The courts of Kansas follows a hierarchy of three tire court system. The Supreme court is the highest court of the State, the Court of Appeals serves as an intermediary court and the Trial Court, whereas the District courts of the state are the Trial court and deals with all types of matter both in civil and criminal. There are Municipal Court or city courts has been established in certain municipal or city areas.

 

 

The Kansas Supreme Court sits in Topeka in the Kansas Judicial Center and is the state court of last resort.

 

The Supreme Court has original and exclusive jurisdiction in regard to any suit in law or equity, or any controversy relating to the apportionment of representation in the legislature of the state of Kansas.

 

It hears direct appeals from the district courts in the most serious criminal cases and appeals in any case in which a statute has been held unconstitutional. It may review cases decided by the Court of Appeals, and may transfer cases from that court to the Supreme Court.

 

The Supreme Court is also known as court of record, and in addition to the original jurisdiction conferred by the constitution, it has also appellate jurisdiction as may be provided by law; and during the pendency of any appeal, on such terms as may be just, may make an order suspending further proceedings in any court below, until the decision of the supreme court.

 

All process or writs issuing out of the Supreme Court is directed to the sheriff or other proper officer of the county where the same is to be executed, who shall serve the same.

 

 

The court of appeals is a part of the court of justice in which the judicial power of the state is vested by the constitution of the state of Kansas and is subject to the general administrative authority of the supreme court.

 

The court of appeals has jurisdiction over appeals in civil and criminal cases and from administrative bodies and officers of the state as may be prescribed by law, and shall have such original jurisdiction as may be necessary to the complete determination of any cause on review. During the pendency of any appeal, the court of appeals, on such terms as may be just, may make an order suspending further proceedings in the court below, until the decision of the court of appeals.

 

 

District courts are created by the Constitution. They are the trial courts of Kansas, with general original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, including divorce and domestic relations, damage suits, probate and administration of estates, guardianships, conservatorships, care of the mentally ill, juvenile matters, and small claims. It is here that the criminal and civil jury trials are held. There is a district court in each county and an office of the clerk of the court where cases may be filed.

 

Appeals may be taken from the district courts to the Court of Appeals, or to the Supreme Court. The general public is welcome to visit a district court at any time.

 

 

Municipal, or city courts deal with alleged violations of city ordinances committed within the city limits. The cases usually involve traffic and other minor offenses. A person charged with an offense in municipal court may be represented by a lawyer.