Judge James R. Dowd to step down

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Content date: 09/17/2002

Judge James R. Dowd to step down

Contact: Beth Riggert, Communications Counsel
Supreme Court of Missouri
Desk: 573-751-3676
Cell: 573-619-2849

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- After 23 years of judicial service, Judge James R. Dowd of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, announced this morning that he has decided to step down from the judiciary, effective October 10, 2002. He plans to return to the law firm of Dowd & Dowd in St. Louis.

Judge Dowd has served at all levels of the state court system. Elected to his first term in office in 1978, he served as an associate circuit judge until his appointment as circuit judge in 1988. He was elected by his fellow judges to serve as assistant presiding judge from 1993 to 1995, and as presiding judge from 1995 to 1997. In 1997, he was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, where his peers elected him to serve as chief judge in the 2001-2002 term of court. While an appellate judge, he also sat on the Supreme Court of Missouri by special assignment of the chief justice.

Judge Dowd has engaged in a number of activities designed to improve the administration of justice. During his tenure as chief judge, he worked to gain approval for the Court of Appeals' move to the Old Post Office and the historic courtroom in that building. As presiding judge of the 22nd Judicial Circuit, he led efforts to acquire the old federal courthouse, (now known as the Carnahan building) to serve as the St. Louis Criminal Courts building. For reasons of safety, economy and efficiency, he fought to ensure that the new St. Louis jail was built next to the new Criminal Courts building. As one of the early pioneers of drug courts in Missouri, he initiated creation of the drug court in the city of St. Louis and served as its first judge.

Upon hearing of Judge Dowd's intentions, Chief Judge Lawrence E. Mooney of the Court of Appeals, Eastern District, said: "Judge Jim Dowd has a long and distinguished career of public service in the judiciary. He led the effort for the Court of Appeals' relocation to a renovated Old Post Office building. He will be remembered with fondness and admiration for his intelligence, his judgment, and his concern for the individuals who appeared before him. We will miss him greatly."

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The following is the text of the letter Judge Dowd sent to Gov. Bob Holden this morning:

Dear Governor Holden:

After serving the people of the Great State of Missouri for twenty-three years it is my intention to step down from the Missouri Court of Appeals on October 10, 2002. My tenure as a judge has been deeply rewarding. My belief that the courts serve as a fulcrum by which we move our democracy has been confirmed by my experience. I feel, however, as Adlai Stevenson must have felt, when he said: “I would like to have done better, but I have done my best.” It has been my honor and distinct privilege to serve the people of Missouri.

Please accept my heartfelt gratitude to you and your staff for assisting me in my service. I could not have accomplished as much without your support, the support of the members of the General Assembly and the support of my colleagues in the judiciary. I look forward to continuing my service to Missouri, but now as a member of the private sector.

Warmest personal regards,

James R. Dowd