Kansas State University to host Kansas Court of Appeals

TOPEKA—A panel of three judges from the Kansas Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments Tuesday, September 19, at Kansas State University, in observance of Constitution Day.

The panel will hear three cases beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Forum Hall at the Kansas State Student Union.

The visit is to mark Constitution Day, which honors the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. Each year, the pre-law program at Kansas State University hosts a Constitution Day event to engage the campus and community. This year's event gives attendees the opportunity to personally observe the work of the appellate courts dealing with complex legal issues.   

Judge David Bruns will serve as the presiding judge for the Constitution Day docket. He will be joined by Judge Rachel Pickering and Senior Judge Timothy Lahey to hear three cases. Following the docket, the judges will be available to answer questions about the United States Constitution, the judicial system, the legal profession, and other related matters.

"For the past 236 years, our Constitution has served as the supreme law of the land,” Bruns said. “It not only created our system of government but also serves to protect the fundamental rights guaranteed to all Americans. Every day, courts across our state and nation address constitutional issues. We look forward to visiting with Kansas State students and faculty members about our Constitution and our system of justice." 

Oral Arguments

Fourteen judges and two senior judges serve on the Kansas Court of Appeals. Judges sit in panels of three to decide cases. At oral arguments, attorneys for each side will present arguments to the panel. Judges will have a chance to ask questions to clarify the respective positions of the parties.

After the oral arguments, the panel will take each case under consideration and will issue a written decision at a later date. The Kansas Court of Appeals issues decisions in most cases within 60 days from the date of oral argument.

The three cases to be heard at Kansas State University originate from Riley, Pottawatomie, and Ottawa counties.

9:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 19

Appeal No. 125,756: Board of County Commissioners of Riley County v. Gary L. Kilner

Riley County: (Civil Appeal) Kilner appeals a district court decision finding him in violation of Riley County Zoning Regulations and the Riley County Property Maintenance Code. On appeal, Kilner contends his real property is exempt from these county regulations because it is zoned for agricultural purposes. In addition, he asserts the district court failed to follow the rules of civil procedure.

Appeal No. 124,001:  Employers Mutual Casualty Company v. Jayhawk Fire Sprinkler Company, Inc.

Pottawatomie County: (Civil Appeal) Employers Mutual Casualty Company appeals from the district court's decision dismissing its subrogation lawsuit against Jayhawk Fire Sprinkler Company. Employers Mutual contends the district court failed to treat a motion to dismiss filed by Jayhawk Fire Sprinkler as a motion for summary judgment. Employers Mutual also asserts the district court erroneously found that its insured had waived the insurance carrier's subrogation rights.

Appeal No. 125,935:  In the Interest of J.W., A Minor Child

Ottawa County: (Civil Appeal) This case involves legal issues arising out of a child in need of care action. To protect the privacy of the minor child, no summary of the facts is provided.