--- title: "Jeffrey C. Keal | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jeffrey-c-keal-judge-missouri-15th-judicial-circuit-court-mo" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Jeffrey C. Keal Missouri 15th Judicial Circuit Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Missouri 15th Judicial Circuit Court - State: Missouri - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### media equipment advance approval Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: Failure to obtain advance approval for equipment may preclude its use in the proceeding. [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### device use in courtroom Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: No person may use any device capable of media coverage in a courtroom or court clerk's office unless specifically authorized [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### audio video recording Scope: statewide Missouri allows limited video and audio recording for media coverage under COR 16 technical limits, subject to judicial approval and courtroom controls. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/bluebook/2025-2026/5_Judicial.pdf) - [Official roster](https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/bluebook/2025-2026/5_Judicial.pdf) - [Missouri Secretary of State Official Manual official judicial roster](https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/bluebook/2025-2026/5_Judicial.pdf) - [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jeffrey-c-keal-judge-missouri-15th-judicial-circuit-court-mo", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jeffrey-c-keal-judge-missouri-15th-judicial-circuit-court-mo", "name": "Jeffrey C. Keal | KnowJudges", "description": "Jeffrey C. Keal, Missouri 15th Judicial Circuit Court. 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Keal", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jeffrey-c-keal-judge-missouri-15th-judicial-circuit-court-mo" } ] } ] } ``` ## 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 ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-b0a3408119d84bbcc3619511) — 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](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354). Collected 2026-07-26.