Attorney General's News Release

November 22, 1994

Missouri Supreme Court upholds Nixon ouster of Clay County official

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court today affirmed the ouster of former Clay County Presiding Commissioner Peggy Shull by Attorney General Jay Nixon for nepotism. Nixon filed to oust Shull in March 1993.

The Supreme Court rejected Shull’s appeal of a ruling by Circuit Judge Ronald Belt in January that removed her from office for appointing her sister-in-law, Norma Thomas, to a tri-county mental health board in 1991.

“The court has affirmed our position that the Missouri Constitution is very clear in defining nepotism and in requiring removal from office as the only penalty for nepotism,” Nixon said. “In the past two years, we have removed several officials, both Democrats and Republicans, from office for violating the nepotism law. We will continue to uphold the law without favor in these matters, regardless of race, sex or political affiliation.”

Article VII, Section 6, of the Missouri Constitution prohibits, with penalty of forfeiture of office, any public officer from appointing a relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity to public office or employment. Missouri law considers in-law relations the same degree relation as a blood relative; thus, a sister-in-law would be considered a first degree relation the same as a brother or sister.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818