| TOPEKA—The Supreme Court Nominating Commission is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Kansas Supreme Court created when Justice Marla Luckert retires March 28.
Luckert’s retirement triggers a merit-based nomination process that involves the Supreme Court Nominating Commission, which reviews nominees, and the governor, who makes the appointments.
Application process
The application form and release are available on the judicial branch website or from the clerk of the appellate courts office in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka.
Only applications submitted on the application form will be accepted. An original and one copy of the application and release must be received by the appellate clerk’s office by noon Friday, April 17.
The application and release with original signatures may be hand-delivered or submitted by mail to:
Douglas T. Shima
Clerk of the Appellate Courts
Kansas Judicial Center
301 SW 10th Ave., Room 107
Topeka KS 66612-1507
The application and release with original signatures may be emailed to scnc@kscourts.gov. Documents will not be accepted by fax.
Nominating commission
The Supreme Court Nominating Commission has nine members. There is one lawyer and one nonlawyer from each of the state’s four congressional districts, plus one lawyer who serves as chairperson.
Nonlawyers are appointed by the governor. Lawyers are elected by other lawyers within their congressional districts. The chairperson is elected by lawyers statewide.
Merit-based selection process
Justices are appointed to the Supreme Court through a merit-based nomination process Kansas voters added to the Kansas Constitution in 1958. The process involves the Supreme Court Nominating Commission, which reviews nominees, and the governor, who makes the appointments.
When there is a vacancy on the bench, the Supreme Court Nominating Commission reviews applications and conducts public interviews of nominees. The commission narrows the nominee pool to three names that it sends to the governor. The governor chooses one nominee to appoint.
Eligibility requirements
A nominee must be:
- at least 30 years old; and
- a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school.
Selection criteria
When the Supreme Court Nominating Commission reviews nominees for justice, they look at the person’s:
- legal and judicial experience;
- educational background;
- character and ethics;
- temperament;
- service to the community;
- impartiality; and
- respect of colleagues.
Judicial conduct
Justices must follow the law and not be influenced by politics, special interest groups, public opinion, or their own personal beliefs.
Justices demonstrate their accountability by following a Code of Judicial Conduct that establishes standards of ethical behavior. They also take an oath of office that includes swearing to support, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution and Kansas Constitution.
Retention elections
After a new justice serves one year on the court, he or she must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the justice serves a six-year term.
Accommodation
Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nomination form should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible:
ADA Coordinator
ADA@kscourts.gov
785-296-2256
TTY at 711 |
