Martin sworn in as associate circuit judge

District Circuit Judge Peggy D. Richardson, left, swears in new Associate Circuit Judge Aaron Martin on Jan. 6 in the Moniteau County Courtroom.
District Circuit Judge Peggy D. Richardson, left, swears in new Associate Circuit Judge Aaron Martin on Jan. 6 in the Moniteau County Courtroom.

Aaron Martin, the new associate circuit judge for Moniteau County, was sworn in Jan. 6, by Circuit Judge Peggy Richardson.

Martin is succeeding Richardson as Moniteau County associate circuit judge. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Moniteau County Courtroom with many family, friends, professional associates and colleagues present for the ceremony.

Before swearing Judge Martin in, Judge Richardson spoke about how hard it was to move on to circuit judge, because the associate circuit judge position she held for 18 years "is a sweet job." She said law is not made at the associate judge position. The law is given to the judge, by the Constitution, regulations and the supreme court. She said it is a good job.

She said the judge is not in it alone. Mentioning the Biblical Book of James, she said, "If anyone lacks wisdom, ask and it will be given." Richardson said it is not often a judge is able to talk about faith, but to her successor, it is possible because he is a person of faith. She then paraphrased Micah 6:8, "What does the LORD require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly" "We're called on to do the right thing," Richardson said. "Justice and mercy go hand in hand. Walk humbly."

After the ceremony, Martin said, "It's an honor to serve as associate circuit judge. At the same time, I'm saddened to leave (the law firm) Martin-Grayson." he commented that he will miss the conversations and contact, but is excited to take the position. He also said, "It's an honor to be successor to Judge Richardson."