Missouri Judge Removed from Bench for In-Court Political Activity

The Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal, and Discipline of Judges charged Judge Matthew Thornhill with misconduct:

That Respondent engaged in a course of conduct in which he was involved in political activity not related to the law, legal system, or the administration of justice and/or was related to his own political campaign from the bench in the courtroom while conducting the business of the court and/or around the courthouse in one or more of the following ways:

1. That on occasion Respondent would mention his political affiliation and/or his preferred candidates in contested political elections with litigants, witnesses, and/or attorneys while conducting court business from the bench in the courtroom.
2. That on occasion, Respondent would comment from the bench in the courtroom to litigants, witnesses, and/or attorneys about where his "Thornhill for Judge" signs were located.
3. That on occasion, Respondent would remark from the bench in the courtroom to litigants, witnesses, and/or attorneys that they live in, "Thornhill for Judge Country."
4. That on one occasion, while considering the petition, Respondent asked the petitioner if the union for which the petitioner worked has, "[w]armed up to Thornhill for judge."
5. That on occasion, Respondent would, from the bench in the courtroom, ask litigants. witnesses, and/or attorneys where they lived and if they had seen his campaign signs.