Associate Circuit Judge

2010

Judge Loftin has been an associate circuit judge since 1995. She handles associate circuit civil cases and serves as the current administrative judge for the associate circuit division. Judge Loftin is a past president of the National Association of Women Judges (2006-2007) and a current member of the board of directors of the National Center for State Courts. She currently serves on several Missouri Supreme Court Committees, particularly in the educational area. Judge Loftin received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her law degree from St. Louis University.

Attorneys were asked to rate each judge on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. Approximately 270 attorneys responded with respect to Judge Loftin. Judge Loftin’s highest scores were: 3.59 for treating people equally; 3.47 for maintaining proper order and decorum in the court room; and 3.33 for demonstrating appropriate demeanor on the bench. Her lowest scores were: 2.50 for competency in the law; 2.58 for understanding rules of procedure and evidence; and 2.65 for rulings on dispositive motions stating reasons and consistently applying substantive law. The committee believes any score below a 3.0 indicates a need for improvement.

Seven (7) juror surveys were returned with responses pertaining to Judge Loftin. Juror surveys were answered “yes” or “no,” with “yes” being a positive response and “no” being a negative response. Of the 10 criteria surveyed, Judge Loftin received all positive responses on all seven surveys received.

The committee also reviewed a judgment written by Judge Loftin in a civil case. The facts and the law were clearly explained and the judgment was consistent with the case law stated.