--- title: "Steven Ward | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/steven-ward-judge-missouri-38th-judicial-circuit-court-mo" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Steven Ward Missouri 38th Judicial Circuit Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Missouri 38th 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/steven-ward-judge-missouri-38th-judicial-circuit-court-mo", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/steven-ward-judge-missouri-38th-judicial-circuit-court-mo", "name": "Steven Ward | KnowJudges", "description": "Steven Ward, Missouri 38th Judicial Circuit Court. 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Clark of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri from 1994 to 1996. - Partner at Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer & Patton, PC, and later served as of counsel with McAfee & Taft in Springfield - Appointed by Governor Mike Parson to serve as an Associate Circuit Judge for Christian County in the 38th Judicial Circuit - He then practiced law in Springfield, Missouri, specializing in products liability, insurance defense, civil trial practice, medical malpractice, and corporate law ### Education - Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1994 - Bachelor of Science in Education from Southwest Missouri State University in 1987 ### Additional information - He assumed office in January 2022, filling the vacancy left by Jessica Kruse. - Steven E. Ward was born on January 11, 1965, in Stella, Missouri. - Ward has been recognized in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and listed as a reputable lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell - As a judge, he primarily handles family law matters, including domestic relations, as well as small claims and landlord/tenant cases - Judge Steven E. Ward combines decades of legal experience in civil litigation with his current judicial responsibilities in family and civil matters. - His career reflects a strong foundation in trial practice, appellate work, and public service within Missouri’s judicial system - Judge Ward is a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and The Missouri Bar, reflecting his active engagement in the legal community ## 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.