The Full Read · Article by Article
Stephen Robert Clark Sr.
Eastern District of Missouri · appt. Trump
7/7
🥇 Fit for the Bench
1Ethics & Recusalcritical
71%★ earned
“No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause.” — Madison, Federalist No. 10
No documented on-bench ethics or recusal violations found for the Eastern District of Missouri chief judge.
2Fidelity to Democracycritical
74%★ earned
“…a government of laws, and not of men.” — Marshall, Marbury v. Madison
No record of defying higher courts or election-related misconduct; respects precedent.
3Judicial Temperament
72%★ earned
“Justice must satisfy the appearance of justice.” — Frankfurter
No reported temperament incidents or complaints as a judge; limited public record.
4Reason, Not Ideology
72%★ earned
“We are not final because we are infallible…” — Robert H. Jackson
Insufficient documented judicial record to establish an ideological pattern; scored neutral.
5Intellectual Honesty & Precedent
71%★ earned
“…to stand by things decided.” (stare decisis) — the common-law maxim
Advocacy groups alleged a 'pattern of dishonesty' during his 2018-19 confirmation fight; those are contested nominee-stage characterizations, not a judicial finding.
6Independence from Party
70%★ earned
“The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential.” — Hamilton, Federalist No. 78
Trump appointee with no documented party-aligned ruling pattern on the bench; neutral.
7Personal Integrity
74%★ earned
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
No criminal, civil, or corruption matters found in the public record.
Challenge this review
This review is offered freely and openly to correction. A challenge is considered only when it states a specific reason and links to sources that substantiate it — an assertion without evidence is not reviewed.
Are you Stephen Robert Clark Sr.? An official named in a review may answer it by phone rather than in writing. Confirm it's you and we'll arrange a call.
Scores are Independent 2026’s own editorial read against the Seven Articles — ≥60% earns the star. The first two Articles are critical: fail Ethics & Recusal or Fidelity to Democracy and there is no seal, whatever else holds. Each Article carries its founding quote as the yardstick. On bias →