Mo. Supreme Court Chief Justice calls for better juror pay
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.
No savings expected from nearly 40% of DOGE-canceled contracts
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.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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But U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander in Maryland found that DOGE's efforts at Social Security amounted to a "fishing expedition" based on "little more than suspicion" of fraud, and allowing unfettered access puts Americans' private information at risk. Her ruling did allow access to anonymous data for staffers who have undergone training and background checks, or wider access for those who have detailed a specific need. The Trump administration has said DOGE cannot work effectively with those restrictions. U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer also argued that the ruling is an example of federal judges overstepping their authority and trying to micromanage executive branch agencies. The Associated Press contributed to this article source: Judge restricts DOGE access to federal databases, finding 'breach of law and trust'
