Jeffrey C. Keal at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Missouri · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Jeffrey C. Keal
Biography
Professional career
- Before joining the bench, Judge Keal had a 22‐year career with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office (1991–2013), rising to trial team leader in 1998
- Worked in private practice from 1986–1990 and later at the law firm Crews, Smart, Whitehead & Waits (1988–1991)
- Position: Associate Circuit Judge, Division 28, 16th Judicial Circuit Court, Jackson County, MO
Education
Additional information
- Associate Circuit Judge for Division 28 of the Missouri 16th Judicial Circuit Court, serving since 2013 and currently handling civil, family, criminal, and municipal cases in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri
- He was retained in 2020 and 2024 in nonpartisan retention elections, most recently winning with 60.3% of the vote in November 2024.
- handling white‐collar and property crimes
- Judge Keal has been active in youth sports coaching (softball, basketball, baseball) and community organizations such as the Blue Springs South Booster Club, Firefighters Local 42, and the Kansas City Curling Club
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Media Equipment Advance Approval
Statewide
Missouri Court Operating Rule 16 requires advance approval for media equipment used for courtroom coverage and allows the judge to control the number and setup of media personnel and equipment.
Failure to obtain advance approval for equipment may preclude its use in the proceeding.Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗
Device Use In Courtroom
Statewide
Missouri courtroom device use for media coverage is not generally permitted unless authorized by the operating rule, a local court rule, or the judge presiding in the proceeding.
No person may use any device capable of media coverage in a courtroom or court clerk's office unless specifically authorizedMissouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗
Remote appearances
Statewide
Missouri allows limited video and audio recording for media coverage under COR 16 technical limits, subject to judicial approval and courtroom controls.
Not more than one videographer, using a single device, shall be permitted in the courtroom during a judicial proceeding at any time.Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical
Missouri 15th Judicial Circuit Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 26, 2026.
Missouri Secretary of State Official Manual official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Missouri Secretary of State Official Manual official judicial roster ↗Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗