Kansas Courts News Release/Image: District Judge Robert Wonnell from his courtroom in Johnson County District Court and Chief Judge Sarah Warner of the Kansas of Appeals join Chief Justice Marla Luckert in her chambers when she signed the administrative order proclaiming Constitution Day and Constituion Week in Kansas courts.
TOPEKA—Chief Justice Marla Luckert has signed an administrative order proclaiming September 17 Constitution Day and September 17 through 23 Constitution Week in Kansas courts and encouraging all Kansans to commend its observance.
“Our state and federal constitutions are the foundation for the freedoms and responsibilities we all enjoy, as well for the laws our courts apply and uphold in court cases,” Luckert said. “That makes every day Constitution Day for Kansas courts.”
When Luckert signed the order Monday afternoon, she was joined by Chief Judge Sarah Warner of the Kansas Court of Appeals and District Judge Robert Wonnell of the Johnson County District Court.
Both judges organized events to observe Constitution Day and teach others about its importance. The Court of Appeals will hear cases at the state’s two law schools Tuesday and Wonnell has organized a mock trial for third graders nationwide on Wednesday.
Court of Appeals Constitution Day dockets
The Kansas Court of Appeals has two special dockets scheduled Tuesday, September 16, for its observance of Constitution Day.
One three-judge panel will hear arguments in Lawrence at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the University of Kansas School of Law. Another panel will hear arguments in Topeka at the Washburn University School of Law.
Although the primary audience at both locations is law school students, members of the public are also welcome to attend.
When the dockets were announced, Warner said the cases selected for them were chosen because they include constitutional questions.
“Through these cases, law students and the public can witness how constitutional rights impact everyone’s daily lives and understand how judges approach and decide constitutional disputes,” Warner said.
Mock trial for third-grade classrooms
To reach a younger audience, Wonnell of the 10th Judicial District invited third-grade classrooms nationwide to participate in a mock trial conducted from his Johnson County courtroom.
As of Monday afternoon, more than 15,000 students in 634 third-grade classrooms in 13 states had registered to participate. Registrations are still coming in.
“The mock trial teaches students about our responsibilities, opportunities, and rights under the Constitution of the United States of America,” Wonnell said. “Students listen to witnesses, evaluate evidence, and act as jury to decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of violating a fictitious law that prohibits running in the hallway.”
Wonnell worked with Olathe Public Schools to start the Constitution Day mock trial program more than a decade ago. To reach a larger audience, last year he offered the program online to third-grade classrooms statewide. More than 13,000 Kansas third graders participated.
This year, with continued support from the Olathe Public Schools, the Council of Chief State School Officers, and the Office of Judicial Administration, Wonnell expanded the program to third-grade classrooms nationwide.
Wonnell also arranged for representatives from the three branches of government to welcome the students. Before the mock trial begins, students will hear remarks from:
- Justice Neil Gorsuch, U.S. Supreme Court, and Chief Justice Marla Luckert, Kansas Supreme Court, from the judicial branch
- Governor Matt Meyer, Delaware, from the executive branch
- Senator Jerry Moran, U.S. Senate, from the legislative branch
Judges throughout the Kansas courts were encouraged to connect with third-grade classrooms in their communities and to volunteer to visit classrooms in person for the event.
Importance of celebrating Constitution
In Administrative Order 2025-PM-118, Luckert notes the importance of celebrating the Constitution that shapes American democracy. “As justices, judges, and court staff, we are honored to uphold that promise and to share its meaning with the people we serve,” Luckert said. “We encourage all Kansans to reflect on the freedoms and responsibilities guaranteed by the Constitution.”
