Political candidates make promises. Judges can only promise to perform their duties to the best of their ability.

Political candidates represent their constituencies, and if a majority of voters support them, they win their election. Judges do not represent, and cannot represent, any interest groups. Unlike legislators, they have no constituency. Instead of representing voters, they represent the law.

Judicial decisions are made based on the facts surrounding the case and the applicable laws. Because our courts must give a fair and impartial hearing to all who come before them, judges cannot state how they would decide a case in advance.

The Supreme Court of Missouri has special rules that judicial candidates must follow. These rules limit what judges can say and do during a campaign.

Supreme Court of Missouri rules on campaign conduct.