How Are Judges Selected in Missouri? The Missouri Plan & Judicial Retention | Missouri Law Matters

How are judges selected in Missouri, and what does it mean when voters are asked whether a judge should be retained? In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner talks with Athena Dickson, president of The Missouri Bar, about the Missouri Non-Partisan Court Plan, also known as the Missouri Plan, and how judicial selection and retention work in Missouri. They explain why Missouri voters adopted the Missouri Plan in 1940, how judicial nominating commissions help identify qualified candidates, the governor’s role in the selection process and how Missouri voters participate through judicial retention elections. The conversation also explores the role of The Missouri Bar in supporting Missouri lawyers and helping the public better understand the courts and legal system. Topics include: • How judges are selected in Missouri • What the Missouri Plan is and how it works • Missouri judicial retention elections • The role voters play in judicial retention • Merit-based judicial selection • The Missouri Bar and civic education • Resources for finding legal help in Missouri • Lawyer referral services and Free Legal Answers • Attorney wellness and the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program • Athena Dixon’s path from first-generation college student to attorney and president of The Missouri Bar • Why lawyers and judges are working to expand civic education across Missouri • How Missourians can learn more about their courts and judges The Missouri Plan has been part of Missouri’s judicial system since 1940. Judges serving under the plan are selected through a merit-based process and later appear before voters in retention elections. For Missourians who have wondered, “Who chooses Missouri judges?” “What is a judicial retention election?” or “How does the Missouri Non-Partisan Court Plan work?” this episode offers a clear look at the process and the people who take part in it. Missouri Law Matters is a podcast about Missouri courts, the law and the people who help make the justice system work. Hosted by Judge Matt Hamner of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. Subscribe for more conversations about Missouri courts, judges, lawyers, civic education and access to justice.