You and the Courts of Kansas - Judges and Justices

There are two types of judges of the district court:

• District judges exercise the full power and authority of the court.
• District magistrate judges have jurisdiction over probate and juvenile matters, misdemeanor trials, and preliminary examinations in felony cases. They may also hear certain civil actions as set forth in state statutes.

Court of Appeals judges and justices of the Supreme Court ordinarily do not conduct trials. They decide an appealed case by reading the records of the trial and written "briefs" filed by the parties, and hearing oral arguments of lawyers. They research and review the law involved in the case and then write an opinion which is usually published in bound volumes called "Reports."

Judges and justices move cases through their courts as fast as possible while still making certain that every case receives careful attention.

Contents

• The Jury System
• Types of Courts
• Kansas Court System Chart
• Judges and Justices
• Becoming a Judge
• Clerk of the Supreme Court
• Reporter of the Supreme Court
• Judicial Administrator
• Trial Court Administration
• Conclusion
• Return to You and the Kansas Courts