Robin Ransom facts for kids

Robin Ransom, born on July 21, 1967, is a very important judge in Missouri. She works on the Supreme Court of Missouri, which is the highest court in the state. Governor Mike Parson chose her for this role in 2021. She made history as the first African-American woman to become a judge on this court. Before joining the Supreme Court, Judge Ransom worked on other courts. She was a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals from 2019 to 2021. Before that, she served on the St. Louis Circuit Court from 2008 to 2019.

Early Life and Schooling

Robin Ransom was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Her father was a firefighter and also helped people as a social worker. She went to Rosati-Kain High School. After high school, she studied at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. In 1988, she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. This degree shows she completed a four-year college program. She studied political science and sociology. Later, she went to the University of Missouri School of Law. In 1991, she earned her Juris Doctor (JD) degree. This is the special degree you need to become a lawyer.

Her Career as a Judge

Judge Ransom started her legal career in 1992. She worked as a public defender in St. Louis County. A public defender is a lawyer who helps people who cannot afford a lawyer. In 1995, she became a prosecutor in St. Louis County. A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. They try to prove that someone has broken the law.

In 2002, she became a juvenile family court commissioner in St. Louis. This means she helped make decisions for young people and families. That same year, Governor Bob Holden appointed her as an associate judge. On September 11, 2008, Governor Matt Blunt appointed her to the St. Louis Circuit Court. This court handles many different types of legal cases.

In 2018, the other judges on the St. Louis Circuit Court chose her to be their main judge. This was a big honor. She was the first African-American woman to hold this leadership position.

Joining Higher Courts

In 2019, Governor Mike Parson appointed her to the Missouri Court of Appeals. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts. Then, on May 24, 2021, Governor Parson appointed her to the Supreme Court of Missouri. This was a historic moment. She became the first African-American woman to serve on Missouri's highest court.

Many people were happy about her appointment. State Representative Ashley Bland Manlove said it was a good step forward. Former Missouri Chief Justice Michael A. Wolff also praised her selection.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Outside of her work, Judge Ransom enjoys bowling. She has been bowling since she was 11 years old. In March 2021, she bowled a perfect game, scoring 300 points! She also helps children learn to read. She tutors kids for a local church's reading program. She is part of groups that work to improve foster care and adoption. She also mentors young people through a group called The Literacy Project.

See also

• List of African-American jurists
• List of African-American U.S. state firsts
• List of judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri