JOPLIN, Missouri — Local history was made this morning in a Joplin courtroom.
Nicole Carlton, appointed by Governor Mike Parson in October as an associate circuit judge for the 29th Judicial Circuit, was sworn in by her father, retired Jasper County Judge Stephen Carlton.
It is believed to be the first time in this region that a judge’s direct offspring will serve on the bench. Nicole Carlton is replacing Circuit Judge Joe Hensley, the stepson of the Honorable Richard Copeland, who died in 2022.
As you might expect, having a daughter sworn in by her father was a very special occasion.
“Being able to share this with my father is an incredible opportunity that not many people have. And I am grateful that he is here to swear me in and guide me; I have the best parents in the world.
And their support, love, and — they’ve just — they’ve been in my corner from the beginning,” said Hon. Nicole Carlton, Jasper County Associate Circuit Judge.
“Nice that there — that that Carlton name sitting in that — one of these seats is gonna last for a long time.”
“I hope it does. You know, she has to run for re-election in two years, so everything could turn upside down, but we’re hoping she does well. I believe people will respect that, and that is all you can ask for,” said Carlton.
Stephen Carlton retired in 2018. Nicole will get right to work, with dockets set for next Monday and Tuesday.