---
title: "Richard B. Teitelman | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/richard-b-teitelman-4949"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-22"
---

# Richard B. Teitelman

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, 2002-present
- Richard B. Teitelman (1947–2016) was a pioneering judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri, the first Jewish and first legally blind justice on the court, known for his humane, justice‐focused rulings and decades of public service
- Chief Justice (2011–2013)
- Judge, Missouri Court of Appeals, 1998-2002
- Teitelman’s appointment marked a historic shift, as he was the first Jewish and first legally blind justice on Missouri’s highest court
- His rulings often emphasized clear and convincing evidence of innocence as grounds for further review, reflecting his belief in justice for vulnerable individuals

### Education

- Washington University School of Law in St. Louis in — J.D. (1973)
- B.A. in mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969

### Additional information

- His tenure included a period of political controversy, but he won retention elections in 2004 and 2016
- He was appointed to the court in February 2002 by Democratic Governor Bob Holden and retained by voters in 2004 and 2016.
- Practitioner, 2001-2001
- After a brief private practice, he joined Legal Services of Eastern Missouri in 1975, serving 23 years, including 18 as executive director and general counsel
- Born September 25, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Teitelman was diagnosed as legally blind at age 13.
- Date of birth: 1947-09-25
- Birth place: Philadelphia

## 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/4949/richard-b-teitelman/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4949/richard-b-teitelman/)
- [Supreme Court of Missouri current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/4949/richard-b-teitelman/)
- [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/4949/richard-b-teitelman/)
- [Richard Teitelman - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Richard_Teitelman)
- [Wikidata: Richard B. Teitelman](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7323883)

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