Missouri Supreme Court

Missouri Supreme Court. The Missouri Supreme Court is the highest court in the U.S. state of Missouri and serves as the court of last resort for the state's judicial branch. Established by the state's first constitution in 1820, it primarily hears appeals on matters involving the state constitution, capital punishment, and significant questions of Missouri law. The court's seven judges, including a Chief Justice, are selected through the Missouri Plan, a merit selection system involving a judicial commission, gubernatorial appointment, and periodic retention elections.

History

The court was established in 1820 under the first Constitution of Missouri, coinciding with Missouri's admission to the United States under the Missouri Compromise. Its early sessions were held in various locations, including St. Charles and the original Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. A pivotal reorganization occurred under the Constitution of 1875, which fixed the number of judges at five and centralized its operations. The modern framework was solidified by the Constitution of 1945, which expanded the bench to seven members and formally instituted the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan, a model for judicial selection later studied by the American Bar Association. Throughout its history, the court has been involved in landmark decisions on issues such as slavery, school desegregation, and tort reform.

Composition and selection

The court is composed of seven justices who serve staggered twelve-year terms. Selection occurs via the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan, a merit selection process initiated by a 1940 amendment to the Constitution of Missouri. Under this system, when a vacancy occurs, the nonpartisan Appellate Judicial Commission—comprising three lawyers elected by members of The Missouri Bar, three citizens appointed by the Governor of Missouri, and the Chief Justice—screens applicants and submits three nominees to the governor. The appointed justice then serves for at least one year before facing a retention election, where voters decide whether the judge shall remain in office for a full term. The justices annually elect one of their members to serve as Chief Justice.

Jurisdiction and powers

The court holds exclusive appellate jurisdiction over cases involving the validity of a federal statute or treaty, the Constitution of Missouri, and all cases where the death penalty is imposed. It also has general supervisory authority over all lower courts in Missouri through its power to issue writs, including mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and habeas corpus. While it has discretionary review over most other appeals from the Missouri Court of Appeals, certain cases, such as those involving revenue laws or challenges to statewide elected officials, come directly from circuit courts. Its decisions are binding on all state courts in Missouri but are subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States on issues of federal law.

Notable cases

In *State ex rel. Gaines v. Canada* (1938), the court upheld the denial of Lloyd Gaines's admission to the University of Missouri School of Law, a decision later reversed by the Supreme Court of the United States in a precursor to *Brown v. Board of Education*. The 1983 decision in *State v. Baker* interpreted the state's victim's rights amendment, influencing subsequent criminal procedure. More recently, in *Missouri v. McNeely* (2013), the court ruled that nonconsensual, warrantless blood tests for drunk driving suspects violated the Fourth Amendment, a holding affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court has also issued significant rulings on tort reform statutes, legislative redistricting, and the powers of the Governor of Missouri.

Courthouse

The court has been housed in the Missouri Supreme Court Building in Jefferson City since its completion in 1907. Designed by the architect Tracy and Swartwout in the Beaux-Arts style, the building is located adjacent to the Missouri State Capitol. Its interior features a grand central rotunda, ornate marble staircases, and two courtrooms, including the main chamber with murals depicting the history of law. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and underwent a major renovation and expansion from 2003 to 2004. It also contains the offices of the Clerk and the Missouri State Law Library.