Circuit Judge

2014

Judge Robert M. Schieber was appointed as circuit judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit in November 2006. He was appointed as Family Court Commissioner for the 16th Judicial Circuit in May 2000. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1983, and his law degree in 1988 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The committee evaluated Judge Schieber based on the results of ratings and comments submitted by attorneys and jurors who have appeared and served in Judge Schieber’s courtroom.  The results of those ratings and comments are reviewed and discussed below.

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

He received his highest scores for: addressing individuals (e.g., attorneys, court staff, litigants, public, witnesses) respectfully in the courtroom (4.60); maintaining a professional demeanor in the courtroom (4.51). and using courtroom time efficiently (4.51). He received his lowest scores for: decisions followed logically from the evidence presented (4.11); rulings cited the applicable substantive law (4.13); and assisting parties in narrowing key issues in dispute (4.18). It should be noted that the lowest scores on Judge Schieber’s were well above the level supporting retention.

The committee also reviewed survey responses submitted by jurors who were seated in jury trials before Judge Schieber.  Judge Schieber received an almost unanimously favorable response from the jurors on questions related to 10 separate criteria regarding his conduct throughout the jury trials.

The committee has also reviewed three written opinions submitted by Judge Schieber dealing with numerous issues of constitutional law and found that the opinions were well-reasoned, clearly written, and faithful to the case precedents ruling on the Missouri Constitution and state statues.