Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXXII. Courts § 485.040. Judges of circuit courts to appoint reporters--qualifications

1. For the purpose of preserving the record in all cases for the information of the court, jury and parties, and for expediting the public business, each circuit judge shall appoint an official court reporter who shall be a certified court reporter as provided by Rule 14 of the supreme court. Such court reporter shall be a sworn officer of the court, and shall hold his office during the pleasure of the judge appointing him, and on the death, resignation, or retirement of that judge, the reporter shall retain his office until the judge's successor is elected, or appointed.

2. In lieu of a full-time court reporter, a circuit judge who serves as the judge of the probate division may utilize the services of a court reporter on a part-time basis or may preserve the record in the manner provided in section 478.072.