JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court expressed gratitude as she delivered the 2025 State of the Judiciary to a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly Wednesday.
Chief Justice Mary Russell told lawmakers that her 20 years on the bench has been “something this northeast Missouri farm girl never thought possible, even in her wildest dreams.”
While mostly shying away from political issues, Russell did ask legislators to pass something: increased compensation for jurors.
“Last year, you considered changing jurors’ compensation, in part by tying their mileage rate to that of state employees,” the chief justice said. “This year, please send these changes to the governor’s desk.”
“Doing so will demonstrate respect for our jurors,” she said.
Russell’s main theme circled back to the “frontline heroes” of Missouri’s court system.
“During this term as chief justice, my goal has been to visit all 46 judicial circuits,” she said. “I’ve been to 36 so far, with just 10 to go.”
Russell said what she has learned is an overwhelming commitment to serve.
“In every county, work begins before the courts open,” she said. “Staff show up early, unlocking doors, turning up the heat and quite a few times so far this year shoveling snow.”
She also praised the technology side of the courts.
“Your support allows us to continue providing the high level of online services Missourians expect and deserve,” Russell said.
She also encouraged lawmakers assembled as well as members of the public to participate in the process.
“Please go watch a court proceeding,” Russell said. “Experience it first-hand and thank the court staff for all they do.”