A long-serving Missouri judge has resigned after an investigation found he repeatedly wore an Elvis Presley wig and sunglasses while presiding over cases, played Presley songs during court proceedings, and even allowed witnesses to be sworn in to the singer’s hits.
Judge Matthew Thornhill, an avid Elvis fan who often appeared in costume around Halloween, also wove song lyrics into official remarks and referenced his political views, even asking people in court whether they’d seen his campaign signs.
The state’s judicial commission ruled that his behaviour violated rules requiring judges to maintain decorum, dignity, and public confidence in the justice system, and also found he used the courtroom to promote his re-election.
Thornhill, who has served since 2006, accepted the ruling after a suspension and acknowledged that his attempts at levity had compromised the integrity of proceedings.
