https://www.abajournal.com/news/article ... ving-judge
https://953wdae.iheart.com/content/2025 ... to-resign/
National News
Judge Who Wore Elvis Halloween Costume Behind The Bench Forced To Resign
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iHeartRadio
Nov 20, 2025
Top 10 Plays - November 19, 2025
A Missouri judge, Matthew Thornhill, has agreed to resign after being found guilty of misconduct, including wearing an Elvis Presley-inspired wig and playing the singer's music in court. The Missouri Commission on Retirement, Removal, and Discipline determined that Thornhill failed to maintain courtroom decorum and engaged in political activities while conducting court business.
According to KSDK, Thornhill wore the Elvis wig on October 31 and made frequent references to Elvis and his songs during proceedings. He also asked litigants if they wanted to be sworn in to Elvis music. Thornhill defended his actions, stating he intended to "add levity" and help relax litigants. However, he later acknowledged that his behavior could undermine the integrity of the court.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/37390545/ ... -on-bench/
Thornhill would play the tunes over his phone, it added.
In other instances, the judge would mention details about Elvis in regards to the case with little to no actual reason to do so.
Court papers said: “[He] would refer to Elvis Presley during court proceedings, such as referring to Elvis Presley’s date of birth or death when such statements were irrelevant to the proceedings before the court.”
