At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to providing exceptional appellate representation, guiding clients through the complexities of Kansas’s appellate court system. Our experienced attorneys ensure meticulous preparation and effective presentation of your case.

Kansas Appellate Court System Overview

Kansas’s appellate system comprises two primary courts: the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals.

  • Kansas Supreme Court: As the state’s highest court, it has discretionary jurisdiction over appeals from the Court of Appeals and direct jurisdiction in specific matters. The court consists of seven justices who review cases to ensure legal consistency and address significant legal questions.
  • Kansas Court of Appeals: This intermediate appellate court reviews appeals from district courts and certain administrative agencies. It operates in panels of three judges, rotating throughout the state, with a primary courtroom in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka. The court handles a substantial volume of appeals, ensuring timely and thorough review of cases.

Caseload and Statistics

The Kansas Judicial Branch publishes annual reports detailing caseload statistics for both appellate and district courts. These reports provide insights into the number of cases filed, disposed of, and pending, offering a comprehensive view of the courts’ workloads. For detailed statistics, refer to the Kansas Judicial Branch Case Statistics.

Rules of Appellate Procedure

Appeals in Kansas are governed by the Kansas Rules Relating to Appellate Practice, which outline procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, formatting requirements for briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments. Adherence to these rules is crucial for the successful progression of an appeal.

Process for Appealing a Case

  1. Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the clerk of the district court within 30 days from the entry of the judgment. This timeframe is stipulated by Kansas Statute § 60-2103.
  2. Docketing Statement: Submit a docketing statement to the appellate court, providing an overview of the case and the issues on appeal.
  3. Record on Appeal: The appellant is responsible for ensuring that the record on appeal, including transcripts and relevant documents, is prepared and filed with the appellate court. According to Kansas Rule 3.02, this must be done no later than 14 days after notice from the clerk of the appellate courts that an appeal has been docketed.
  4. Briefs: The appellant submits an opening brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with their brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
  5. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer judges’ questions.
  6. Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court issues a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.

High-Profile Cases

Kansas’s appellate courts have presided over several notable cases:

  • School Funding Litigation: The Kansas Supreme Court has been involved in ongoing litigation concerning the adequacy of public school funding, leading to significant decisions impacting state education policies.
  • Death Penalty Cases: The court has reviewed multiple death penalty cases, addressing complex issues related to sentencing and procedural fairness.

Contact Information

Kansas Supreme Court

  • Address: 301 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612
  • Phone: (785) 296-2256
  • Website: Kansas Supreme Court
  • Coordinates: 39.0486° N, 95.6778° W

Kansas Court of Appeals

  • Address: Kansas Judicial Center, 301 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612
  • Phone: (785) 296-3557
  • Website: Kansas Court of Appeals
  • Coordinates: 39.0486° N, 95.6778° W

Brownstone Law: Your Appellate Advocates

At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the appellate process in Kansas. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing exceptional representation, ensuring that your case is presented with the utmost precision and expertise.