Circuit Judge

2012

Judge Jimmie M. Edwards was appointed to the 22nd Circuit Court in 1992. He graduated from Saint Louis University and received his law degree from the Saint Louis University School of Law.

Judge Edwards has served in the juvenile division as well as general trial division of the 22nd Circuit Court. He is a member of the Missouri, Mound City, and National bar associations, as well as the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. He is also affiliated with Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis and Antioch Baptist Church.

Judicial peers who responded to survey questions rated Judge Edwards on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing “not at all” and 5 representing “completely.” He received his highest scores for: demonstrates appropriate demeanor on the bench (4.50); efficiently manages his docket (4.50); maintains and requires proper order and decorum in the courtroom (4.50); and for treating people equally regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, economic status, or any other factor (4.50). Judge Edwards’ lower scores were for: weighing all evidence fairly and impartially before rendering a decision (4.22); effectively using pre-trial procedure to narrow and define the issues (4.25); basing decisions on evidence and arguments (4.30); and giving reasons for rulings (4.30).

The committee also reviewed survey responses submitted by attorneys who had trials before Judge Edwards and rated him on the same scale that his peers used. He received his highest scores for: being prepared for hearings and trials (4.36); maintains and requires proper order and decorum in the courtroom (4.34); effectively managing his docket (4.29); and for issuing timely opinions and decisions (4.25). Judge Edwards’ lower scores were for: weighing all evidence fairly and impartially before rendering a decision (4.04); is not affected by partisan considerations (4.08); basing decisions on evidence and arguments (4.09); and ruling on dispositive motions state reasons and consistently apply the substantive law (4.11).

Judge Edwards did not have any jury trials during the preceding two calendar years.

The committee also reviewed written opinions of Judge Edwards. His opinions were well written and reasoned, with easy-to-follow explanations, competent in the law, and adhered closely to precedent as well as to constitutional and statutory law.