Missouri Law Matters is the official podcast of the Supreme Court of Missouri, created to increase public access and understanding of the law and the courts.
Each episode features conversations with members of Missouri’s judiciary who share insights about the legal process, public service, and how the courts work to ensure fairness and uphold the rule of law.
From everyday legal questions to in-depth discussions about Missouri’s judicial system, Missouri Law Matters helps listeners better understand their rights, the role of judges, and how justice is carried out across our state.
🎙️ Missouri Law Matters - an initiative of the Supreme Court of Missouri to make the courts more accessible, transparent, and understood by all Missourians.
How Are Judges Selected in Missouri? The Missouri Plan & Judicial Retention | Missouri Law Matters
How are judges selected in Missouri, and what does it mean to vote on whether a judge should be retained? Judge Matt Hamner talks with Missouri Bar President Athena Dickson about the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan, how judicial nominating commissions and the governor take part in selecting judges and the role Missouri voters play through judicial retention elections.
26 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
Missouri Court System Explained: What Does the Court of Appeals Do?
Chief Judge John P. Torbitzky of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, explains the appellate court's function and Missouri's judicial structure to host Judge Matt Hamner.
5 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
How a First-Generation Lawyer Became a Missouri Judge | Missouri Law Matters
Judge Jeffrey McPherson shares his inspiring journey from a first-generation college graduate to a Missouri Supreme Court judge, highlighting the importance of hard work and civic education.
22 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
Case.net, Court Technology and Public Access in Missouri Courts l Judge Gary Lynch
Host Judge Matt Hamner interviews Senior Judge Gary Lynch about how technology and Case.net enhance public access to Missouri's justice system.
14 Nov 2025
How to Become a Judge in Missouri: Judge Jalilah Otto’s Path to the Bench
Judge Jalilah Otto describes her journey to becoming a judge in Missouri, discussing the nonpartisan court plan and the daily responsibilities of judges, in this interview.
31 Oct 2025
Missouri Family & Landlord-Tenant Court: What to Expect | Judge Denise Childress
Judge Denise Childress describes to host Judge Matt Hamner the realities of Missouri's Associate Circuit Courts, covering family law, landlord-tenant disputes, and the importance of accessible courts in this interview.
10 Oct 2025
From Judge to Attorney: Joseph Goff on Civic Education and Trust in Missouri’s Legal System
Former Judge Joseph Goff Jr. discusses his transition from the bench to private practice with Judge Matt Hamner, emphasizing civic education's role in fostering public trust in Missouri's legal system in this interview.
23 Aug 2025
Legal Deserts in Missouri: Access to Justice, Rural Law & Attorney Recruitment Challenges
Host Judge Matt Hamner interviews Judge Corey Moon about rural Missouri's legal deserts, exploring attorney recruitment challenges and solutions for access to justice.
8 Aug 2025
Ask a Judge: Missouri’s Most-Asked Court Questions Answered
Judge Matt Hamner answers frequently asked questions about Missouri courts, covering judicial ethics, courtroom procedures, and the path to becoming a judge in this informative interview.
25 Jul 2025
Inside the Supreme Court of Missouri: Betsy Ledgerwood on Public Service, Technology & Justice
Clerk Betsy Ledgerwood discusses her career journey to the Supreme Court of Missouri with Judge Matt Hamner, highlighting the evolving role of the court clerk and the importance of technology in today's judiciary in this interview.
11 Jul 2025
Chief Justice Brent Powell on Missouri Courts, Access to Justice, and Criminal Reform
Chief Justice Brent Powell discusses Missouri's legal system, criminal justice reform, and access to justice with Judge Matt Hamner in this interview, highlighting the challenges faced by self-represented litigants.
27 Jun 2025
What Court Clerks Wish You Knew: Missouri’s Unsung Legal Pros
Host Judge Matt Hamner interviews Heather Officer, Circuit Clerk, who illuminates the crucial functions of Missouri court clerks and their impact on the judicial system.
13 Jun 2025
Military & Civil Law in Missouri: Judge Kevin Hillman on Veterans Court, Fort Leonard Wood & Justice
Judge Kevin Hillman discusses the intersection of military and civil law in Missouri, especially near Fort Leonard Wood, and how Veterans Treatment Courts support service members in an interview with Judge Matt Hamner.
30 May 2025
Missouri Family Law: Child Custody, Mediation & Parenting Court Insights
Judge Matt Hamner interviews Commissioner Sherrill Roberts about Missouri family law, focusing on child custody, mediation, and the Parenting Court program, which reveals how courts adapt to support families.
16 May 2025
Filing a Small Claims Case in Missouri? Here’s What a Judge Wants You to Know
🎙️ 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 bench.
You’ll learn:
✅ How small claims court works in Missouri
✅ What to expect when representing yourself
✅ Common mistakes pro se litigants make—and how to avoid them
✅ Why being organized and clear can make or break your case
✅ How to observe court proceedings to prepare
Judge Rodecap also shares stories from her time helping shape a legal system in Palau and why civic education matters more than ever.
🎧 Tune in now to feel more confident navigating small claims court—Missouri style.
#MissouriLawMatters #SmallClaimsCourt #ProSeLitigants #JudgeRodecap #MissouriCourts
2 May 2025
You Can’t Handle the Truth!”: Law vs Hollywood with Judge Aaron Koeppen | Supreme Court of Missouri
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 conversation unpacks the myths, the media, and the real mechanics of justice. Learn how legal dramas have shaped expectations in the courtroom — and what jurors and citizens alike should understand about the real law.
🎧 Listen in as we break down:
The CSI Effect and juror bias
What legal shows get right (and wrong)
How entertainment shapes trust in the justice system
Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights from Missouri Courts and legal professionals.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
00:27 The Journey to Becoming a Judge
05:49 Influence of Media on Legal Aspirations
09:04 The Popularity of Legal Dramas
11:56 Why Courtrooms Make Great Entertainment
15:09 Favorite Legal Movies and Shows
18:04 Historical Context of Legal Films
21:10 Impactful Legal Movies
24:06 Exploring Civil Law in Film
26:57 Current Legal Shows and Recommendations
33:38 The Balance of Reality and Entertainment in Legal Dramas
40:40 Misconceptions About the Legal Process
46:56 The CSI Effect and Its Impact on Jury Expectations
52:20 The Role of Judges in Courtroom Dramas
55:05 Wishing for a More Exciting Reality
59:18 Invitation to Experience Real Courtroom Proceedings
18 Apr 2025
Life as a Small-Town Prosecutor: Judge Kelly Broniec’s Journey to the Supreme Court of Missouri
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 mental health awareness in the legal profession. Judge Broniec shares insights into the challenges and surprises of being a judge, as well as her commitment to serving the community and supporting her colleagues.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Missouri Law Matters
00:54 Meet Judge Kelly Broniec
01:54 Early Life and Education
03:54 Path to Law School
06:38 Transitioning to Prosecutor
08:25 Balancing Dual Roles
12:03 Skills Developed in Practice
13:06 Becoming a Full-Time Prosecutor
19:28 From Prosecutor to Associate Circuit Judge
21:16 The Journey to Becoming a Judge
22:59 Adjusting to the Judicial Role
26:37 Experience as an Associate Circuit Judge
29:18 Transition to the Court of Appeals
31:15 Joining the Missouri Supreme Court
36:15 Surprises in the Supreme Court Role
37:56 Community Engagement and Outreach
40:09 Finding Balance in Life
42:06 Reflections on the Journey
47:05 Mental Health Awareness in the Legal Profession
3 Apr 2025
Justice, Technology & Trust:The Future of Civic Education in Missouri Judge Rebeca Navarro McKelvey
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 role of civic education in empowering communities and the future of legal education in a technologically advancing world.
00:00 Introduction to Civic Education in Missouri Courts
08:43 The Role of Mentorship in Law
13:51 Civic Education Initiatives for Youth
18:55 The Garden of Innocents: A Community Project
23:39 Transitioning from Trial to Appellate Court
29:50 Civic Education: A Judicial Responsibility
34:25 Engaging the Community through Civic Education
39:57 The Future of Civic Education in a Digital Age
Learn more about Garden of Innocents: https://www.gardenofinnocents.org
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Missouri Courts Forms + Resources: https://www.courts.mo.gov/
21 Mar 2025
Diversity, Mentorship, and Tech in Missouri Courts: A Candid Discussion with Chief Justice Mary Russell
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 of Missouri's judicial circuits, her experiences growing up in Hannibal, and the evolving representation of women in law. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement and the role of judges in fostering public trust through diversity and understanding.
Inside a recent episode
Missouri Court System Explained: What Does the Court of Appeals Do?
Published 26 Jun 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Tell the folks about that. So the Eastern District Court of Appeals is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Our court was created by the Missouri Constitution of 1875. Before our court was created, the Supreme Court was handling all appeals from every court in the whole entire state. And the workload coming out of St. Louis was becoming overwhelming. And so wisely, I think, the people of the state of Missouri in 1875 decided to establish what was at the time the St. Louis Court of Appeals. And it took a lot of the workload from the St. Louis area and took that off the plate of the Supreme Court so the Supreme Court could focus on the other areas of the state. […]
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