Chief Justice Mary Russell visits Jackson County legislature to thank local court staff, meet lawmakers

Chief Justice Mary Russell of the Supreme Court of Missouri visited the Jackson County Legislature on Tuesday, March 18, and thanked local judges and court staff while meeting state lawmakers who were in the chamber.

Russell told legislators she is visiting Missouri circuits as part of her outreach as chief justice and said she was “delighted to see you all in action,” introducing herself to the assembly and explaining her tour of the state courts. “My name is Mary Russell, and currently, I am the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri,” she said.

The visit brought state senators and representatives to the chamber. Russell identified the venue as the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit and said it is one of Missouri’s circuit courts; she described her current effort as visiting circuits around the state. The state judges and the delegation gathered in the legislative gallery included members of the state legislature and the State Courts Administrator, Kathy Lloyd.

Presiding Judge Kevin Harrell, representing the Jackson County court, thanked the legislature for allowing the visit and for meeting with the chief justice. Several state lawmakers in the chamber stood to identify themselves, including Senator Joan McCullough and representatives listed by district during the introductions.

The visit was brief and ceremonial in tone: Russell said her intent was to learn from local court staff and to show appreciation for officials who “work behind the scenes and on the front line of our courts that don't get the credit that they deserve.” She said the trip was not political, noting she was not running for any office and did not invite media.

The legislature resumed its regular business after the introductions and remarks by Russell and Harrell.