On Friday, September 2, the Appellate Judicial Commission comprised of 7 members, selected three (3) candidates for our state's highest court, The Missouri Supreme Court. The Commission selected, Judge George W. Draper III, Judge Michael W. Manners, and Joe D. Jacobson. The Governor, Jay Nixon will have 60 days to interview and select from the three candidates. The public record of the number of votes each received from the Commission is as follows: Manners 7 ; Draper 5; and Jacobson 4. Judge Manners is a Judge in Independence, Jacobson is a private attorney in St. Louis and Judge Draper is on the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District of Missouri which is based in St. Louis.
Only one judge of color, Judge Ronnie L. White, has ever been appointed to the Missouri Supreme Court in its 191 year history. Since Judge White's retirement in 2007, two judges have been appointed to the 7 member Supreme Court, both of whom are Caucasion. Qualified female judges of color were chosen for both of those panels, but were rejected by then Governor Matt Blunt. The judicial selections are always of paramount interests to the diverse communities for a number of reasons. Students of color including Asian Americans and African Americans are increasing in numbers as law schools graduate more diverse students. However, over the last 5 years, only 2 judges of color have been appointed which signals a lack of progress and interest in diversity.
It is critical that our courts reflect the changing population not only in law schools but in the society at large. It is especially important that our highest court reflect a judiciary which sends a clear message that Equal Access to the Missouri Courts exists. This message is demonstrated when the judiciary reflects diversity in both gender and color.
Governor Nixon has a great opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to diversity in the Missouri Judiciary by appointing Judge George Draper to the Missouri Supreme Court. Judge Draper is not only a person of color, he is most qualified to sit on the Supreme Court bench. He has more judicial experience than the other panel members. He has been a dedicated public servant for nearly 30 years. He was a career prosecutor and served as First Assistant. In addition, he is a law professor for St. Louis University. He has served the State with distinction and been a role model in many public programs. He is a natural choice which also serves the state in advancing the cause of not only justice, but equal access to justice for all.
The Commission chose from a group of 13 applicants. The Commission selected Judge Draper from among the 13 and placed him for consideration by the Governor. The process took 2 days and the Commission debated over four hours.
President Barak Obama has kept his promise in showing the American People a "Change we can believe in" in appointing more minority judges than his predecessors. Governor Nixon, shadowed the President when seeking votes from minority communities and presented a similar platform. This is an opportunity for the Governor to make the right and honorable decision in appointing Judge George Draper to the Supreme Court.
Please MAIL and FAX the letters as sometimes letters are not always received. Here is address:
The Honorable Jay Nixon,
Governor State Capital
P.O. Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 6510
2ATTN: Gail Vasterling,
Deputy Counsel FAX (573) 751-1495 |
