2025 State of the Judiciary: Chief Justice Russell emphasizes everyday work of courts

In her State of the Judiciary address Feb. 26 to a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly, Hon. Mary R. Russell, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri, walked through what a typical day might look like in courts across the state.

“This morning, I don’t want to talk to you about the work we do that makes headlines. Our courts are about so much more than the handful of litigants, issues, or cases that might attract your attention,” Russell said. “Today, I want to tell you ‘the rest of the story’ – how the daily activities of our courts matter in the lives of everyday people in all our communities, large and small.”

Every day, more than 3,400 judges, court clerks, bailiffs, and other court employees perform critical functions on behalf of and for the benefit of Missourians, working to provide vital services, Russell said.

Her goal as chief justice this term has been to visit all 46 judicial circuits, and she now has only 10 more to go, Russell said. These visits have allowed her to not only thank the “frontline heroes,” but also better understand the needs of court staff and Missourians, she said.

For example, Russell emphasized the importance of increasing juror pay. While legislators had considered changes to juror pay last year, Russell encouraged them to get the changes to the governor’s desk this year.

“During my travels to your local courthouses, staff express concern about the low compensation for jurors, who are missing a paycheck or time with their families to perform this important civic duty,” Russell said.

Russell also highlighted the work of juvenile detention centers, recognizing Demetrius Evans, who was in and out of the St. Louis County juvenile system starting at seven years old. Now, as a deputy juvenile detention officer in Clayton, he shares his story with at-risk youth and helps them avoid the same choices he made.

The increasing numbers of children in juvenile detention centers continues to be a challenge, she said. Too few staff are serving too many youth, with too few beds available.

Russell also recognized Jenn Willis, a juvenile officer and “frontline hero,” who attends home visits with children and their families and hosts birthday lunches for kids on her caseloads.

Russell said people have expressed concern about mental health issues impacting people in nearly every type of case. To continue addressing these issues, Russell said she wants to expand treatment court divisions to include mental health courts and grow pretrial service programs.

“Over three decades, our treatment courts have built a track record of success, helping people stay out of our criminal justice system and find new beginnings as both loving members of their families and productive community citizens,” Russell said.

In addition, pretrial services are a promising tool to achieve positive results, she said, making it more likely that defendants will show up in court and helping close their revolving door into the criminal justice system.

Last year was her 20th anniversary on the Court, Russell noted, something she, as a northeast Missouri farm girl – never thought possible. Russell said she is grateful her judicial career allowed her to get to know so many incredible members of the court who make a difference every day.

“Perhaps you’ll find it corny, but I consider our 3,400-plus employees across the state to be one large court family ... a family brought together by a common purpose – to serve people in all corners of the state, to ensure the fair and effective administration of justice for all,” Russell said.

She concluded by encouraging the legislators to visit a court proceeding and thank court staff for all they do day in and day out.

“As you tackle important issues this session, remember we stand with you, ready to assist, as your constitutional partners,” Russell said. “Together, we can strengthen community safety, enhance the efficiency of our courts, and serve our citizens well. Together, we can leave a strong legacy for Missourians for years to come.”

Photos courtesy of Tim Bommel