--- title: "Matthew R. Kasper | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-r-kasper-judge-missouri-39th-judicial-circuit-court-mo" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Matthew R. Kasper Missouri 39th Judicial Circuit Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Missouri 39th 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/matthew-r-kasper-judge-missouri-39th-judicial-circuit-court-mo", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-r-kasper-judge-missouri-39th-judicial-circuit-court-mo", "name": "Matthew R. Kasper | KnowJudges", "description": "Matthew R. Kasper, Missouri 39th Judicial Circuit Court. 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Kasper", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-r-kasper-judge-missouri-39th-judicial-circuit-court-mo" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - As a judge, Kasper now spends approximately 75% of his time on civil matters, though he continues to work closely with the sheriff’s office and bailiffs - Matthew Kasper serves as the Associate Circuit Judge for the 39th Judicial Circuit at the Lawrence County Justice Center in Missouri, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Robert George ### Education - University of Arkansas School of Law in — J.D. (2016) - Degree in political science from Arkansas Tech University, followed by a Master’s in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. ### Additional information - Joined this position by Governor Mike Parson in February 2021. - Kasper has also been involved in authorizing public access to court files in high-profile cases, demonstrating transparency in the judicial process - His work as a prosecutor helped him develop a strong foundation in criminal law before transitioning to the judiciary - He emphasizes the importance of due process and the careful handling of cases, noting that only a small percentage of cases go to jury trials, which often occur years after the initial events. - His career reflects a combination of public service, legal expertise, and community engagement, highlighting his dedication to both criminal and civil justice - Kasper is a native of Hartman, Arkansas, and pursued higher education with a focus on public service and law. ## 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.