Missouri Senate Bill SB1173

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/22
• Refer: 3/10/22

Caption

Increases the number of circuit judges in the 21st Judicial Circuit in St. Louis County

Notes

This bill, by directly modifying the judge count in a prominent circuit, also reflects broader themes in judicial reform discussions, particularly in how states manage the balance of judicial workload and community legal needs.

Impact

The enactment of SB1173 would directly impact the operational structure of the judiciary in St. Louis County, potentially leading to more efficient case handling due to the increased number of judges available to address pending cases. It anticipates that these additional resources will result in reduced backlog and improved access to the judicial system for residents. This change reflects a recognition of growing legal demands in populous areas and aims to adapt to them by bolstering the local judiciary's capabilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1173 seeks to modify the composition of the circuit judges in the twenty-first judicial circuit, specifically within St. Louis County. The bill proposes an increase in the number of circuit judges from twenty to twenty-one, allowing for an additional judge to be appointed. This change is anticipated to enhance the judicial capacity and effectiveness of the court system in this region, which has experienced significant demands for judicial services.

Contention

While the bill does not appear to have faced substantial opposition publicly, it may still generate discussion regarding the allocation of state judicial resources and the criteria for determining the need for additional judges in specific circuits. Some stakeholders may question whether increasing the number of judges addresses underlying systemic issues within the judicial system or provides only a surface-level solution to persistent challenges.