*Justice Matters archives

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In September 2005, Missouri's then-chief justice launched a series of columns published online and distributed to newspapers throughout the state by the Missouri Press Association. The columns, called "Justice Matters," discuss a range of issues related to Missouri's courts and the legal system. The columns were available periodically and, in November 2023, were restarted. 

For more information about the columns, please contact Beth Riggert, communications counsel for the Supreme Court of Missouri, by calling (573) 751-3676 or by e-mailing beth.riggert@courts.mo.gov.

The archived columns are linked below.

 Chief Justice

 Date

 Title

Mary R. Russell
(term July 2023 through June 2025)		  
  June 24, 2025 Seeing first-hand the vital role court staff play in serving communities statewide 
  May 29, 2025 Man's best friend ... may be in a court near you!
  April 25, 2025Jury selection process has improved through the years
  March 25, 2025Not in our wildest dreams
  January 15, 2025Treatment court programs help participants find new beginnings
  December 12, 2024Wishing everyone a happy holiday season ... especially those who open their hearts to help children in need
 November 6, 2024Missouri chief justice expresses gratitude for military members
 October 23, 2024Understanding the variety of judicial elections in Missouri 
 September 30, 2024Judiciary promotes transparency for Missourians to access their courts
 August 21, 2024Adoptions serve as highlight for children, families ... and judges too
 July 24, 2024Judges go back to school every year too! 
 June 20, 2024Missouri’s attorney discipline system has worked to protect the public for 90 years! 
 May 24, 2024Your fellow Missourians count on you to answer the call for jury service
 April 24, 2024Better understanding ‘we’ are ‘the people’ responsible for shaping our shared governance
 March 28, 2024Baseball analogies only partially explain what judges do
 February 29, 2024Celebrating African Americans, women in our legal profession, courts
 January 24, 2024Missouri judges work every day to be ethical, earn title of 'honor'
 December 26, 2023 New year brings changing of judicial guardians
 December 5, 2023Gentlewoman leaves legacy of generational change 
 November 20, 2023Giving thanks to those at the heart of our court system
Mary R. Russell
(term July 2013 through June 2015)  		  

June 18, 2015Magna Carta celebrates 800 years of the rule of law
 March 20, 2015CASA volunteers bring stability to lives of abused, neglected children
 December 12, 2014Missouri's treatment court divisions provide gift of renewed life
 November 24, 2014Voters retain final say over all Missouri judges
 October 23, 2014Dogs find special place in court proceedings
 September 16, 2014Honoring the Bill of Rights
 September 2, 2014Regular School Attendance is the Law
 July 17, 2014Judges do not express personal opinions in performance of judicial duties
 June 26, 2014Fourth of July is perfect time to celebrate creation of our nation, courts
 May 23, 2014Former governor remembered for breaking gender barrier in nonpartisan judicial appointments
 April 21, 2014Missouri honors the vital work of jurors
 March 18, 2014Rural women lawyers serve as pioneers for others
 February 10, 2014Behind the robe, Missouri judges are committed to justice for all
 December 12, 2013Through adoptions, Missouri courts give the gift of families
 November 6, 2013Missouri courts respect, serve veterans
 October 17, 2013Missouri courts remain vital to our society
Richard B. Teitelman
(term: July 2011 through June 2013)		  
   March 5, 2013Celebrating African-Americans' contributions to Missouri's justice system
Michael A. Wolff
(term: July 2005 through June 2007)		  
   May 31, 2007War-torn Country Seeks Measure of Stability by Establishing Fair, Impartial Courts
 March 30, 2007Ensuring Judges' Ethics and Accountability
 February 26, 2007Lawyer Ethics ... Don't Believe Everything You See on Television
 December 22, 2006Hamilton Gamble Shaped History as Judge, Governor
 November 28, 2006Adoptive Parents Deserve Recognition for Lifelong Commitment of Love
 October 23, 2006Understanding Ballot Issues: Fair and Accurate Explanations
 September 30, 2006Attacks on the Courts Present Real Threats
 August 28, 2006From the Three Stooges to the Three Branches — It's Back to School
 July 26, 2006Missouri Sentencing: Crimes, Punishments and Public Safety
 June 29, 2006Missouri Courts: The Last Resort For Vulnerable Children
 May 30, 2006Promises, Promises... What Should A Judicial Candidate Say?
 April 24, 2006Law Day Celebrates Our Enduring Values
 March 28, 2006The Courts' Ideals Are Carved in Stone
 February 27, 2006What Do Judges Believe ... Really?
 January 30, 2006Success of Missouri Courts Depends on Adequate Resources
 December 15, 2005Missouri Judges are Accountable ... To the Law
 November 21, 2005How We Choose Missouri Judges
 October 14, 2005Why the Rule of Law?
 September 9, 2005A Celebration of Two Constitutions
 
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