Voter ouster of St. Louis-area judge a rarity in Missouri

     (AP) – A St. Louis County judge’s ouster by voters marks just the

third time a jurist has been removed since the state created its judicial

selection system nearly eight decades ago.

     The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Associate Circuit Judge Dale Hood was

denied retention Tuesday after failing to get the required majority of votes.

     A statewide judicial review committee of lawyers, residents and judges

recommended in 2008 and 2012 that Hood not be retained, but he ultimately

prevailed. On Tuesday, nearly 60 percent of voters decided against keeping Hood.

     The committee no longer recommends retention but now says whether it believes

judges meet standards including punctuality, courtroom demeanor, preparation and

fairness.

     Only two judges – both from the Kansas City area – previously were removed by

voters since 1940.

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