Patricia Breckenridge

Patricia Breckenridge (born October 14, 1953) is a Judge on the Supreme Court of Missouri.[2] She was first appointed to the Court in 2007 and served as Chief Justice from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017.[2] Breckenridge was the fourth woman to be appointed to the high court.[2]

During her tenure as Chief Justice, Breckenridge led the Court to establish the Committee on Practice and Procedures in Municipal Division Cases, the Task Force on Criminal Justice, the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, the Commission on Civil Justice Reform, and the Partnership for Child Safety and Well-Being.[3][4]  She also led the adoption of uniform standards for Missouri juvenile officers.[2]

Breckenridge continues to serve on all of these committees as well as the Family Court Committee and numerous other state and national committees.[2] Breckenridge is also a member of several professional organizations including the Missouri Bar, the American Bar Association, and the National Association of Woman Judges.[2]

Breckenridge was selected as the 2017 Woman of the Year by Missouri Lawyers Media which praised her commitment to the integrity of the justice system and the reform of its shortcomings.[5] In 2019, Breckenridge was recognized by the National Center for State Courts by receiving the Distinguished Service Award for appellate judges.[2] In 2020, she was awarded a Theodore McMillian Judicial Excellence Award from The Missouri Bar, for setting an example of judicial excellence; leading the advancement of justice; providing outstanding public and community service to the people of Missouri; demonstrating the highest character, integrity, and honor; and inspiring other members of the judiciary to similar noble purpose.[4]