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
small claims
It is here that the criminal and civil jury trials are held. Kansas is divided into 31 judicial districts, with a varying number of counties and judges in each district.
Riley and Clay counties make up the 21st Judicial District. We have three district court judges and one district magistrate judge. The chief judge, in addition to his judicial responsibilities, has general control over the assignment of cases within the district and general supervisory authority over the administrative functions of the court.
