Missouri Law Matters

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 accessible matters to every Missourian. Judge Childress also reflects on her journey from public defender to the bench, the mentors who guided her, and how teaching and fairness shape her approach to the law.

Topics include:
– What to expect in Missouri’s Associate Circuit Court
– Orders of protection and family law cases
– Child support, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes
– The role of mentorship and education in the judiciary
– Why open courts build public trust

About Missouri Law Matters
A podcast from the Supreme Court of Missouri, sharing conversations with judges and court professionals about how the law works in real life - and how Missouri’s courts serve the public every day.

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 demystify the court system through outreach and engagement.

👉 Key Topics:

Missouri law and the judicial system

Civic education and community engagement

Legal careers and professional development

Trust and transparency in courts

The role of judges and lawyers in public education

📍 Chapters
00:00 Personal Experiences in the Legal Field
01:43 The Influence of Sports on Legal Careers
13:00 Exploring the 24th Circuit: Counties and Culture
14:28 Judicial Responsibilities: A Day in the Life of a Judge
16:53 Transitioning to the Bench: Expectations vs. Reality
19:53 Civic Education: The Role of Judges in Community Engagement
25:11 Civic Education Committee: Goals and Initiatives
32:59 The Importance of Civic Education for Young Lawyers
37:06 From Judge to Lawyer: Navigating Career Transitions

💬 “Civic education is incredibly important. We only have the trust of the people.” — Joseph Goff

Follow the Supreme Court of Missouri to learn more about Your Missouri Courts

# missouri supreme court

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 Judge Moon explore:

Why rural areas struggle to recruit and retain attorneys

How community service and engagement impact legal access

Incentive programs from other states, like South Dakota

The growing role of technology in law and virtual hearings

Why access to justice matters for every Missourian

This conversation highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions and ongoing efforts by Missouri courts and the Missouri Bar to address gaps in access to justice.

🔗 Watch more Missouri Law Matters episodes here: https://bit.ly/4kSekXO

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, and what to expect if you have a case in court.

Whether you’re a student, a lawyer, or just curious about Missouri’s justice system, this episode gives you a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how our courts work.

Takeaways

To become a judge, one must first be a lawyer.

Judges must adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

It's important to communicate concerns with your attorney.

The court's decisions are reflected in written opinions.

Public perception of court decisions can be misleading.

Law school requires significant dedication and effort.

Bar exam preparation is crucial for success.

Maintaining personal interests is important during law school.

Distractions are common during the bar exam.

Understanding courtroom procedures can alleviate anxiety.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:21 Understanding Judicial Ethics and Impartiality

03:20 Judicial Decision-Making and Public Perception

12:09 Courtroom Realities vs. Media Portrayals

15:11 The Art of Legal Strategy and Preparation

15:24 The Art of Cross-Examination

15:51 Understanding Elected Judges in Missouri

17:37 Balancing Law and Public Opinion

19:44 The Role of Judicial Decisions

19:57 Understanding Appellate Courts

20:11 The Role of Appellate Courts

21:23 Mentorship in Legal Careers

25:06 Advice for Aspiring Judges

28:30 Navigating Attorney-Client Relationships

39:35 Preparing for Court Appearances

47:59 Surviving and Thriving in Law School

Keywords

Missouri judicial system, becoming a judge, judicial ethics, public questions, attorney-client relationships, guardians ad litem, courtroom drama, court preparation, law school tips, bar exam preparation

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 judiciary

The rising number of pro se litigants

How mentorship shapes legal careers

And why humanizing the justice system is key to public trust

Whether you're in the legal field or just curious about how the court system really works, this episode offers insight into public service, the challenges of access to justice, and the people who keep the wheels turning at the Supreme Court of Missouri.

📍Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Betsy’s Journey to the Supreme Court
07:41 The Role of the Clerk
12:59 Understanding Missouri Courts
18:14 Technology in the Judiciary
23:23 Access to Justice & Pro Se Litigants

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations from inside Missouri’s legal system.

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