How are judges selected in Missouri?

Judges in Missouri are selected through a merit-based selection system, commonly referred to as the "Missouri Plan." This approach aims to combine elements of both appointment and election, focusing on the qualifications of candidates while allowing public input. Under this system, a nonpartisan commission reviews candidates and recommends a shortlist of qualified individuals to the Governor, who then appoints a judge from this list. After serving a designated term, the appointed judges face voters in a retention election, where they can be retained or removed from the bench based on the public's assessment of their performance.

This method seeks to reduce political influence in judicial appointments and enhance the professional qualifications of judges, promoting a more impartial judiciary. It is designed to ensure that judges are selected based on their legal expertise and character rather than political affiliations, ultimately contributing to the integrity of the judicial system in Missouri.

In contrast, the other options suggest methods such as direct public election or appointment solely by the Governor, which do not accurately capture the blend of merit-based evaluation and public accountability inherent in the Missouri Plan.