2015 News Releases

	11/06/2016 Supreme Court issues opinion in Robinson case TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court issued its decision today in the capital appeal of John E. Robinson Sr., affirming his conviction for capital murder and death sentence.In a 415-page opinion (Appeal No. 90,196: State of Kansas v. John E. Robinson Sr.) written by Justice Caleb Stegall, the court discusses the issues raised on appeal by Robinson ...
	12/16/2015 Erich G. Campbell selected to fill district magistrate judge vacancy in 2nd judicial district TOPEKA—The 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Erich G. Campbell to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Pottawatomie County.The 2nd judicial district includes Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties.Campbell currently is senior regular army advisor to the Kansas adjutant general. He has 29 years ...
	12/08/2015 Kansas Supreme Court forms time standards committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced today it has designated a new committee to help review and revise time standards for decisions in district and appellate court cases."We've pulled together a talented group of judges and lawyers with diverse experiences to tackle this job," said Justice Carol A. Beier, who will chair the ...
	11/20/2015 Eleven apply for district magistrate vacancy in 2nd judicial district TOPEKA—Eleven people applied to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Pottawatomie County in the 2nd judicial district.The 2nd judicial district includes Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties.The applicants are:Randy M. Barker of TopekaSarah S. Barr of WamegoSteven M. Bundy of ManhattanErich G. Campbell of ...
	11/20/2015 Five apply for judge vacancy in 25th judicial district TOPEKA—Five people applied to the 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission seeking to fill a judge vacancy in the 25th judicial district, which includes Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott, and Wichita counties.The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Philip Vieux.The nominating commission will convene at 9 a.m. Tuesday ...
	11/12/2015 Kansas Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments November 17 in Hutchinson TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, at the Reno County Courthouse, 206 West 1st Avenue, Hutchinson.Judges Thomas E. Malone, Stephen D. Hill and Melissa Taylor Standridge will hear oral argument in seven criminal and civil cases at dockets that convene ...
	11/02/2015 Supreme Court adopts updated child support guidelines TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has adopted updated child support guidelines that judges will use to determine parents' child support payment obligations beginning January 1, 2016.The updated guidelines reflect changes in spending on children since the guidelines were last updated four years ago. The updates are expected to increase child ...
	10/23/2015 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission sends judge candidate names to governor TOPEKA—The 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission sent the names of three candidates for district court judge to Gov. Sam Brownback, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy created by the unexpected death of District Court Judge Micheal A. Ireland.The three candidates are:Christopher T. Etzel, Havensville, who has a private ...
	10/22/2015 Judge Young of 28th judicial district to sit with Kansas Supreme Court October 28 TOPEKA—Chief Judge Rene Young of the 28th judicial district has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's 9 a.m. docket Wednesday, October 28.After hearing oral arguments, Young will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and opinion drafting."I am so glad that ...
	10/21/2015 Nominating commission seeks candidates for judge vacancy in 25th judicial district TOPEKA—The 25th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking candidates to fill a judge vacancy created by the August retirement of Judge Philip Vieux.The 25th judicial district is made up of Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott, and Wichita counties.Justice Dan Biles, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 25th ...
	10/16/2015 Ten apply for judge vacancy in 2nd judicial district TOPEKA—Ten candidates applied to the 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission seeking to fill a judge vacancy in the 2nd judicial district, which includes Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties.The vacancy was created by the unexpected death of District Court Judge Micheal A. Ireland.The nominating commission will convene ...
	10/16/2015 Nominating commission seeks candidates for district magistrate judge vacancy in 2nd judicial district TOPEKA—The 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking candidates to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Pottawatomie County.The 2nd judicial district includes Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties.Justice Marla J. Luckert, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 2nd judicial district ...
	10/01/2015 Supreme Court announces amended docket at Garden City TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced an amended docket of three cases it will hear October 13 at Garden City High School, its next destination in ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.It will be the Supreme Court’s first visit to Garden City in the court ...
	09/25/2015 Supreme Court reaffirms order in State of Kansas v. Joseph M. Buser TOPEKA—Today the Kansas Supreme Court reaffirmed its July 1, 2015, order in this appeal declaring K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 20-3301 unconstitutional. That statute imposes deadlines for all state court decisions. Regarding appeals to the Supreme Court, K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 20-3301(c) directs all counsel to submit a joint request to the Supreme Court once ...
	09/23/2015 New attorneys take state and federal oaths in September 25 ceremony TOPEKA — Successful applicants to the July 2015 Kansas bar examination will be sworn in as Kansas attorneys at a 10 a.m. ceremony Friday, September 25, at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 SE 8th Street, Topeka.Chief Justice Lawton Nuss will preside over the Supreme Court and Judge Daniel Crabtree will represent the U.S. District Court ...
	09/23/2015 Nominating commission seeks candidates for judge vacancy in 2nd judicial district TOPEKA—The 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking candidates to fill a judge vacancy in the 2nd judicial district, which includes Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties.The vacancy was created by the death of District Court Judge Micheal A. Ireland.Justice Marla Luckert, the Supreme Court departmental justice ...
	09/18/2015 Supreme Court announces cases for October 13 docket at Garden City High School TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced the three cases it will hear October 13 at Garden City High School, its next destination in ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.It will be the Supreme Court’s first visit to Garden City in the court’s 154-year ...
	09/15/2015 Kansas Court of Appeals to commemorate Constitution Day with session at KU LAWRENCE—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear five cases September 22 at the Kansas Union at the University of Kansas as part of the court’s observance of Constitution Day.The court will hear cases at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 2 p.m. in Alderson Auditorium.Judges Patrick D. McAnany and Michael B. Buser of Overland ...
	09/11/2015 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission sends judge candidate names to governor TOPEKA—The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission sent the names of two candidates for district court judge to Gov. Sam Brownback, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy created by the August 1 retirement of Chief Judge Richard B. Walker.The two candidates are Harold F. Shorn II and Marilyn M. Wilder.Kansas law requires that ...
	09/11/2015 Kansas appellate courts make unpublished opinions available online TOPEKA—Beginning today, the Kansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals will make unpublished opinions available online, making it possible for the first time for the public to access them using the Internet.Previously, only published opinions from the two courts were posted online. That practice began in 1996 and earned the judicial branch ...
	09/10/2015 Judge Frederick of 25th judicial district to sit with Kansas Supreme Court September 17 TOPEKA—Judge Robert J. Frederick of the 25th judicial district has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court’s 9 a.m. docket Thursday, September 17.After hearing oral arguments, Frederick will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and opinion drafting.“I am ...
	09/10/2015 Judge Chambers of Reno County to sit with Kansas Supreme Court September 18 TOPEKA—Judge Timothy J. Chambers of the Reno County District Court has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear an attorney discipline case on the court’s 9 a.m. docket Friday, September 18.After hearing the case, Chambers will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and opinion drafting.“I am so glad ...
	09/09/2015 Judge Fowler of 5th judicial district to sit with Kansas Supreme Court September 14 TOPEKA—Judge W. Lee Fowler of the 5th judicial district has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in two cases on the court's 9 a.m. docket Monday, September 14.After hearing oral arguments, Fowler will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and opinion drafting."I am so glad that ...
	09/03/2015 Kansas Supreme Court launches eCourt project TOPEKA—State courts are one step closer in their transition to a centralized electronic court environment with the Supreme Court’s launch of its Kansas eCourt project today.The eCourt project will focus on merging electronic document filing already used in most Kansas courts with a centralized case management system, uniting all court ...
	08/21/2015 Kansas judicial branch receives national recognition for court caseload reporting excellence TOPEKA—For a third time since 2009, the Kansas judicial branch has been recognized by the National Center for State Courts for reporting excellence in providing detailed and publishable court caseload data.This year's national recognition was for reporting excellence for six continuous years.Kansas received two excellence awards from the ...
	08/14/2015 New date set for interviews to fill judge vacancy in 9th judicial district TOPEKA—The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9 a.m. Friday, September 11, in the Harvey County Courthouse in Newton to interview nominees to fill a judge vacancy created by the August 1 retirement of Chief Judge Richard B. Walker.The meeting is open to the public.The 10 candidates are:JoAn LindforsGregory NyeMarilyn ...
	08/10/2015 Kansas Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments August 18 in Garden City TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, at the Finney County Courthouse, 425 North 8th Street, Garden City.Judges G. Joseph Pierron Jr., David E. Bruns, and Kim R. Schroeder will hear oral argument in seven criminal and civil cases at dockets that convene ...
	08/04/2015 Supreme Court to conduct special evening session October 13 at Garden City High School TOPEKA The Kansas Supreme Court announced today it has selected Garden City High School as the next destination in its ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.It will be the Supreme Court’s first visit to Garden City in the court’s 154-year history, and it will ...
	07/21/2015 Chief Judge Richard Walker to retire August 1 TOPEKA—Chief Judge Richard B. Walker will retire August 1, after serving nearly 31 years on the bench in the 9th Judicial District composed of Harvey and McPherson counties."It was a great honor to be selected for this position three decades ago, and I have tried to do my best to honor the public trust placed in me," Walker said ...
	07/16/2015 Reno County Judge Macke Dick appointed to serve on family law committee TOPEKA—The Kansas Judicial Council has appointed Reno County Judge Patricia Macke Dick to serve on the Family Law Advisory Committee, an advisory group that monitors family law and conducts studies specific to that area.Macke Dick is chief judge of the 27th judicial district, a one-county district that consists of Reno County.The Kansas ...
	07/09/2015 Johnson County judge recognized for leadership, service TOPEKA—Retired Johnson County District Court Judge Stephen Tatum was recognized by his peers at a recent judges conference for demonstrating extraordinary leadership and service.Tatum was given the Community Outreach and Education Award by the Kansas District Judges Association at a statewide conference for judges last month in ...
	07/06/2015 Kansas Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments July 14-15 in Beloit TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, at the Mitchell County Courthouse, 115 S. Hersey, Beloit.The hearings will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, and at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 15.Judges G. Gordon Atcheson, Michael B. Buser, and ...
	07/01/2015 Electronic filing in appellate courts to be mandatory effective November 2 TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced today that it has a project underway to expand attorneys' use of electronic filing in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals with the intent that it will become mandatory effective November 2, 2015."This is an important step toward more modern courts that allow attorneys to electronically ...
	06/26/2015 Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association elects new officers TOPEKA — The Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association, an organization open to all state district magistrate court judges, last week elected officers to serve the organization in the fiscal year that begins July 1.District Magistrate Judge Guy R. Steier was elected president of the association. He has been a district magistrate judge in ...
	06/19/2015 Kansas District Judges Association elects new officers TOPEKA — The Kansas District Judges Association, an organization open to all state district court judges, this week elected officers to serve the organization in the fiscal year that begins July 1.Judge Michael F. Powers was elected president of the association. He is chief judge in the 8th judicial district composed of Dickinson, Geary ...
	06/16/2015 Nominating commission seeks candidates for judge vacancy in 9th judicial district TOPEKA—The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking candidates to fill a judge vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Chief Judge Richard B. Walker.The 9th judicial district is made up of Harvey and McPherson counties.Justice Carol A. Beier, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 9th judicial district, ...
	06/05/2015 Chief justice wants Kansans to know state courts fully operating next week TOPEKA — Chief Justice Lawton Nuss wants to get the message to all Kansans that even if state offices close or operate with reduced staff beginning Monday, all state courts will nevertheless be open — staffed and conducting business as usual."With all the news stories about the state government budget and the possibility of ...
	05/11/2015 Kansas Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments May 12-13 in Chanute TOPEKA—A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 13, at the Neosho County Courthouse, 102 South Lincoln, Chanute.The hearings will take place at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, and at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13.Judges Stephen D. Hill, Topeka; Steve Leben, Fairway; and G ...
	05/05/2015 Kathryn Gardner to be sworn in as Court of Appeals judge May 8 TOPEKA—Kathryn Gardner will be sworn in as judge of the Kansas Court of Appeals at 2 p.m. Friday, May 8, in the Supreme Court courtroom in the Kansas Judicial Center, Topeka.Court of Appeals Chief Judge Thomas Malone will preside over the ceremony.The public can access a live webcast of the ceremony by following the Watch Supreme Court Live ...
	05/01/2015 Supreme Court stays proceedings in Cheever case TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court this week stayed its proceedings in a death penalty case involving Scott D. Cheever pending the outcome of the United States Supreme Court's review of three cases that present a similar legal issue.At the request of the Kansas attorney general, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Kansas Supreme Court ...
	04/29/2015 Shawnee County Judge Wilson to sit with Kansas Supreme Court TOPEKA—Shawnee County District Court Judge Evelyn Z. Wilson has been appointed to sit with the Supreme Court Monday, May 4, to hear oral arguments in the first case on the court's 9 a.m. docket.After hearing oral arguments, Wilson will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and opinion drafting."I'm pleased that Judge ...
	04/16/2015 New attorneys take state and federal oaths in April 17 ceremony TOPEKA — Successful applicants to the February 2015 Kansas Bar Examination will be sworn in as Kansas attorneys Friday, April 17, at a 10 a.m. ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka.Chief Justice Lawton Nuss will preside over the Supreme Court and Judge Julie Robinson will represent the U.S. District ...
	03/23/2015 Supreme Court announces cases for April 13 docket at Fort Hays State University TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced the three cases it will hear April 13 at Fort Hays State University, its next destination in ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.It will be the Supreme Court's first visit to Hays in the court's 154-year history ...
	03/23/2015 Samuel J. Marsh selected to fill district magistrate judge vacancy in 11th judicial district TOPEKA—The 11th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Samuel J. Marsh to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Cherokee County in the 11th judicial district.The 11th judicial district includes Cherokee, Crawford and Labette counties.Marsh, of Columbus, is a private attorney. He will begin his new duties on his swearing-in ...
	03/03/2015 Supreme Court selects Fort Hays State University for April 13 docket TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced today it has selected Fort Hays State University as the next destination in its ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.It will be the Supreme Court's first visit to Hays in the court's 154-year history. It is also ...
	02/27/2015 11 apply for district magistrate vacancy in 11th judicial district TOPEKA—Eleven people applied to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Cherokee County in the 11th judicial district.The 11th judicial district includes Cherokee, Crawford and Labette counties.The applicants are:Murl Thomas (Tom) Bringle of Oswego — account manager/sales with Cellular Sales of Kentucky, Inc.Timothy Alan Frieden of ...
	02/23/2015 Stephanie Bunten named new budget and fiscal officer for judicial branch TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court announced today that Stephanie Bunten has joined the judicial branch as its new budget and fiscal officer effective February 23.Bunten previously served as assistant fiscal officer of the judicial branch from 2010 to 2011. She succeeds Kim Fowler, who left in January to pursue a new career opportunity." ...
	02/13/2015 Kansas Supreme Court reappoints two to Chief Judges' Council TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton Nuss has reappointed Chief Judge Patricia Macke Dick and Chief Judge David A. Ricke to the Chief Judges Council created last year to provide ground-level perspective on issues facing Kansas courts.Both will serve two-year terms that expire December 31, 2016."I appreciate that Chief Judge Macke Dick and Chief ...
	02/12/2015 Kansas district court judge named co-chair of national judicial voter education project TOPEKA—Shawnee County District Court Judge Cheryl Rios Kingfisher has been selected to co-chair the National Association of Women Judges' Informed Voters Project committee for a one-year term that started in January.Linda Leali, an attorney in Miami, Florida, is Kingfisher's co-chair."It's an incredible honor to help lead the ...
	01/29/2015 Court of Appeals Judge Karen Arnold-Burger wins national award TOPEKA—Kansas Court of Appeals Judge Karen Arnold-Burger has been selected by the American Bar Association Judicial Division Lawyers Conference to receive the Burnham "Hod" Greeley Award for her work to increase public awareness of the need for a fair and impartial judiciary.Arnold-Burger said she is looking forward to receiving the ...
	01/28/2015 Nominating commission seeks candidates for district magistrate judge vacancy in 11th Judicial District TOPEKA—The 11th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking candidates to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Cherokee CountyThe 11th judicial district includes Cherokee, Crawford and Labette counties.Justice Lee A. Johnson, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the11th judicial district, said nominees can ...
	01/08/2015 F. William Cullins new chief judge of 14th judicial district TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss announced today that F. William Cullins will become chief judge of the 14th judicial district for a one-year term that starts January 12, 2015.The 14th judicial district includes Chautauqua and Montgomery counties.“Chief Judge Cullins is highly regarded in his district, both by his fellow judges, and ...
	01/07/2015 Van Hampton new chief judge of 16th judicial district TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss announced today that Van Hampton will become chief judge of the 16th judicial district for a one-year term that starts January 12, 2015.“Judges and court employees in the 16th judicial district have expressed their respect and support for Judge Hampton, so it’s an honor to announce he will take ...
	01/07/2015 Amy Harth new chief judge of 6th judicial district TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss announced today that Amy Harth will become chief judge of the 6th judicial district for a one-year term that starts January 12, 2015.The 6th judicial district includes Bourbon, Linn and Miami counties.“Chief Judge Harth is well-respected in her district, by her fellow judges, and by court employees ...
	01/06/2015 Chief Justice to give State of the Judiciary January 21 TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss will give his State of the Kansas Judiciary address at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, from the courtroom of the Supreme Court in the Kansas Judicial Center, Topeka.He will give the address to an invited audience that will include Kansas legislators, Judicial Branch employees and key constituent groups.Chief ...