--- title: "Patricia Breckenridge | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/patricia-breckenridge-4921" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-22" --- # Patricia Breckenridge Supreme Court of Missouri · Judge ## Profile - Court: Supreme Court of Missouri - State: Missouri - Role: Judge - Service status: former - Last verified: 2026-08-22 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Judge, Supreme Court of Missouri, 2007-present - From July 2015 to June 2017, Breckenridge was Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court - Began her legal career in private practice before being appointed Associate Circuit Judge in Vernon County in 1982, later elected to the role three times. - Patricia Breckenridge (1953–) is a retired Missouri Supreme Court Justice and former Chief Justice, recognized for her judicial reform leadership, integrity, and over 40 years of service to the Missouri judiciary - Task Force on Criminal Justice and Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness - She emphasized institutional integrity, fairness, and continuous improvement of the justice system ### Education - University of Arkansas ### Additional information - Served until mandatory retirement at age 70 in October 2023 - In 2007, Governor Matt Blunt appointed her to the Missouri Supreme Court, where she was retained by voters in 2008 and 2020. - In 1990, she joined the Missouri Court of Appeals, serving until 2007 - Practitioner, 2006-2006 - Born October 14, 1953, in Nevada, Missouri, Breckenridge earned her BS in Agricultural Economics and JD from the University of Missouri. - Date of birth: 1953-10-14 - The longest-serving female judge in Missouri history at the time of her retirement. - Birth place: Nevada ## 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.courtlistener.com/person/4921/patricia-breckenridge/) - [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4921/patricia-breckenridge/) - [Supreme Court of Missouri current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4921/patricia-breckenridge/) - [Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical](https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=354) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4921/patricia-breckenridge/) - [2025_8thCir_Judge Patricia Breckenridge](https://home.innsofcourt.org/AIC/Awards_and_Scholarships/Professionalism_Awards/AIC/Awards_and_Scholarships/Professionalism_Awards/Professionalism_Awards_Recipients/2025_8thCir_Judge_Patricia_Breckenridge.aspx) - [Wikidata: Patricia Breckenridge](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7145477) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/patricia-breckenridge-4921", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/patricia-breckenridge-4921", "name": "Patricia Breckenridge | KnowJudges", "description": "Patricia Breckenridge, Supreme Court of Missouri. 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