Prosecutors who Skip Work : Kim Gardner Scandal, Politics, Anarchism, Court Junkie

In this episode, we unpack the turbulent legal and political saga of Kim Gardner, the former St. Louis Circuit Attorney who rose to national attention as one of the first progressive prosecutors elected on a reform platform. Gardner’s tenure was marked by intense clashes with police unions, Republican state officials, and even local judges, all while her office faced criticism for case backlogs, staff shortages, and procedural missteps. Her battles escalated when Missouri’s attorney general filed a rare legal action seeking her removal, accusing her of neglecting duties and mishandling criminal cases. At the same time, Gardner herself became the target of investigations and lawsuits, including an ethics case involving her handling of the prosecution of then-Governor Eric Greitens. With mounting political pressure, court conflicts, and public scrutiny, Gardner ultimately resigned in 2023, leaving behind a legacy both hailed as reformist and condemned as chaotic. Her story raises difficult questions about justice reform, systemic resistance, and how political power shapes who gets to enforce the law.