About

These are the principles of our campaign and the elements that are essential to serving as a judge.

EXPERIENCE

• Judge Cotton Walker was a civil litigator for 27 years licensed in multiple states. In addition to his law practice, he served as a Municipal Judge in Cole County for 24 years. The last 8 years he has served as a full-time Judge including his current role as Circuit Judge for Cole County. The combination of years in the courtroom as a litigator and time on the bench at all trial levels, has resulted in informed decisions from Judge Walker. Additionally, his EXPERIENCE includes a strong record of working with other judges and with our law enforcement officers.

COMMUNITY

• Deeply rooted in Cole County, Judge Walker stays intentionally connected to our COMMUNITY by volunteering his time participating on local boards, coaching youth sports, supporting his Church and partnering with organizations to ensure the Courts understand and respond to community needs and expectations.

LAW & ORDER

• Judge Walker remains focused on LAW & ORDER by issuing effective punishment for offenders of our laws. He is committed to maintaining public safety and fairness delivering substantial sentences when warranted.

JUSTICE

• By working for JUSTICE every day, Judge Walker successfully changed the way Jefferson City assists citizens who have a case in court but also have other needs such as housing, veterans’ services, or job training and employment. He has focused on fair outcomes and advanced programs linking court-involved citizens to mental health and substance use treatment. The result is a reduction in return offenders and an increase in public safety in our community.

INDEPENDENCE

• Like the drafters of our U.S. and Missouri Constitutions, Judge Walker believes an impartial and INDEPENDENT judiciary serves every Missourian. He shows this in his integrity with consistent application of the law in each case before him.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

As a judge, I believe it is important to stay connected to the community. I learned the importance of community involvement at an early age and I know that volunteering to serve local charities, coaching youth sports, serving meals at churches, leading boards and non-profit organizations has allowed me to serve the common good for our community.

My wife of 31 years and I serve our church and many community organizations. The nature of this service also helps me stay in touch with our community expectations and allows me to know people from all situations living in Cole County.

– Judge Walker

Our community standards are reflected in the law as written and how the law is interpreted and enforced in our courts. There must be consequences for breaking the law, but we must also help those in need. I do not believe those principles are irreconcilable.

My commitment to public safety in our community and state has shown through over 30 years of work. I have consistently attended public safety trainings for judges and have delivered dozens of trainings for law enforcement officers and judges alike. Serving by appointment of the Supreme Court, my current committee work includes service as co-chair of Missouri’s Human Trafficking & Domestic Violence Commission.

Last year, my work in the field was recognized as I was honored as the CIT Champion of the Year for my work supporting Crisis Intervention Team collaboration with law enforcement. The trainings, communication and awards underscore my partnership with law enforcement agencies, officers, prosecutors and juvenile services to enforce the law fairly, protect victims, and strengthens public safety.

As judge, I preside over an open court. The community is welcome to see how an effective, diligent judge works with people in all situations while still seeing the rule of law enforced.

 

– Judge Walker

Through my experience in public service, I’ve worked to sincerely consider others’ circumstances. I believe deeply in these words from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

By working for justice every day, during my time as Municipal Judge, I successfully changed the way Jefferson City’s court assists the citizens of Cole County. I have

I swore an oath of admission to the practice of law that includes the phrase: “That I will practice law to the best of my knowledge and ability and with consideration for the defenseless and oppressed.”

As judge, I do just that and serve my community, my neighbors and my family by seeing justice is achieved.

 

– Judge Walker