CJ Russell expresses gratitude for courts staff across the state: “Because of their hard work, I am proud to say the state of Missouri’s judiciary is strong.” #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell thanks #MOLeg for their work as constitutional partners to improve the administration of justice for all Missourians. #SCOMO #STOJ

CJ Russell: Judges & prosecutors across Missouri – & their families – are grateful for #MOLeg action last session to pass the judicial privacy act & protect us from violence & threats of violence as we do our jobs. #SCOMO #SOTJ

CJ Russell gives a shoutout to MO circuit clerks statewide following passage of Amendment 3: As of this week, our courts have reviewed more than 245,000 cases, of which they have expunged nearly 109,000. … all while processing your constituents’ other cases. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell thanks #MOLeg for continued support of tech advancement in the courts, including court automation system: We believe MO was the first to have such a system. It now includes all of our municipal courts, too – a major milestone that we’ve just completed. #SCOMO #SOTJ

CJ Russell thanks #MOLeg for considering bills to increase juror compensation: The right to a jury of your peers has always been a part of our nation’s fundamental values. But many of our courts struggle to have enough jurors. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: We are also grateful for #MOLeg’s ongoing support of treatment courts. After three decades, we have thousands of successful treatment court graduates who are testaments to how well these programs work. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: Our jails have become the largest mental health facilities in our counties. But that is not how jails are designed, nor how their staff are trained. Jails should be used in the short term to detain people accused of crimes or found guilty of minor crimes. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: We work together. Growing up on a farm, I learned that silos are great for holding grain. But government cannot operate in silos. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: We must work together – across branches of government, at the state & local levels, & with the nonprofit & private sectors. Only by sharing our best ideas & pooling our limited resources can we make a positive difference. #SCOMO #SOTJ

CJ Russell: Together, we can build networks to help keep those in need of mental health services out of our courts & jails so they can live safely & successfully in all our local communities. Simply put: justice cannot be by geography. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: To address mental health & other needs at the earliest opportunity, pretrial services programs are proving efficient & effective. Like treatment courts, these programs are community-driven ... collaborating to get offenders the help they need. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: It is our courts – through your local judges & court staff – who are keeping people out of needless incarceration, instead making sure they receive life-changing treatment. We owe our heartfelt gratitude to these court heroes ... #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: Regardless of geography, defendants everywhere deserve the same opportunities. We are grateful for #MOLeg consideration of our request to establish a statewide pretrial services program. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: During my visits to your districts, I have heard a lot about the need for increased mental health & security services in our juvenile detention facilities. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: Having more high-risk, high-need youth staying longer in detention impacts the overall safety, security & rehabilitative focus of our entire juvenile justice system. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: We are grateful for #MOLeg consideration of our budget request to help us better serve youth in detention. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: We have many challenging issues facing us, but I am grateful for the opportunity to work with #MOLeg in tackling them. I am confident, working together as constitutional partners, we can succeed. #SOTJ #SCOMO

CJ Russell: God bless you & God bless this great state of Missouri, the home of our Kansas City Kansas City Chiefs!!! #SOTJ #SCOMO

The Missouri Bar Center will be closed 2/16 due to winter weather concerns. Most services will still be available as staff work remotely. #YourMOLaw #MOLawyers