The judges of the 13th Judicial Circuit on Tuesday elected Judge J. Hasbrouck Jacobs, Circuit Judge, Division I, to serve as presiding judge.
On Jan. 31, Jacobs will succeed Judge Kevin Crane, who has served as presiding judge since January 2017.
"I am honored to accept the role of Presiding Judge for the 13th Circuit," Jacobs said. "I appreciate Judge Crane's leadership for the last few years. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues and agency partners on issues that impact our justice system."
Jacobs was first appointed to the court as a circuit judge in 2017 and was elected to a full term in 2018. He handles general civil and criminal dockets, as well as certain family court matters and involuntary mental health commitments.
Jacobs is a graduate of Florida A&M School of Law, with an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Florida. Prior to his election to the court, Jacobs served as an assistant prosecutor in Boone County, was in private practice in North Carolina, served as an assistant prosecutor in St. Louis County, and was an assistant state attorney in Florida.
Jacobs lives in Columbia with his wife, Dr. Janie Jacobs, and their three children.
In the 13th Circuit, which is comprised of Boone and Callaway counties, the presiding judge has general administrative authority over the circuit court and municipal courts within the circuit. This includes appointments of certain officers, boards and circuit positions, and presiding over meetings of the court. The presiding judge is also responsible for administrative orders, local court rules and assignments to divisions.