It won’t be official until after September 1, but I am running for reelection in 2024. Here are the commitments I brought to the bench and will continue to bring:
- I won’t make new law but will follow the law provided by elected representatives.
- I will hold all state actors accountable to the U.S. and Kansas Constitutions.
- I will issue timely rulings. I have never issued a written ruling more than a week after the hearing for the almost 8 years I’ve been a judge. Parties will know where they stand almost immediately so they can move on to the next stage in litigation.
- I won’t rely on attorneys to research important legal issues. While I will read and consider all motions and briefs, I will meticulously research the law in all cases so my rulings stand up to the rigors of appeal.
- When it comes to criminal sentencing, I will continue to exhibit justice and mercy in my court, and balance these against each other as each case demands.
- Justice should not be a cookie cutter, one size fits all routine. Every case is different. I will listen to every litigant, victim, and attorney in my courtroom. I will decide on a case-by-case basis. Everyone will be heard.
Paid for by the Committee to re-elect Judge Kevin Mark Smith 