For nearly two decades, a Missouri courtroom wasn't just a place for justice – it was a tribute to the King. Judge Matthew Thornhill, known for his dedication to the law, also harbored a deep, public passion for Elvis Presley, a passion he brought directly into his judicial proceedings.
The judge’s courtroom often echoed with the sounds of Elvis, sometimes as he entered wearing a wig and sunglasses. Litigants were even offered the unusual option of being sworn in while the music played from his phone, a gesture intended to ease tension but ultimately raising serious questions about judicial conduct.
Thornhill explained his actions as an attempt to “add levity” and relax those appearing before him. He believed a touch of lightheartedness could benefit the often-stressful legal process, but acknowledged the potential for his methods to undermine the solemnity of the court.
A state commission disagreed, detailing in a report how the judge’s Elvis impersonations violated rules regarding courtroom order and decorum. The commission also cited concerns about Thornhill’s introduction of personal political views from the bench, including declarations of party affiliation and preferred candidates.
The situation culminated in an agreement designed to avoid a full disciplinary hearing. Thornhill will take a six-month unpaid leave, return to the bench for 18 months, and then resign his position early. This resolution, currently awaiting approval from the Missouri Supreme Court, is supported by 35 character references.
This isn’t the first time Thornhill’s judgment has been questioned. In 2008, he received a reprimand and a $750 fine after reducing charges for a woman who gifted him a purportedly autographed baseball. The ball later proved to be a forgery, though the judge maintains he never accepted the item.
Elected as an associate circuit judge in 2006, and later as a circuit judge in 2024, Thornhill is the longest-serving judge in his county. Throughout his career, he presided over countless trials, shaping legal outcomes for years to come.
Beyond the courtroom, Thornhill’s biography reveals a man with diverse interests: surfing, gardening, soccer, golf with his children, and running with his dog. But it’s the enduring love of Elvis that has ultimately defined his legacy, a legacy now drawing to a close in a most unusual way.
