Categories: Events/What's HappeningKansas City, KSNews

Kansas Court of Appeals Candidate Pool Announced

Candidates for the Kansas Court of Appeals with the State Capitol in view.

News Summary

Governor Laura Kelly and the Court of Appeals Nominating Commission have revealed 17 applicants for the vacant position on the Kansas Court of Appeals following Judge Henry Green, Jr.’s retirement. With interviews scheduled for late January, this diverse group aims to shape Kansas’s judiciary. Additionally, the upcoming 2024 retention elections for several judges will allow voters to assess judicial performance, further impacting Kansas’s legal landscape.

Exciting Developments in Kansas Courts

Topeka, Kansas – Big news is stirring in the Kansas judicial world! Governor Laura Kelly, along with the Court of Appeals Nominating Commission, has unveiled a list of applicants vying for a fancy new position on the Kansas Court of Appeals. This vacancy emerged after the retirement of Judge Henry Green, Jr., marking an important moment in maintaining our judicial system.

Who’s in the Running?

Mark your calendars! The deadline for applications was set for 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025. A total of 17 talented individuals have stepped up to the plate, hoping to take on this prestigious role. Here’s the list of hopeful candidates:

Courtney Boehm, Junction City
Meryl Carver-Allmond, Lawrence
Ali Marchant, Wichita
Catherine Zigtema, Shawnee
Christopher Sook, Hays
Erin Thompson, Fairway
Kate Butler, Topeka
Randall Hodgkinson, Topeka
Lori Bolton Fleming, Pittsburg
Paul Klepper, Lawrence
Paula Johnson, St. Louis
Russell J. Keller, Fairway
Paula Langworthy, Derby
Regine Thompson, Scandia
Sherri Schuck, Topeka
Tonda Jones Hill, Lawrence
David J. Rempel, Overland Park
Jason Thompson, Topeka
Kristen Wheeler, Wichita

This diverse group hails from all over the state, and spots are eagerly filled by individuals ready to contribute to Kansas’s judicial future.

Upcoming Interviews and How It Works

In a few weeks’ time, on January 28 and 29, the Commission will conduct interviews with the applicants. Residents of Kansas can sit in and watch these discussions unfold at the Washburn University School of Law, making it an open event that engages the community.

Governor Kelly’s actions date back to January 28, 2020, when she signed Executive Order 20-01, paving the way for the formation of the Court of Appeals Nominating Commission. Did you know that under Kansas law, the governor picks the judges for the Court of Appeals, though they still need the green light from the Kansas Senate? It’s a fascinating process, to say the least!

The Commission diligently reviews the applicants’ backgrounds and qualifications, and they take their role seriously. After the interviews, they will present three nominees for the Governor to consider for the final appointment.

Judicial Retention Elections Looming

In addition to all this buzz about new appointments, there’s also the matter of retention elections coming up in the 2024 general election. Kansas voters will have the chance to decide whether to keep several judges, including half of the 14 judges currently on the Kansas Court of Appeals. The list includes well-known names like Chief Judge Karen Arnold-Burger and Judges Sarah E. Warner, Angela D. Coble, and Kathryn Gardner, among others.

The Shawnee County District Court is also slated for some action with nine judges facing retention elections, and don’t forget about the two magistrate judges up for review in the same county.

Why Retention Elections Matter

Retention elections are crucial as they allow voters to hold judges accountable for their performance. Judges face these elections after serving for a year, then again every four years, ensuring that they remain in good standing with those they serve.

To help voters weigh their decisions, the Kansas Bar Association is stepping up its game with a 2024 Judicial Survey Project, gathering insights from over 16,000 licensed Kansas lawyers regarding judges’ performances. Judges are rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with anything above 50 signaling positive feedback for retention.

So, as the dust settles on this bustling judicial landscape, it’s clear that Kansas is gearing up for some important decisions that will shape the future of its judiciary. Stay tuned!