Missouri Law Matters

How does the Missouri court system work, and what does the Missouri Court of Appeals actually do? In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner talks with Chief Judge John P. Torbitzky of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, about appellate courts in Missouri, how judges review trial court decisions and why the Eastern District’s 150th anniversary matters. The conversation...

How does someone become a judge in Missouri? What role does civic education play in helping the public understand the courts? And what can students learn from a judge who did not start with every advantage? In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner chats with Judge Jeffrey McPherson about his path from a small college to the Supreme Court of Missouri, private practice and the benc...

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner talks with Senior Judge Gary Lynch about Missouri courts, court technology and the role of Case.net in helping the public access court information. The conversation explores how Missouri developed a statewide court automation system, why court technology matters and how tools like Case.net support public access to justice. Judge Lynch also...

What does it take to become a judge in Missouri? In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Jalilah Otto of the 16th Judicial Circuit in Jackson County shares her path to the bench, the work judges do each day, and how Missouri’s nonpartisan court plan shapes judicial selection in Kansas City and beyond. Judge Otto talks about growing up in Kansas City, discovering the law almost by accident,...

What really happens inside Missouri’s Associate Circuit Courts? Judge Denise Childress of St. Charles County joins host Judge Matt Hamner to share what everyday justice looks like - from orders of protection and child support to family law and landlord-tenant cases. She talks about handling hundreds of cases a week, working with people who represent themselves, and why keeping courts open and acce...

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner speaks with Joseph Goff, Jr, private practice attorney and former judge, about his unique journey through Missouri’s legal system — from prosecutor to judge to advocate for civic education. Together, they explore how civic education builds public trust, why judges should connect with their communities, and how young lawyers can help demyst...

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Judge Corey Moon to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing rural Missouri: legal deserts. What happens when there are fewer than one lawyer for every 1,000 people? Many rural counties in Missouri have only a judge and a prosecutor - leaving residents without meaningful access to legal help. Together, Judge Hamner and J...

Ever had a question you wish you could ask a judge? In this special Ask a Judge episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner answers Missouri’s most-asked court questions. From how to become a judge to what really happens in the courtroom, Judge Hamner offers clear, practical insights on the legal process. He shares what law school is like, how the bar exam works, why ethics are essential, a...

What does it take to run Missouri’s highest court behind the scenes? In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Betsy Ledgerwood, Clerk of the Supreme Court of Missouri, to explore her journey from small-town Missouri to the center of statewide judicial administration. They cover: The evolving role of the court clerk Why transparency and technology matter in today’s...

On his first day as Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, Brent Powell sits down with Judge Matt Hamner to discuss Missouri’s legal system and the path that led him to its highest bench. This episode of Missouri Law Matters covers: – Chief Justice Powell’s early career and transition from prosecutor to judge – The role of Missouri’s Supreme Court in court administration – Criminal justice r...

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner talks with Heather Officer, Circuit Clerk for Laclede County, about the vital but often overlooked role of court clerks in the Missouri legal system. Heather shares what it really takes to manage court operations, from cross-training staff to navigating technology shifts. They explore how court clerks support judges, litigants (includ...

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Judge Kevin Hillman to explore the unique connection between military and civil law in Missouri - especially in communities surrounding Fort Leonard Wood. Judge Hillman shares his path from active-duty service to associate circuit judge, highlighting how Veterans Treatment Courts support military members and their famil...

Missouri Family Law Explained: Child Custody, Mediation & Parenting Court with Commissioner Sherrill Roberts Missouri Law Matters Podcast – Hosted by Judge Matt Hamner In this in-depth episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner is joined by Commissioner Sherrill Roberts, a respected Family Court Commissioner, to explore the evolving landscape of family law in Missouri. Together, t...

🎙️ Filing a Small Claims Case in Missouri? Here’s What a Judge Wants You to Know In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Judge Jeanette Rodecap of Jackson County to talk all things small claims court. Whether you're representing yourself (pro se) or just want to understand the process better, this episode is packed with practical insights straight from the be...

What really happens in a courtroom — and what’s just Hollywood drama? In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner sits down with Judge Aaron Koeppen to explore the powerful influence of movies and TV on how the public views the legal system. From the lasting legacy of To Kill a Mockingbird to the unforgettable line “You can’t handle the truth!” in A Few Good Men, the conversati...

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner interviews Judge Kelly Broniec of the Missouri Supreme Court. They discuss Judge Broniec's journey from a small-town upbringing to her current role on the Supreme Court, including her experiences in law school, private practice, and as a prosecutor. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, community engagement, and me...

In this episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Judge Matt Hamner and Judge Rebeca Navarro-Mckelvey discuss the importance of civic education within the Missouri court system. They explore Judge Navarro-Mckelvey's unique journey from Nicaragua to the bench, the significance of mentorship in the legal profession, and the transition from trial court to appellate court. The conversation emphasizes the...

In this inaugural episode of Missouri Law Matters, host Matt Hamner welcomes Chief Justice Mary Russell to discuss her remarkable journey in the Missouri court system. They explore her 20 years on the Missouri Supreme Court, the importance of mentorship in the legal profession, and the advancements in technology that enhance court accessibility. Chief Justice Russell shares insights from her tours...