Back Supreme Court of Missouri English Cour suprême du Missouri French Hooggerechtshof van Missouri Dutch
| Supreme Court of Missouri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Established | 1821 |
| Country | Missouri  , United States  |
| Location | Jefferson City, Missouri |
| Authorized by | Missouri Constitution |
| Decisions are appealed to | Supreme Court of the United States |
| Website | Official website |
| Chief Justice | |
| Currently | Patricia Breckenridge |
| Since | July 2015 |
| Lead position ends | June 2017 |
| Jurist term ends | December 31, 2020 |
The Supreme Court of Missouri, is the state supreme court and the highest court in the state of Missouri.[1] It was established in 1820 and is located in Jefferson City, Missouri.[1] Missouri voters have approved changes in the state's constitution to give the Supreme Court the sole legal power to hear five types of cases on appeal. Per Article V, Section 3 of the Constitution of Missouri, these cases involve:
- The validity of a United States statute or treaty.
- The validity of a Missouri statute or constitutional provision.
- The state's revenue laws.
- Challenges to a statewide elected official's right to hold office.
- Anytime the death penalty is imposed.
Unless their case involves one of those five issues, people who want a trial court's decision reviewed must appeal to the Missouri Court of Appeals. Most of these cases involve routine legal questions and end there. The Court of Appeals is divided geographically into the "Eastern District", "Western District" and "Southern District".
Certain cases may be transferred to the Supreme Court at the Court's own discretion. These include cases of general interest or importance. They look at cases where the laws should be re-examined. They also review cases that the lower court's decision conflicts with an earlier appellate decision. This is similar to the process the United States Supreme Court uses in accepting cases. In addition, the Court of Appeals may transfer a case to the Supreme Court after an opinion is issued. This can be either upon request of one of the parties or at the request of one of the judges on the appellate court.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Supreme Court". Your Missouri Courts. Retrieved 10 June 2016.