About the Missouri Law Institute

The Missouri Law Institute (“MLI”) is designed to assist the Missouri state court system in meeting the growing needs of Missouri’s citizens, promoting public trust, understanding and confidence in the justice system, improving the administration of justice, and defending the impartiality of the justice system against intrusive and unwarranted attacks through a process of public education and engagement.

Primary Goals

  1. To educate Missourians about the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary.
  2. A special emphasis on educating Missourians about the Missouri Non-Partisan Court plan and why it should be preserved.
  3. Create innovative civic education programs that will engage the public in discussions about Missouri’s justice system.

Activities of MLI

MLI will operate as a Section 501(C)(3) charitable and educational organization. Modeled to some extent after the New York Center for Court Innovation, MLI will be a unique public-private partnership dedicated to improving public understanding of the judiciary, and enhancing the performance of courts and those whose work intersects with the courts. MLI will have four primary missions consistent with its charitable and educational purposes:

  • Public education
  • Public outreach
  • Research, analysis and program development
  • Nonpartisan advocacy for the rule of law and independence of the judiciary

As a unique public-private partnership, MLI will stand as an independent tax exempt organization dedicated to working with the state courts and other interested parties to promote public support for the courts and the impartial administration of justice. MLI will also engage in research and analysis on matters impacting the state justice system and promoting innovative programs in the courts. Specific activities might include:

  • Create public education programs
  • Maintain and facilitate a speakers bureau for civics groups and other interested parties
  • Outreach to school communities to improve civics education through speakers and school-oriented programs
  • Engage core constituent groups of the justice system to assess problems and devise solutions
  • Monitor and analyze state and national developments that may impact the ability of the state judiciary to remain impartial and neutral
  • Disseminate analyses of legislation that may impact the state justice system
  • Nonpartisan advocacy for impartiality and neutrality in the administration of justice
  • Develop and deploy programs that seek to reduce crime, strengthen communities and promote public trust and confidence in the state justice system