FAQ: How could Truman be a "judge" if he did not graduate from Law School?

The position of Jackson County Judge held by Harry S. Truman was an administrative position, rather than a judicial position, consequently there was no requirement that a Jackson County Judge have a law degree. The Jackson County Court exercised the corporate powers of the county.

These powers included: the management and control of county property, both real and personal; the authority to purchase, receive, lease, sell or convey county property, both real and personal; the appropriation of county funds for use in administering county needs; and the ability to audit and settle all demands made against the county.