Judicial Branch
The judicial branch of government is
responsible for interpreting state laws that have been passed by the
Legislature and approved by the Governor.
There are several levels of court in Kansas, but the state’s judicial
branch is headed by the Kansas Supreme Court.
Comprised of seven justices, the Kansas Supreme Court is the state court of highest authority. It hears direct appeals from the district courts in the most serious criminal cases, as well as appeals in any case in which a statute has been held unconstitutional. The Kansas Supreme may review cases decided by the Court of Appeals, and may transfer cases from that court to the United States Supreme Court.
Kansas Supreme Court justices are ultimately
selected by the Governor. There is,
however, an initial screening of candidates by the Supreme Court Nominating
Commission. The commission nominates three individuals for appointment; the
governor selects one. After initial
appointment, justices stand for retention every six years.
For more information regarding Kansas’ judicial branch, please visit the website of Kansas Judicial Center: www.kscourts.org/.
For more information regarding Kansas’ judicial branch, please visit the website of Kansas Judicial Center: www.kscourts.org/.
