In 1972, The Missouri Bar created the Missouri Press-Bar Commission to foster better communications between the media and the bench and bar. Since then, the commission has worked on a variety of projects, including seminars on Missouri’s Sunshine Law, a News Reporters Handbook on Law and the Courts, and a News Reporter’s Legal Glossary.
Now, the commission is looking to expand. In May 2021, the commission adopted Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. This created three new diversity seats and made available existing at-large seats for elections of new members to the commission.
Effective immediately, interested individuals are invited to fill out a nomination form for two of three at-large representative openings, which will be selected by a majority vote of the commissioners.
In addition, the commission is accepting nominations to fill three diversity representative roles. Applicants should reflect diverse communities of the media, including but not limited to age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, geography, audience size, and platform. These representatives will also be selected by a majority vote.
The term of service for all commissioners is four years, with the option to serve two consecutive terms, with limited exceptions.
The mission of the Missouri Press-Bar Commission is:
- to encourage cooperation between the press, the bar, and the bench to the end of further strengthening service to the First Amendment and the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States throughout Missouri;
- to provide leadership and guidance aimed at achieving a better-informed citizenry that will be served by a still higher order of justice;
- to take whatever steps are necessary through an educational program for the press, the bar, the bench, and the people of Missouri to promote a better-informed citizenry and a strong First and Sixth Amendment.
Supreme Court of Missouri Judge Mary R. Russell currently chairs the committee. Learn more about the Missouri Press-Bar Commission and its work here.
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