The Missouri Press-Bar Commission has elected Hon. Susan Casey, Associate Circuit Judge for Platte County (6th Judicial Circuit), as its new Vice President. The election took place during the Commission’s meeting on Friday, Oct. 2.
Judge Casey brings a deep, lifelong background in law and journalism to her new leadership role. She earned a Master of Science in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before earning her Juris Doctor. Years later, while working as a stay-at-home mom, she worked as a freelance writer for The Kansas City Star. She was appointed an Associate Circuit Judge in February 2024 and subsequently joined the Missouri Press- Bar Commission in 2025 as a representative of the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges and Commissioners.
Casey
“I studied journalism in college and have always enjoyed First Amendment issues,” said Judge Casey. “I appreciate the interface between courts and journalists. I loved public access and First Amendment issues in undergraduate school and in law school, and I am excited to become more involved in this Commission.”
The Missouri Press-Bar Commission was established in 1972 to foster better communication, cooperation, and understanding between the news media, the bar, and the bench. It seeks to promote a well-informed citizenry while upholding the strong constitutional principles of the First and Sixth Amendments.
Theresa Levings, the outgoing president, shared the following: “Judge Casey combines her legal and judicial training and experience with a background in journalism and knowledge of the First Amendment freedom of the press. Most significant is her understanding as a judge of finding the balance between protecting the constitutional rights of criminal defendants and all who come before a court and the public’s right to know how our courts use public resources to resolve disputes and safeguard the rule of law. Her job as a judge requires careful listening and thoughtful decision-making to come to fair resolutions. Those traits also make her an excellent leader for the Press- Bar Commission in its efforts to strengthen respectful working relationships among the press, the judiciary and Missouri’s attorneys.”