---
title: "Matthew Thornhill | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-thornhill-judge-missouri-8th-judicial-circuit-court-mo"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Matthew Thornhill

Missouri 11th Judicial Circuit Court · Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: Missouri 11th Judicial Circuit Court
- State: Missouri
- Role: Circuit Judge
- Service status: former
- 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)
- [Governor Kehoe Announces Appointment to 11th Judicial Circuit](https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-announces-appointment-11th-judicial-circuit)

## JSON-LD

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@graph": [
    {
      "@type": "WebPage",
      "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-thornhill-judge-missouri-8th-judicial-circuit-court-mo",
      "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-thornhill-judge-missouri-8th-judicial-circuit-court-mo",
      "name": "Matthew Thornhill | KnowJudges",
      "description": "Matthew Thornhill, Missouri 11th Judicial Circuit Court. Source-linked judicial identity, courtroom procedures, and presentation guidance.",
      "dateModified": "2026-10-07",
      "isPartOf": {
        "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/#website"
      },
      "mainEntity": {
        "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-thornhill-judge-missouri-8th-judicial-circuit-court-mo#judge"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Person",
      "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-thornhill-judge-missouri-8th-judicial-circuit-court-mo#judge",
      "name": "Matthew Thornhill",
      "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-thornhill-judge-missouri-8th-judicial-circuit-court-mo",
      "jobTitle": "Circuit Judge",
      "worksFor": {
        "@type": "GovernmentOrganization",
        "name": "Missouri 11th Judicial Circuit Court"
      },
      "sameAs": [
        "https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/bluebook/2025-2026/5_Judicial.pdf"
      ]
    },
    {
      "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
      "itemListElement": [
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 1,
          "name": "KnowJudges",
          "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 2,
          "name": "Missouri",
          "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/state/missouri"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 3,
          "name": "Matthew Thornhill",
          "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-thornhill-judge-missouri-8th-judicial-circuit-court-mo"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
```

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge Matthew E.P. Thornhill, a St. Charles County, Missouri circuit judge, was removed from the bench in December 2025 by the Missouri Supreme Court for misconduct, including political commentary in court and wearing an Elvis Presley costume during proceedings
- Matthew E.P. Thornhill held the role of an associate judge on Missouri’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court, covering St. Charles County

### Education

- Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Rockhurst College (1990) and a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School (1993).

### Additional information

- He was elected in 2010, re‐elected in 2014 and 2018, and had been on the bench since 2006.
- As of late December 2025, Thornhill is no longer serving as a judge.
- His caseload included property damage, contract, landlord‐tenant, and other civil matters