207 West High Street
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
Phone: (573) 751-4144 The Supreme Court of Missouri has been the state's highest court since 1820, when Missouri's first constitution was adopted. The Supreme Court's role is to ensure a stable and predictable system of justice by serving as the final arbiter of disputes involving the state's constitution and laws. As such, it hears and decides many of the most important – and often the most controversial – legal issues affecting Missouri citizens, businesses, organizations and even factions of government.
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
Phone: (573) 751-4144 The Supreme Court of Missouri has been the state's highest court since 1820, when Missouri's first constitution was adopted. The Supreme Court's role is to ensure a stable and predictable system of justice by serving as the final arbiter of disputes involving the state's constitution and laws. As such, it hears and decides many of the most important – and often the most controversial – legal issues affecting Missouri citizens, businesses, organizations and even factions of government.
What cases does the Supreme Court hear?
Pursuant to article V, section 3 of the state's constitution, the Supreme Court of Missouri has exclusive jurisdiction – the sole legal power to hear – five types of cases on appeal:- The validity of a United States statute or treaty.
- The validity of a Missouri statute or constitutional provision.
- The state's revenue laws.
- Challenges to a statewide elected official's right to hold office.
- Imposition of the death penalty.
In addition, article III of the state's constitution gives the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction over two types of appeals regarding state legislative redistricting plans – section 3(j) for house redistricting plans and section 7(i) for senate redistricting plans.
Other appeals are reviewed by the Missouri court of appeals. Most of these cases involve routine legal questions and end there.
Using a process similar to what the United States Supreme Court uses in choosing cases, certain cases can be transferred from the appeals court to the Supreme Court at the Court's discretion if it determines that a question of general interest or importance is involved, that the laws should be reexamined, or that the lower court's decision conflicts with an earlier appellate decision.
How does the Supreme Court decide cases?
Once the Supreme Court accepts a case, the lawyers give the Court a written copy of the trial court proceedings, called the "record on appeal." Then they write lengthy, detailed documents – ironically called "briefs" – arguing their points and providing legal support for them. Next, the attorneys typically argue the merits of their cases orally before the Supreme Court (which the public is welcome to attend). The Court considers these briefs and arguments in researching and deciding the cases.Most of the Supreme Court's decisions are issued as written opinions. Preparing to issue a single opinion can require months of work. The Supreme Court can affirm the circuit court’s decision, reverse the circuit court's decision or remand (send) the case back to the circuit court for further proceedings. If the Court finds a statute violates the constitution, then the legislature can change the law to resolve the constitutional problem.