Our legal and electoral systems are complex—even the most informed among us may not know all the details. In response to readers’ election questions, The St. Louis American is launching the “Unlock the Ballot” initiative to demystify down-ballot propositions and races for judges and school board seats. Now more than ever, St. Louisans need to be informed about lesser-known candidates and issues that may not make headlines but deeply affect our lives and communities.

Booker T. Shaw didn’t set out to become a judge; he was inspired by his late older brother, Charles Shaw, a federal judge, and encouraged by others who were impressed with his intellect.

The native St. Louisan, a partner at the Thompson Coburn law firm, spent 25 years on the bench before retiring. He served on the Missouri Co

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