--- title: "Laura J. Johnson | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/laura-j-johnson-judge-missouri-39th-judicial-circuit-court-mo" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Laura J. Johnson Missouri 38th Judicial Circuit Court · Circuit Judge ## Profile - Court: Missouri 38th Judicial Circuit Court - State: Missouri - Role: Circuit 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/laura-j-johnson-judge-missouri-39th-judicial-circuit-court-mo", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/laura-j-johnson-judge-missouri-39th-judicial-circuit-court-mo", "name": "Laura J. Johnson | KnowJudges", "description": "Laura J. Johnson, Missouri 38th Judicial Circuit Court. 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Johnson", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/laura-j-johnson-judge-missouri-39th-judicial-circuit-court-mo" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - The presiding judge of Division I of the 38th Judicial Circuit Court in Christian County, Missouri, elected in 2014, and plans to retire on January 1, 2027 - Before joining the bench, Johnson was a partner at Ellis, Ellis, Hammons & Johnson in Springfield, Missouri, a firm she joined in 1991. - Began her legal career as a law clerk to Hon ### Education ### Additional information - She was elected on November 4, 2014 to complete the term of the late Judge Mark E. Orr, and was re‐elected for two consecutive six‐year terms - Judge Johnson presides over Division I of the Christian County Circuit Court, which handles a wide range of cases including civil, criminal, domestic, and probate matters. - She has stated she will remain available as a senior judge to assist in the transition and will help fill the position - She is also a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, Ozark Rotary Club, Missouri Right to Life, and the National Rifle Association - She has served on multiple judicial and community boards, including the Missouri Judicial Records Committee, Civil Education Committee, Board of Examiners for Certified Court Reporters, and the Commission for the Retirement, Removal & Discipline of Judges. ## 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.