Charlie Harris introduced Hon. Laura Denvir Stith, Chief Judge of the Missouri Supreme Court, remarking on the Bar's "warm" and "friendly" relationship.  Ms. Stith discussed four goals: improving the justice system, providing equal and affordable access to the justice system, fair and unbiased judicial administration, and increasing public understanding and confidence in our judiciary.  The faces of justice help the public's understanding of justice.  Ms. Stith wants people to see judges who "look like them": specifically, women and people of color.

Chief Judge Laura Stith Addresses the Audience.

Ms. Stith stated that the Missouri Plan is not elitist and has been a key factor in increasing diversity.  She suggested that we cannot let our dialogue on this issue devolve into a discussion of "us versus them."  Instead, we should be courteous to one another, focus on our similarities, and educate the public about the judiciary and the Missouri Plan.  She praised the attendees for their work in so educating the public.