Kenneth G Clayton

Had a will-contest ruling thrown out by a state appeals court. As a special judge in Texas County, he ruled that two adult children could not challenge their late father's will. On August 30, 2024, the appeals court vacated that ruling. It found the children did have the right to bring the challenge.

August 30, 2024Unfavorable on Legal Competence

Source: courts.mo.gov

Had his trial rulings upheld by a state appeals court. He oversaw a Phelps County jury trial in which a car buyer sued a dealer over a missing vehicle title, and the jury sided with the dealer. On January 16, 2024, the appeals court affirmed, finding no error in his jury instructions or evidence rulings.

January 16, 2024Favorable on Legal Competence

Source: courts.mo.gov

Was overruled by a state appeals court on a fine he ordered. As a judge, he fined the local public defender office $762.68 after one of its lawyers went to Mexico a week before a trial during COVID-19. On August 3, 2021, the appeals court blocked the fine. It said he misapplied the law because there was no proof of bad faith.

August 3, 2021Unfavorable on Legal Competence

Source: courts.mo.gov

Had a probate judgment upheld by a state appeals court. He took over a disputed Phelps County estate case after the prior judge retired in December 2018. The court ordered the estate property split over the widow's objections. On November 4, 2019, the appeals court affirmed that judgment.

November 4, 2019Favorable on Legal Competence

Source: courts.mo.gov