2 March 2022

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Each year, the Supreme Court of Missouri typically hosts more than 20,000 visitors touring its historic building, which is part of the state Capitol complex. While a majority of those visitors are students on school field trips to Jefferson City, the next largest group of visitors are members of leadership groups sponsored by chambers of commerce or other industry organizations throughout the state.

One Wednesday in March was a perfect example. During the morning, two Supreme Court judges visited with 40 members of the 2022 Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge, and during the afternoon, another Supreme Court judge visited with more than 20 adults with the Greater Ozarks Leadership Development (GOLD) program.

Members of the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge said they really enjoyed hearing from Judge Patricia Breckenridge and Judge Robin Ransom, whom they described as “amazing,” “so engaging,” “fantastic,” “impactful,” “incredible,” and “insightful, inspiring and relatable.”

One participant said, “This was my favorite part of the meeting. I so, so appreciated the words and sharing provided by both judges.” Another said, “It was a great reminder that our roadmap to success isn’t the only way to be successful.”

In addition to discussing their backgrounds and career paths, both judges took time to explain the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan for how judges are selected as well as how cases proceed through the varying levels of Missouri’s court system. 

“The structure of the Missouri courts was clear,” one member said. “I appreciated realizing Missouri is unique. That fact that two Supreme Court judges took time to talk with us blows my mind. I am super grateful for this part of the session.”

Later in the day, Judge W. Brent Powell similarly discussed with the GOLD program participants his upbringing in the Ozarks, his path to the Court, the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan for judicial selection and how Missouri courts work. He then answered their questions – ranging from operational issues involving municipal court divisions to the factors judges weigh in setting conditions of pretrial release for defendants accused of a crime to how the Court works with its committees to establish rules of practice and procedure.

The GOLD participants ended their visit with a special surprise – Powell led them on a tour of his chambers on the building’s third floor. They shared a common sentiment among members of leadership groups visiting the Court – they wished they had more time to spend with the Supreme Court’s judges.

“It is a true pleasure meeting with groups and getting the opportunity to discuss the work of courts across our state,” Powell said. “I appreciate anyone who takes the time and effort to visit our courts, and I want to answer any questions these engaged citizens may have.”

Other leadership groups visiting the Court this spring include Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow (statewide), Leadership Lebanon, the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Northland/Northland (Kansas City) Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Missouri Head Start Association and the Missouri Leadership Academy, which includes 35 employees chosen from among 16 executive branch departments of state government. 

The Court also will host hundreds of high school students in one day who are participating in two statewide leadership groups: Sophomore Pilgrimage, sponsored by the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs of Missouri; and Missouri State Youth Government Day, sponsored by the Missouri Department of the American Legion.

Learn more about scheduling a tour of the Supreme Court of Missouri or observing its oral arguments online through the Visiting the Supreme Court page on the Missouri Courts website.