Circuit Judge

2014

Judge Julian L. Bush was appointed a circuit judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit in July 1995.  He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the George Washington University and later received his law degree from Washington University.

Since his retention, Judge Bush has been assigned to both civil and criminal trials in the 22nd Judicial Circuit. He previously held positions as assistant and associate city counselor. His professional affiliations and activities include membership in The Missouri Bar and participation in mock courts and continuing legal education activities.

Attorneys who responded to survey questions rated Judge Bush on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing “Strongly Disagree” and 5 representing “Strongly Agree.”

He received his highest scores for: maintaining a professional demeanor in the courtroom (4.53); being prepared for court (4.49); adhering to appropriate rules of procedure (4.38); and addressing individuals respectfully in the courtroom (4.38). Judge Bush’s lower scores were for:  decision followed logically from the evidence presented (4.01); assisted parties in narrowing key issues in dispute (4.03); issued an order that was clearly written (4.08); treated parties equally (4.16).

Additional evaluation information for Judge Bush was submitted by jurors who were seated in jury trials before him. Judge Bush received an almost unanimously favorable response on these surveys, with a range from 98.1 percent to 100 percent in all 10n criteria areas related to his conduct throughout the jury trials.

Court staff members who served in Judge Bush’s courtroom answered a survey on him as well. All but one of the staff members surveyed gave Judge Bush the highest marks. The one staff member who did not give him the highest marks in all areas surveyed gave him the highest marks in 47 percent of the surveyed areas, and gave him the second highest marks in the remaining areas surveyed.

The committee has also reviewed written opinions submitted by Judge Bush, which were well reasoned, with easy-to-follow explanations, competent in the law, and adhered closely to precedent as well as to constitutional and statutory law. The precedents were cited and clearly explained.

The committee also observed Judge Bush in the courtroom, where he was clear and concise. His interaction with attorneys was efficient, professional and direct.