min - From Judge to Attorney: Joseph Goff on Civic Education and Trust in Missouri’s Legal System
In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner speaks with Joseph Goff, Jr, private practice attorney and former judge, about his unique journey through Missouri’s legal system — from prosecutor to judge to advocate for civic education.
Together, they explore how civic education builds public trust, why judges should connect with their communities, and how young lawyers can help demystify the court system through outreach and engagement.
👉 Key Topics:
Missouri law and the judicial system
Civic education and community engagement
Legal careers and professional development
Trust and transparency in courts
The role of judges and lawyers in public education
📍 Chapters
00:00 Personal Experiences in the Legal Field01:43 The Influence of Sports on Legal Careers13:00 Exploring the 24th Circuit: Counties and Culture14:28 Judicial Responsibilities: A Day in the Life of a Judge16:53 Transitioning to the Bench: Expectations vs. Reality19:53 Civic Education: The Role of Judges in Community Engagement25:11 Civic Education Committee: Goals and Initiatives32:59 The Importance of Civic Education for Young Lawyers37:06 From Judge to Lawyer: Navigating Career Transitions💬 “Civic education is incredibly important. We only have the trust of the people.” — Joseph Goff
Follow the Supreme Court of Missouri to learn more about Your Missouri Courts
# missouri supreme court
48 min - Legal Deserts in Missouri: Access to Justice, Rural Law & Attorney Recruitment Challenges
In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Judge Corey Moon to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing rural Missouri: legal deserts.
What happens when there are fewer than one lawyer for every 1,000 people? Many rural counties in Missouri have only a judge and a prosecutor - leaving residents without meaningful access to legal help.
Together, Judge Hamner and Judge Moon explore:
Why rural areas struggle to recruit and retain attorneys
How community service and engagement impact legal access
Incentive programs from other states, like South Dakota
The growing role of technology in law and virtual hearings
Why access to justice matters for every Missourian
This conversation highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions and ongoing efforts by Missouri courts and the Missouri Bar to address gaps in access to justice.
🔗 Watch more Missouri Law Matters episodes here: https://bit.ly/4kSekXO
28 min - Ask a Judge: Missouri’s Most-Asked Court Questions Answered
Ever had a question you wish you could ask a judge? In this special Ask a Judge episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner answers Missouri’s most-asked court questions.
From how to become a judge to what really happens in the courtroom, Judge Hamner offers clear, practical insights on the legal process. He shares what law school is like, how the bar exam works, why ethics are essential, and what to expect if you have a case in court.
Whether you’re a student, a lawyer, or just curious about Missouri’s justice system, this episode gives you a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how our courts work.
Takeaways
To become a judge, one must first be a lawyer.
Judges must adhere to strict ethical guidelines.
It's important to communicate concerns with your attorney.
The court's decisions are reflected in written opinions.
Public perception of court decisions can be misleading.
Law school requires significant dedication and effort.
Bar exam preparation is crucial for success.
Maintaining personal interests is important during law school.
Distractions are common during the bar exam.
Understanding courtroom procedures can alleviate anxiety.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setup
00:21 Understanding Judicial Ethics and Impartiality
03:20 Judicial Decision-Making and Public Perception
12:09 Courtroom Realities vs. Media Portrayals
15:11 The Art of Legal Strategy and Preparation
15:24 The Art of Cross-Examination
15:51 Understanding Elected Judges in Missouri
17:37 Balancing Law and Public Opinion
19:44 The Role of Judicial Decisions
19:57 Understanding Appellate Courts
20:11 The Role of Appellate Courts
21:23 Mentorship in Legal Careers
25:06 Advice for Aspiring Judges
28:30 Navigating Attorney-Client Relationships
39:35 Preparing for Court Appearances
47:59 Surviving and Thriving in Law School
Keywords
Missouri judicial system, becoming a judge, judicial ethics, public questions, attorney-client relationships, guardians ad litem, courtroom drama, court preparation, law school tips, bar exam preparation
55 min - Inside the Supreme Court of Missouri: Betsy Ledgerwood on Public Service, Technology & Justice
What does it take to run Missouri’s highest court behind the scenes?
In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Betsy Ledgerwood, Clerk of the Supreme Court of Missouri, to explore her journey from small-town Missouri to the center of statewide judicial administration.
They cover:
The evolving role of the court clerk
Why transparency and technology matter in today’s judiciary
The rising number of pro se litigants
How mentorship shapes legal careers
And why humanizing the justice system is key to public trust
Whether you're in the legal field or just curious about how the court system really works, this episode offers insight into public service, the challenges of access to justice, and the people who keep the wheels turning at the Supreme Court of Missouri.
📍Chapters
00:00 Introduction02:05 Betsy’s Journey to the Supreme Court07:41 The Role of the Clerk12:59 Understanding Missouri Courts18:14 Technology in the Judiciary23:23 Access to Justice & Pro Se Litigants🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations from inside Missouri’s legal system.
#SupremeCourt #LegalProfession #AccessToJustice #CourtAdministration #JudiciaryTransparency #MentorshipInLaw #MissouriLawMatters # Missouri Supreme Court
34 min
About Missouri Law Matters
From the publisher's feed
Missouri Law Matters is the official podcast of the Supreme Court of Missouri, created to increase public access and understanding of the law and the courts.
Each episode features conversations with members of Missouri’s judiciary who share insights about the legal process, public service, and how the courts work to ensure fairness and uphold the rule of law.
From everyday legal questions to in-depth discussions about Missouri’s judicial system, Missouri Law Matters helps listeners better understand their rights, the role of judges, and how justice is carried out across our state.
🎙️ Missouri Law Matters - an initiative of the Supreme Court of Missouri to make the courts more accessible, transparent, and understood by all Missourians.