Judge Matthew Thornhill resigns after years of unorthodox Elvis-inspired courtroom antics

A Judge’s Elvis Persona Goes Too Far

22 November 2025: Missouri judge Matthew Thornhill has agreed to step down after repeatedly wearing an Elvis Presley-style wig and sunglasses during court proceedings and even playing Elvis songs in the courtroom. His unusual behaviour — considered entertaining by some — ultimately raised serious concerns about courtroom professionalism and judicial integrity.

The Disciplinary Outcome

As part of a formal agreement to avoid a full misconduct hearing, Thornhill will:

Serve a six-month unpaid suspension

Return to the bench for 18 months under scrutiny

Resign permanently from judicial office in Missouri afterward

This agreement ensures he cannot seek judicial office again in the state.

Why He Was Disciplined

Investigators concluded that Thornhill’s courtroom conduct crossed the line from quirky to inappropriate. Key findings included:

Wearing an Elvis wig and sunglasses during active court proceedings

Playing Elvis Presley music while on the bench

Making unrelated or distracting Elvis references during hearings

Involving court participants in non-traditional swearing-in routines

Engaging in political commentary that compromised judicial neutrality

Using his position to support personal connections in legal matters

Impact on Public Trust

While Thornhill may have intended to create a light-hearted courtroom atmosphere, his actions were deemed inconsistent with the level of professionalism required of a judge. HOLR has the latest news, and this case reinforces the importance of judicial decorum and unbiased conduct.

Final Word

Judge Matthew Thornhill, who has served since 2006, will end his long legal career following this agreement. What began as playful Elvis-themed behaviour ultimately became a serious matter of judicial accountability — marking the end of his time on the bench.