On Wednesday, February 9, 2011, in Jefferson City, Chief Justice of Missouri’s Supreme Court, William Ray Price, delivered to Missouri legislators his annual State of the Judiciary Address. One of the main criticisms of Chief Justice Price is that Missouri over-incarcerates non-violent offenders. In response to this address, fellow 38th Circuit Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey M. Merrell prepared an editorial response citing reasons why is incarceration is important for all “nonviolent” offenses including felony driving while intoxicated, weapons charges, possession of child pornography, aggravated stalking, burglary in the first degree, promoting prostitution in the first degree, and resisting arrest resulting in a risk of death. “This response was born out of concern that the general public could easily be misled by Judge Price’s comments relating to non-violent offenders, and the incarceration of such offenders in Missouri prisons,” stated Jeffrey M. Merrell.
To view the response by fellow 38th Circuit Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey M. Merell:
To view the state of the judiciary address: