April 2021 #YourMOLaw month in review

The month of April got off to a strong start with the launch of the Supreme Court of Missouri’s new website celebrating the 200th anniversary of Missouri’s Judiciary. Beginning with the territorial courts in place before Missouri gained statehood to today’s shift to remote proceedings to deal with the pandemic, the website showcases interactive timelines and charts the evolution of our state’s courts. Read more here. 

Another highlight from April was Missouri expungement law: What does it mean to seal a record, and how to you do it? Criminal defense lawyer Scott Pierson walks readers through the updates to laws regarding expungement and the process to have past conviction records sealed, from meeting the requirements, filing a petition, to the costs involved.  

Courts and Missouri nonprofits who provide legal aid who are not Legal Services Corporation providers were invited to apply for COVID-19 relief related tech grants. These grants are designed to assist courts and entities in providing the technology to ensure that access to justice continues throughout the state. The deadline to apply is May 7, 2021. Access the application here.  

The bar celebrated Be Kind to Lawyers Day on April 13. From posting a kind thought about a helpful lawyer to just skipping the lawyer jokes for the day, the public was encouraged to reflect on the good work that lawyers have done throughout history on behalf of others and the development of democracy. 

The Missouri Bar also observed National Health Care Decisions Day with a social media campaign and two informative blogs. The first article provided information on Free forms help Missourians create advance health care directives, while the other listed Ten things you should know about end-of-life planning.  

Finally, April 25 to May 1, saw judges, lawyers, and court clerks from across the state taking a moment to thank the thousands of Missourians who, each year, report for jury duty. Juror Appreciation Week celebrates the role of jurors in Missouri courts and recognizes the individuals who support the role the courts play in democracy in our state. 

Check back at the end of next month for #YourMOLaw news from May!