The Missouri System

The Missouri System, also known as the Missouri Plan, is a method for selecting judges that combines appointment and election. A bipartisan commission reviews candidates and recommends a shortlist to the governor, who appoints a judge from that list. After serving for a short period, the judge faces a retention election, where voters decide whether to keep them in office. This approach aims to balance judicial independence with public accountability, reducing political influence on judges while giving citizens a voice through the election process. It is used in Missouri and several other states to promote fair and impartial courts.