S. Margene Burnett at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Missouri · State
- Judicial service
- Active
S. Margene Burnett
Biography
Professional career
- In August 2025, the 16th Circuit announced Burnett’s retirement alongside Judge J. Dale Youngs
- Long-serving judge of Division 7 of the Missouri 16th Judicial Circuit Court, serving from 2013 until her retirement on October 31, 2025, after 22 years on the bench
- Prior service: Deputy Probate Commissioner for the 16th Circuit from 2003 to 2013
- Judge of Division 7, covering Jackson County and other jurisdictions in the 16th Circuit
Education
Additional information
- Tenure: Served until retirement in 2025; her term had been set to end December 31, 2028
- Recognized as Judge of the Year 2024 by the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City
- Before joining the judiciary, Burnett practiced law for over 16 years in private practice
- focusing on insurance defense, personal injury, worker’s compensation, commercial litigation, family law, and probate matters
- In her farewell letter, Burnett expressed pride in her service and the privilege of working alongside fellow judges and staff
- She tried hundreds of civil, criminal, and domestic cases, conducted criminal mediations, and presided over probate matters
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Media Equipment Advance Approval
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.
Failure to obtain advance approval for equipment may preclude its use in the proceeding.Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗
Device Use In Courtroom
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.
No person may use any device capable of media coverage in a courtroom or court clerk's office unless specifically authorizedMissouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗
Remote appearances
Statewide
Missouri allows limited video and audio recording for media coverage under COR 16 technical limits, subject to judicial approval and courtroom controls.
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 ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical
Missouri 15th Judicial Circuit Court
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 26, 2026.
Missouri Secretary of State Official Manual official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Missouri Secretary of State Official Manual official judicial roster ↗Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Missouri Court Operating Rule 16.04, Technical ↗