Pages 2-4: Structure of the Kansas Court System

What is the role of the Kansas Supreme Court?

It is the state court of last resort, hearing direct appeals from district courts in serious criminal cases and cases involving unconstitutional statutes.

How many justices are on the Kansas Supreme Court?

There are 7 justices.

What types of cases does the Kansas Supreme Court have original jurisdiction over?

Quo warranto, mandamus, and habeas corpus.

What is the function of the Kansas Court of Appeals?

It hears appeals from district courts in civil and criminal cases, except those that may be appealed directly to the Supreme Court.

How many judges are on the Kansas Court of Appeals?

There are 14 judges.

What is the jurisdiction of district courts in Kansas?

They have general original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, including divorce, damage suits, probate, and juvenile matters.

How many judicial districts are there in Kansas?

There are 31 judicial districts.

What types of cases do municipal courts handle?

Municipal courts deal with violations of city ordinances, typically involving minor offenses like traffic violations.

What is the process for appealing a municipal court decision?

A person convicted in municipal court may appeal to the district court of the county where the municipal court is located.

What distinguishes district judges from district magistrate judges?

District judges exercise full power and authority of the court, while district magistrate judges have limited jurisdiction over specific matters.

What is the role of the chief judge in a district court?

The chief judge has general control over case assignments and supervisory authority over clerical and administrative functions.

How are chief judges selected in Kansas?

As of July 1, 2014, chief judges are elected by the judges in the district.

What is the Kansas Court of Appeals' jurisdiction regarding habeas corpus?

It has original jurisdiction in habeas corpus cases.

What is the significance of the Kansas Judicial Center?

It is the location of the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals.

What is the procedure for the Kansas Supreme Court regarding attorney conduct?

It sets forth a code of professional responsibility and can discipline attorneys and judges.

What are the judicial departments in Kansas?

Kansas is divided into six judicial departments, each containing several judicial districts.

What is the primary function of the Kansas Court of Appeals?

To hear appeals from district courts and review administrative actions as provided by law.

What is the composition of the Kansas Court of Appeals during hearings?

The court may sit en banc with all judges or in panels of three.

What happens to the personnel records of court employees in Kansas?

They are maintained in the Office of Judicial Administration.

What is the Kansas Supreme Court's role in budget matters?

It adopts and submits an annual budget for the entire Kansas Judicial Branch to the Kansas Legislature.

What types of cases can district magistrate judges hear?

They can hear probate and juvenile matters, misdemeanor trials, and preliminary examinations in felony cases.

How do appellate judges decide cases?

They review trial records, written briefs, and hear oral arguments, then write opinions.

What is the overall goal of judges and justices in the Kansas court system?

To move cases through their courts efficiently while ensuring careful attention to each case.

What is the appellate process for cases decided by the Kansas Court of Appeals?

Cases may be reviewed by the Kansas Supreme Court or transferred to it.

What is the significance of the term 'justiciable matters' in district courts?

It refers to all cases that can be adjudicated unless otherwise specified by law.

What happens to cases that are appealable directly to the Supreme Court?

They bypass the Court of Appeals and go directly to the Supreme Court.