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Clerk Handbooks
Court Operating Rules



Section/Rule:
COR 18

Subject:
Court Operating Rule 18
Publication / Adopted Date:
October 25, 1994

Topic:
Bias, Prejudice or Harassment in the Judicial System
Revised / Effective Date:
July 18, 2019

Note: For further details on Court Operating Rule 7, see the Missouri Circuit Court Personnel System database in Lotus Notes.
Court Operating Rule 18


BIAS, PREJUDICE OR HARASSMENT IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM

18.01 Prohibition of Bias, Prejudice, or Harassment
18.02 Complaints
18.03 Retaliation
18.04 Disciplinary Action

18.01 PROHIBITION OF BIAS, PREJUDICE, OR HARASSMENT

The manifestation of bias or prejudice or the engagement in harassment in the performance of court duties impairs the fairness and impartially of court proceedings, brings the judicial system into disrepute, and is unacceptable in the courts of the State of Missouri.

All court employees shall perform court duties without manifesting bias or prejudice or engaging in harassment. Court employees shall not, in the performance of court duties, by words or conduct, manifest bias or prejudice, or engage in harassment, including but not limited to bias, prejudice, or harassment based upon race, sex, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, or marital status.

(Adopted October 25, 1994, effective July 1, 1995; July 18, 2019, eff. July 18, 2019.)

18.02 COMPLAINTS

The presiding judge of each circuit and each appointing authority shall establish procedures for individuals to report cases of bias or prejudice; provided, court employees subject to Administrative Rule 7 shall report cases of bias or prejudice as provided in Administrative Rule 7.01.B.16.

(Adopted October 25, 1994, effective July 1, 1995)

18.03 RETALIATION

Retaliation against any individual for opposing any conduct prohibited by the Administrative Rule 18 or for participating in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Administrative Rule 18 is prohibited.

(Adopted October 25, 1994, effective July 1, 1995)

18.04 DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Any court employee who violates this Administrative Rule 18 shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal; provided, court employees subject to Administrative Rule 7 shall be subject to discipline pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 7.01.B.12 of Administrative Rule 7.

(Adopted October 25, 1994, effective July 1, 1995)