Supreme Court of Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Supreme Court of Missouri |
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| Established | 1821 |
| Country | Missouri  , United States  |
| Location | Jefferson City, Missouri |
| Authorized by | Missouri Constitution |
| Decisions are appealed to | Supreme Court of the United States |
| Website | Official website: https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=27 |
| Chief Justice | |
| Currently | Patricia Breckenridge |
| Since | July 2015 |
| Lead position ends | June 2017 |
| Jurist term ends | December 31, 2020 |
The Supreme Court of Missouri is the most important court in the state of Missouri. It started in 1820 and is located in Jefferson City. This court makes the final decisions on many important legal questions in Missouri.
Missouri voters have agreed to changes in the state's constitution. These changes give the Supreme Court the only power to hear five special types of cases. These cases are:
- Cases about whether a United States law or agreement is valid.
- Cases about whether a Missouri law or part of its constitution is valid.
- Cases about the state's money laws, like taxes.
- Challenges to whether a statewide elected official can keep their job.
- Any case where the death penalty might be given.
If a case does not involve one of these five special topics, people usually appeal to the Missouri Court of Appeals. Most of these cases are about everyday legal questions. The Court of Appeals is split into three areas: the Eastern, Western, and Southern Districts.
Sometimes, the Supreme Court can choose to hear other cases. They might pick cases that are very important or interesting to the public. They also look at cases where old laws might need to be re-examined. Or, they might review cases where a lower court's decision does not match an earlier court decision. This is similar to how the Supreme Court of the United States decides which cases to hear. Also, the Court of Appeals can send a case to the Supreme Court. This can happen if one of the people involved asks, or if one of the judges on the appeals court asks.
How the Missouri Supreme Court Started
The Supreme Court of Missouri began in 1820. Back then, it had only three judges. Over time, the court grew to handle more cases. In 1872, the number of judges increased to five. Then, in 1890, it grew again to its current size of seven judges.
In 1890, the court was split into two groups, called divisions. This helped them handle more cases and make decisions faster. However, in 1976, these two divisions were removed. Now, all seven judges work together on every case. This means decisions are made by the entire court.
How Judges Are Chosen
Judges for the Supreme Court are chosen using a special system called the Missouri Plan. This plan is used in many places across the country. Here is how it works:
- A group called the Appellate Judicial Commission suggests three names to the Governor.
- The Governor then chooses one person from these three names to become a judge.
- If the Governor does not choose anyone within 60 days, the Commission makes the choice instead.
- Once a judge has worked for at least one year, voters get to decide if they want the judge to stay. This happens during a regular election.
- If voters say "yes," the judge serves a 12-year term.
- All judges must retire when they turn 70 years old.
