Missouri Press-Bar Commission Elects Susan Casey

Judge Susan Casey, an associate circuit judge in Platte County, will serve as vice president of the commission.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Law

Isometric editorial illustration showing a stylized stone-like cylinder and geometric mallet form on a flat surface. — Judge Susan Casey, an associate circuit judge in Platte County, was elected as the new vice president of the Missouri Press-Bar Commission. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Missouri Press-Bar Commission has elected Judge Susan Casey as its new vice president. Casey brings a background in both law and journalism to the role.

Why it matters

The commission is designed to foster communication between news media, the bar, and the bench. Leadership roles within the organization support this ongoing collaboration across the legal and media sectors in Missouri.

The commission was founded in 1972 to facilitate dialogue between the judiciary and the press. Judge Casey joined the organization in 2025 following her appointment to the bench in early 2024.

The players

Susan Casey

She serves as an associate circuit judge in Platte County and is a former freelance writer for The Kansas City Star.

Missouri Press-Bar Commission

Established in 1972, this organization facilitates communication between news media, the bar, and the bench.

The details

Judge Casey serves as an associate circuit judge in Platte County and previously worked as a freelance writer for The Kansas City Star. She holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The Missouri Press-Bar Commission was established in 1972.
Susan Casey was appointed associate circuit judge in February 2024.
Susan Casey joined the Missouri Press-Bar Commission in 2025.
Susan Casey was named vice president in October 2026.

Political Context

The election of a new vice president follows the operational pattern set by the Missouri Press-Bar Commission's 1972 charter. Critics of such commissions sometimes argue that formal ties between the bench and media could compromise the perceived independence of judicial officers.

This leadership change impacts how legal news is communicated to the public across Missouri by shaping the dialogue between reporters and the court system. Residents can expect continued efforts to maintain transparency and media access to legal proceedings.

The takeaway

Judge Casey represents a unique intersection of legal authority and journalistic experience within the state's judiciary. Her dual background may offer new perspectives on how courts engage with the public and media outlets.