GLOBAL - A senior American judge in St. Charles County, Missouri, has agreed to resign from his position following disciplinary action for a pattern of misconduct that included wearing an Elvis Presley wig and playing the singer's music during court proceedings. The case of Circuit Judge Matthew E.P. Thornhill underscores the stringent codes of conduct governing judicial officers, a matter of significant public interest in Kenya and globally.

The Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal, and Discipline of Judges recommended the disciplinary action after investigating three primary allegations against Judge Thornhill. The commission found that the judge failed to maintain the necessary decorum and dignity of his office. Specific incidents cited included routinely wearing an Elvis wig and sunglasses on the bench around Halloween, playing Elvis Presley songs from his phone to swear in litigants, and making irrelevant references to the musician's lyrics and life during official proceedings.

In a letter to the Missouri Supreme Court dated Tuesday, November 12, 2025, Judge Thornhill stated his intention was “to add levity at times when I thought it would help relax litigants.” He acknowledged, however, “I now recognize that this could affect the integrity and solemnity of the proceedings.”

Broader Pattern of Misconduct

The investigation revealed that the judge's actions went beyond his affinity for Elvis Presley. The commission's report detailed two other counts of serious misconduct. Judge Thornhill was found to have engaged in political activity from the bench, a violation of judicial ethics that require strict impartiality. He reportedly mentioned his political campaign, commented on the placement of his “Thornhill for Judge” signs, and sometimes referred to the area as “Thornhill for Judge Country” to litigants and lawyers in his courtroom.

Furthermore, the commission cited an instance where the judge improperly intervened in a child adoption case pending before another judge by hand-delivering a personal character reference. This action was deemed an abuse of his judicial prestige to advance the private interests of another person. Judge Thornhill admitted the allegations were “substantially accurate” and that his conduct was improper.

Global Standards, Local Relevance

While this case occurred in the United States, it brings to the forefront the universal principles of judicial conduct that are foundational to public trust in the legal system. In Kenya, the conduct of judges and magistrates is governed by the Judicial Service Act and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, which emphasize integrity, impartiality, and propriety. The Missouri Code of Judicial Conduct similarly requires judges to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

The Kenyan judiciary has also faced challenges related to judicial misconduct. In February 2025, the Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) raised concerns over unresolved complaints against judicial officers, citing issues of inefficiency, delayed judgments, and abuse of power. Since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, several judges and numerous judicial staff in Kenya have been dismissed for misconduct, reflecting a commitment to enforcing accountability. These domestic efforts highlight the shared global challenge of ensuring that judicial officers consistently adhere to the high standards of behaviour expected of their office.

Under the agreement, which is pending final approval by the Missouri Supreme Court, Judge Thornhill will serve a six-month unpaid suspension. He will then return to the bench for 18 months before his resignation becomes permanent. He has also agreed never to seek judicial office in the state of Missouri again. Judge Thornhill was the longest-serving circuit judge in St. Charles County, having first been elected as an associate circuit judge in 2006.