Kansas Supreme Court to Hold Special Session in Logan April 29

The Kansas Supreme Court will visit Logan on Tuesday, April 29, as part of its ongoing public outreach initiative to educate Kansans about the judiciary and its role in state government. The visit will include a special court session open to the public and area students, hosted at the Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center (LIFE Center), located at 601 W. North Street.

The day’s events begin at 9:30 a.m. with a brief educational presentation by Chief Justice Marla Luckert on the Kansas court system. At 10 a.m., the court will hear oral arguments in one case, followed by an informal reception where attendees will have a chance to meet and speak with the justices.

This special session is part of the court’s broader effort to increase civic awareness and understanding of the judicial process. “Special sessions give Kansans an up-close look at how the judicial branch works,” Chief Justice Luckert said. “Watching an appellate argument helps people understand how courts resolve disputes and the steps taken to ensure fairness and accuracy in the application of the law.”

The Kansas Supreme Court began these community-based sessions in 2011 and has since visited 24 other cities across the state, including Colby, Salina, Wichita, and Overland Park. Logan will be the 25th community to host the high court since the program's inception.

Chief Justice Luckert emphasized the importance of making the appellate process more visible to the public. “Most people have seen or experienced a trial court, but few have witnessed appellate arguments,” she said. “By bringing our sessions to communities, we help Kansans better understand the role of the Supreme Court in fairly and impartially resolving legal disputes.”

The LIFE Center, completed in 2024, serves as a model for intergenerational community design. It connects a school for grades pre-K through 12 with a skilled nursing facility, promoting interaction between students and senior residents through shared activities and events. The facility also includes a wellness center, storm shelter, and event space—making it an ideal host for the court’s visit.

David Kirkendall, USD 326 Principal and the visionary behind the LIFE Center project, said hosting the Supreme Court is both an honor and a reflection of the center’s purpose. “This is a great opportunity to share the workings of our justice system with students and residents,” he said. “The LIFE Center was designed to bring people together, and this event does exactly that.”

The special session in Logan continues the Supreme Court’s tradition of community engagement and judicial transparency, reinforcing its mission to serve Kansans not only in the courtroom, but throughout the state.