MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Missouri Cases

Arthur Jefferson II appealed the circuit court's judgment granting the Missouri Department of Social Services' motion for judgment on the pleadings. The appellate court dismissed the appeal, finding that Jefferson's brief contained numerous significant deficiencies under Rule 84.04. These violations included the absence of a statement of facts, record citations, and proper Points Relied On. The court concluded it could not review the merits without becoming an advocate for the appellant, thus warranting dismissal.

Kaylisha Young appealed the circuit court's judgment granting the Missouri Department of Social Services' motion for judgment on the pleadings. The appellate court found that Young's brief failed significantly to meet the minimum standards required by Rule 84.04, citing numerous major deficiencies including the absence of a statement of facts and Points Relied On. As a result, the court determined it was unable to reach the merits of the appeal without becoming Young's advocate. The appeal was therefore dismissed.

Ellis Woodrum sued the Missouri Department of Social Services, alleging retaliatory constructive termination after he sought workers' compensation benefits. The circuit court granted summary judgment to Social Services, finding the claim barred by sovereign immunity. The appellate court affirmed, holding that while Section 287.780 creates a private right of action for workers' compensation retaliation, Section 105.850 expressly preserves the State's sovereign immunity for such claims, and the latter, more specific statute controls.