FARMINGTON, MO — The inner workings of the Missouri judicial system are getting a colorful, kid-friendly breakdown thanks to a unique collaboration between a local educator and a sitting judge.

Keli Keutzer, a fourth-grade teacher at the Jefferson Elementary School, and Honorable Patrick King, a Division IV Associate Circuit Judge for St. Francois County, have co-authored a newly published children’s activity book aimed at demystifying the state's court system for young readers.

The activity book marks a creative bridge between the classroom and the courtroom.

The idea for the book sparked from a shared recognition that civics education often skips over how local and state courts actually operate, leaving children—and many adults—confused about the legal process.

"Having taught in the Farmington School District for nearly two decades, I have seen first-hand how deeply students and their families are impacted by the court system," said Keutzer. "I wanted our children to understand the process and know that the courts are here to help, guide, and educate them. By partnering with the Honorable Judge Patrick King, we are demystifying the legal process, easing the anxiety that parents and children face, and equipping our youth with the knowledge they need to navigate life's major transitions."

Judge King, who has presided over the Division IV bench in St. Francois County since 2019, frequently speaks to school groups and hosts student tours at the county courthouse. He noted that the book is designed to make the law feel approachable rather than intimidating saying, "I’ve been in court with kids as a prosecutor and a judge for more than thirty years. I know and have seen that court can be a most difficult and scary experience for kids because it’s so unfamiliar to them." Judge King went on to say, "After Keli Keutzer and her students visited the courthouse two summers ago, I determined we needed another resource to help kids in court and adults who cared for them. So I reached out to judges, teachers, child advocates and professionals from around the state. Working together, we were able to put together an activity book for elementary age kids which the Missouri Supreme Court approved for use statewide."

Keutzer and Judge King were able to finally see the finished product in person on Tuesday as Keutzer led a group of fourth graders to the Farmington County Courthouse for a mock trial of Goldilocks as part of a field trip, with Judge King presiding. The students were each provided a copy of the activity book at the end of the trip. Judge King noted it was special moment and the culmination of a lot of hard work, "Can I say please how amazing that moment was and how grateful I am to Keli and everyone who played a part. What a great team effort with so many folks involved, which all began with Keli’s interest in giving elementary school students a mock trial experience at the courthouse."

Justice W. Brent Powell is the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri. He commented on the creation of the book saying, “Missouri’s courthouses are open and inviting to all, but going to court can be intimidating and downright scary for a child. This fear can occur whether the child is at the center of a case involving custody or a parent’s abuse or neglect, but it also can happen when a child is called to be a witness in court or even just accompanies an adult to court. So we developed this book – designed from a child’s perspective, to be fun and engaging – to help caring adults prepare children to go to court.”

For Keutzer and Judge King, the ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation of informed citizens—and perhaps a few future lawyers and judges.

You can find copy of the Children's Activity Book HERE.