Kansas Judicial Branch

10/22/2026

Great ideas often start small.

In 2015, District Judge Robert Wonnell in Johnson County visited students in Olathe to share the importance of Constitution Day. Eleven years later, that single visit has transformed into a nationwide virtual mock trial. This year alone, over 50,000 third graders in 47 states and military bases in 12 countries participated!

To recognize Judge Wonnell’s incredible devotion to civic engagement, Cindy Isaacsen, a Johnson County court reporter, presented him with an American flag flown over the United States Capitol. Staff from Johnson County and Office of Judicial Administration joined in the presentation.

We are so proud of the staff and judges who go above and beyond to serve our communities and educate our youth.

10/21/2026

University of Kansas School of Law student, Eric Preheim, left a decade-long career in another field to pursue his law degree. Now, he sits on the Rural Justice Initiative Committee as a student ambassador, helping to draw more attorneys to rural Kansas.

10/20/2026

A new student loan repayment assistance program is now available to rural attorneys!

If you are an attorney practicing in rural Kansas, or are interested in relocating to a rural area, and you have outstanding student loan debt, you can apply.

Applications are accepted through November 20, 2026.

⚖️ Kansas attorneys — this opportunity is for you!

The Kansas Department of Commerce has launched the Attorney Recruitment and Retention Incentive for Vibrant Economies (ARRIVE)program to help recruit and retain attorneys in rural Kansas communities.

ARRIVE offers up to $20,000 per year for up to five years in student loan repayment assistance to eligible attorneys who live and practice law in rural Kansas.

Who may be eligible?
- Kansas-licensed attorneys in good standing
- Attorneys with outstanding student loan debt
- Attorneys currently practicing in rural Kansas or interested in relocating to a rural community

All Kansas counties are eligible except Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte.

📅 Applications are open now through November 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM!

💻 Want to learn more?

Join our informational webinar on Thursday, October 22, at 3:00 PM to learn about program requirements and the application process.

👉 Webinar registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w0awJgS9Qrq9JA1UF8pZXQ

Have questions while completing your application? Virtual office hours will be held Thursdays at 4:00 PM beginning October 29.

👉 Office hours registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2paTbIF_SZ2BwG3yS20iwQ

📢 Learn more and apply:https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/attorney-recruitment-and-retention-incentive-for-vibrant-economies-arrive-grant-program/

Practice law. Build a career. Strengthen rural Kansas.

10/17/2026

Were you recently issued a traffic ticket? Our Criminal and Traffic Law page on our online self-help center has resources including how to pay for your ticket and check the status of your driver's license.

10/16/2026

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the Kansas Protection Order Portal, designed to make seeking legal protection simpler and safer for Kansans. File a petition for a protection order from abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking without visiting a courthouse.

Key features:
- File for a protection order from home or a safe location.
- Save your progress as you complete the forms.
- Safe exit button to quickly leave the website.
- Access 24/7 crisis hotlines and local support resources.

Everyone deserves safety and peace of mind. Help us spread the word.

Visit kspop.gov to learn more.

10/15/2026

Did you know it's Conflict Resolution Day?

Not all legal disagreements need to end in a courtroom. Kansas dispute resolution services offer peaceful, constructive ways to solve conflicts through mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

Whether you are dealing with a civil dispute, small business disagreement, or domestic matter, court-approved dispute resolution can help you find common ground.

10/15/2026

The Kansas Court Reporters Association presented the Distinguished Member Award to Mary Castaneda, managing court reporter for the 18th Judicial District, during its annual conference last week. Mary has served in her role for nearly 18 years.
 
Court reporting runs in Mary’s family. Her daughter, Alyssa Dunn, is a third-generation court reporter who also works in the 18th Judicial District. And Mary’s mother worked as a court reporter in the same district for 43 years. Alyssa credits her passion for the job to her mom and grandma.
 
Congratulations, Mary!

10/14/2026

A Kansas Court of Appeals panel will hear oral arguments in two cases starting at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 21, at the Stevens County Courthouse, 200 E 6th St., Hugoton.

10/14/2026

A Kansas Court of Appeals panel will hear oral argument October 20 in Wichita, and it will be the last docket for one of the court’s judges before he retires early next year.

10/14/2026

Chief Justice Eric Rosen moderated a session at the recent Kansas Book Festival, which closely followed Constitution Week. The topic was "From Cynicism to Citizenship." He shared that it has been his mission to help people — especially young people — understand courts, the Constitution, and the role each one of us plays in our democracy.

He emphasized that the strength of our government institutions depends, at least in part, on engaged citizens understanding how these institutions work, why they exist, and what responsibilities we all have as citizens.

He was joined by two authors whose books approach citizenship and democracy from different directions. One book helps us understand one institution by examining its decisions. The other asks how we pass an understanding of democracy and citizenship from one generation to the next.

Matt Beat, who is also known as YouTuber Mr. Beat, is a former history teacher and now an author. His book, "The Power of Our Supreme Court: How Supreme Court Cases Shape Democracy," examines our constitutional system through decisions of the United States Supreme Court.

Lindsey Cormack, who is an associate professor of Political Science at Stevens Institute of Technology. Her book, "How to Raise a Citizen (And Why it’s Up to You to Do It)," asks how we prepare our children to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and engaged citizens.

The audience contributed to the discussion through their questions and comments.