Kansas Supreme Court facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kansas Supreme Court |
|
|---|---|
| Location | Topeka, Kansas |
| Composition method | Missouri plan with retention elections |
| Authorized by | Kansas Constitution |
| Decisions are appealed to | Supreme Court of the United States |
| Judge term length | 6 years |
| Number of positions | 7 |
| Website | Official website: http://www.kscourts.org/kansas-courts/supreme-court/ |
| Chief Justice | |
| Currently | Lawton Nuss |
| Since | August 1, 2010 |
| Lead position ends | January 8, 2023 |
The Kansas Supreme Court is the most powerful court in the state of Kansas. It has seven judges, who are called justices. This court is led by the Chief Justice, Lawton Nuss. The Supreme Court helps manage the legal profession and the entire court system in Kansas. It is also the final court for appeals in the state. This means if someone loses a case in a lower court, they can ask the Supreme Court to review it.
Understanding the Kansas Supreme Court's Role
The Kansas Supreme Court has several important jobs. It makes sure that laws are applied fairly across the state. It also oversees all the other courts in Kansas. The justices decide if laws follow the Kansas Constitution. They also hear appeals from people who believe a lower court made a mistake in their case.
Who are the Justices?
There are seven justices on the Kansas Supreme Court. One of these justices is chosen to be the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice helps lead the court and manages its daily work. Justices are chosen through a special process called the Missouri plan. This plan helps make sure judges are chosen based on their skills, not just politics. After they are chosen, voters decide if they should stay in their job in what is called a retention election. Each justice serves a six-year term.
A Brief Look at Court History
The Kansas Supreme Court has a long history. It began even before Kansas became a state. In 1854, the Kansas–Nebraska Act was passed. This act created the Kansas Territory. After this, President Franklin Pierce chose the very first chief justice for the Kansas Territory's Supreme Court. His name was Samuel Dexter LeCompte. This was an important step in setting up the legal system in Kansas.
