Justice Mary Russell, an active member of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, is the third woman in history to serve on the state's Supreme Court, and the first woman ever to serve two terms as chief justice.
"I feel very honored and privileged to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri," Mary said. Her second term as chief justice began July 1, 2023, and runs until June 30, 2025. She also held the position from 2013-2015. Judge Russell was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2004 and is the longest serving current member of the Missouri Supreme Court.
Mary has deep roots in the Diocese of Missouri. She is a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Kirkwood, where she serves as a lay reader. She also serves on the Constitution and Canons Committee for the Diocese. Before moving to the St. Louis area, she was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Jefferson City. And prior to that she was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Hannibal, where her family had been members for five generations.
As chief justice, Mary leads the other judges on the court to govern the state's judicial branch of government. "As judges, we take an oath to follow the law as written by the legislature and the constitution as written by our citizens," Mary explained. "We are not allowed to inject our personal opinions, so Court opinions do not necessarily reflect our personal views."
Only five judges in the court's modern history have served as chief justice for more than one term, so this is a rare honor. "Because our court is open to the public, I would remind all Episcopalians that I would be thrilled if anyone would like to come to Jefferson City to watch the Court in person and/or have a tour of our historic building," Justice Russell said.
Congratulations to Chief Justice Mary Russell!
Read a press release with more information about Judge Russell.
Learn more about Missouri's Supreme Court judges.
Learn more about Missouri's Judicial System.