Missouri Supreme Court judges are selected through a merit-based process rather than partisan elections. A seven-member screening commission reviews applicants and sends three finalists to the Governor, who appoints one of them. After serving at least one year, the new judge faces voters in a retention election, and a majority “yes” vote earns a full 12-year term. The system, established in 1940 and still known nationally as the Missouri Plan, is spelled out in Article V of the state constitution.
Who Qualifies to Serve
Before anyone can be considered, they have to meet the eligibility rules in Article V, Section 21 of the Missouri Constitution. A candidate must be at least 30 years old, a United States citizen for no fewer than 15 years, and a qualified Missouri voter for the nine years immediately before selection. They must also hold an active license to practice law in Missouri.1Missouri Revisor of Statutes. Missouri Constitution V Section 21 – Judges, Qualifications, Age Requirements, License to Practice Law
Prior judicial experience is not required. A practicing attorney who meets the constitutional criteria can be appointed directly to the highest bench in the state.
The Nonpartisan Court Plan
Article V, Section 25(a) sets out how vacancies are filled. Instead of running for the seat, candidates apply to a screening body called the Appellate Judicial Commission. The commission reviews applications, interviews candidates, and narrows the field to exactly three finalists.2Justia. Missouri Constitution Article V Section 25(a) – Nonpartisan Selection of Judges
Who Sits on the Commission
The commission has seven members, chosen under Section 25(d) to balance legal expertise with public representation:
- One Supreme Court judge, chosen by the court’s own members, who chairs the commission
- Three lawyers, each elected by bar members in one of Missouri’s three Court of Appeals districts
- Three non-lawyer citizens, each appointed by the Governor from one of those same three districts
The six non-chair members serve staggered six-year terms. The geographic distribution ensures no single region of the state dominates the process.3Justia. Missouri Constitution Article V Section 25(d) – Nonpartisan Judicial Commission Composition
From the Commission’s List to the Governor’s Desk
Once the commission delivers its three names, the Governor has 60 days to appoint one of them. If the Governor lets that window pass without acting, the commission itself picks one of the three finalists and fills the vacancy. That fallback keeps seats from sitting empty during political standoffs.2Justia. Missouri Constitution Article V Section 25(a) – Nonpartisan Selection of Judges
Retention Elections and the 12-Year Term
Appointment does not lock in a full term. After at least one year on the bench, every Supreme Court judge appears on the ballot at the next general election. There is no opponent. Voters see only the question, “Shall Judge [name] of the [court] be retained in office?” and mark yes or no.4Justia. Missouri Constitution Article V Section 25(c) – Tenure of Judges Selected Under the Nonpartisan Court Plan
A simple majority of “yes” votes keeps the judge on the court for a full 12-year term. A “no” majority ends the judge’s service at the close of the current term, and the vacancy goes back through the commission process from the beginning.4Justia. Missouri Constitution Article V Section 25(c) – Tenure of Judges Selected Under the Nonpartisan Court Plan
Voters do not have to guess about a judge’s record. Before each retention election, the Judicial Performance Review Committee, a statewide independent body established by a Supreme Court order revising Rule 10, evaluates each judge against overall performance standards and publishes its findings. Information about judges up for retention in 2026 is expected later in the year.
How the Chief Justice Is Chosen
The seven judges elect their own leader. The chief justice serves a two-year term and takes on administrative duties in addition to the regular caseload, including chairing the Appellate Judicial Commission that screens candidates for future appellate vacancies.
When Service Ends Early
Mandatory Retirement at 70
Article V, Section 26 requires all Missouri judges except municipal judges to retire at age 70. No extensions, no waivers. When a judge reaches that age, service ends at the conclusion of the current term.5Missouri Revisor of Statutes. Missouri Constitution Article V Section 26 – Retirement, Assignment as Senior Judge or Commissioner
Discipline and Removal
A judge can lose the seat before retirement age for misconduct or inability to serve. The Commission on Retirement, Removal, and Discipline handles those cases. Under Article V, Section 24, its six members are:
- Two non-lawyer citizens appointed by the Governor
- Two lawyers appointed by the Missouri Bar’s board of governors
- One Court of Appeals judge selected by a majority of appellate judges
- One circuit judge selected by a majority of circuit judges
The commission investigates complaints, then recommends action to the Supreme Court. Recommended discipline can range from a public reprimand to permanent removal, and the Supreme Court makes the final decision.6Justia. Missouri Constitution Article V Section 24 – Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges