By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – Chief Justice Ronnie White is touting the judiciary as an economic engine for Missouri.
He also defended its impartiality Wednesday in the annual State of the Judiciary speech to the Legislature.
White says the courts generate nearly $400 million annually, almost three times the amount of state general revenues spent on the judiciary.
Some Republicans campaigned last year by decrying what they called "activist judges."
But White defended the judiciary's role in interpreting, not making the laws.
He says judicial decisions sometimes may not be popular. But he says that's part of the balance of powers in government.