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The Commission

The governing body of the Missouri State Public Defender System is a Commission appointed by the Governor. The term of office of each commissioner is six years or until a successor is selected. Commissioners may succeed themselves.

The Public Defender Commission is responsible for the hiring of the State Public Defender Director. They also, with the assistance of the Director, determine the philosophy of the State Public Defender System. They review the budget request prepared by the Director and provide support of the request before the legislature. They make any rules needed for the administration of the State Public Defender System.

Current Commissioners

Commissioner	Location	Term	Party Affiliation
Eric Barnhart, Chair	Florissant	4/13/2006 to 12/30/2011	Republican
Muriel Brison	Berger	4/15/2004 to 12/31/2009	Democrat
Douglas Copeland	St. Louis	04/30/2007 to 04/15/2014	Republican
Willie Ellis	Florissant	4/15/2004 to 12/20/2009	Democrat
Kenneth Hensley	Raymore	4/20/2004 to 12/30/2009	Democrat
Miller Leonard	Platte City	02/07/2006 to 12/30/2011	Republican
Rebecca Stith	St. Louis	4/03/2003 to 12/30/2007	Democrat
J. Marty Robinson	Jefferson City	Ex-Officio Member