Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court Mary Russell visited the Poplar Bluff Court House on Monday as part of her goal of visiting every circuit in the state. Out of 46 circuits, Poplar Bluff is her 19th stop.
This is her second term as chief justice, with the first being from 2013-2015. Russell explained the position rotates between the seven justices on the court.
Also in attendance were Judge Kacey Proctor, who is the presiding judge for the 36th Judicial Circuit, Judge John Shock, state Rep. Hardy Billington and Butler County Circuit Clerk Cindi Bowman. Groups representing the deputy circuit clerks, treatment court, and the juvenile office filled the seats.
“I want to say thank you to all of you. You are the frontline of the court system,” Russell told attendees.
She expressed sympathy toward the juvenile office over the continued struggle to find resources but encouraged, “I know you’re saving lives.”
Russell praised the efforts of the treatment court as an option over incarceration. She said their work results in less recidivism and better long-term results.
Russell also suggested inviting local legislators to the treatment program’s graduation ceremonies.
She remarked regarding the ceremonies, “Bring a big handkerchief. If you’re not crying, there’s something wrong with you.”
While she hopes to visit every circuit in Missouri, she chose Poplar Bluff for Monday due to the eclipse.
“This is a huge day,” she said.
The deputy circuit clerks presented the chief justice with an eclipse t-shirt. After her presentation, Russell took questions from the audience.
“We get the toughest cases,” Russell answered a question about impartiality, “Sometimes there are laws you don’t like.”
She reiterated the importance of remaining true to the Constitution as opposed to personal bias. At the conclusion of the event, Bowman said, “We want to say we appreciate you. You always mention the clerks.”
Proctor also expressed gratitude, “It certainly is an honor... It’s very impressive she would take time to meet the front line.”
Editor's note: the story has been updated to correct the spelling of names.