Last updated: 8/21/07

This page will give you some general information about the 18th Judicial District Court.

Our Mission: To provide courteous and dignified treatment to all citizens, in an environment that always promotes efficient and fair administration of justice.

Did You Know: In 2005, there were approximately 74,950 cases filed in Sedgwick County District Court. This number included about 27,420 civil cases; 3,400 criminal felony cases; 26,400 traffic cases; 8,200 divorce cases; 2,200 probate cases and 2,400 juvenile cases. But despite the rising tide of litigation, Sedgwick County District Court is nationally recognized as a leader in reducing delay in the courts. Presently, civil jury trials are usually commenced within six to nine months after the case is filed. Criminal jury trials are usually commenced about sixty days after the case is filed. Other types of cases are usually completed in even less time. Click here to see more court statistics.

The Jury Trial: Most court matters are resolved without a jury trial. However, the right to a jury trial is guaranteed in most criminal cases and in many civil cases and is recognized as the foundation of the American court system. Criminal cases require a 12-member jury for felonies and a 6-member jury for misdemeanors. A unanimous verdict is required. Civil cases usually require a 12-member jury unless the parties agree otherwise and a majority of 10 jurors is required to reach a verdict.

Trial Participants: Court proceedings are presided over by a judge, whose duty is to apply the law and oversee the matter through its conclusion. The person or entity (such as a business or the government) bringing the lawsuit is called the plaintiff in civil cases and the state through the prosecutor brings a criminal case. The person or entity against whom the action was filed is called the defendant, in both civil and criminal cases.

Order of Trial: Jury trials begin with "voir dire," or questions of prospective jurors concerning their qualifications to sit on the jury. Next the plaintiff, or the state, presents an opening statement in which an outline of the anticipated evidence is given. The defense attorney also may give an opening statement at that point, or in criminal cases it could be reserved until after the prosecution rests its case. The evidence is presented first by the plaintiff (or the state) through exhibits and testimony, all of which are subject to legal challenges by the defendant, including cross-examination of the witnesses. At the conclusion of the plaintiff’s case, the defense may, but is not required to, present evidence.

Outside the Courtroom: Often, visitors to district court only have direct contact with a judge. Sedgwick County currently has 25 district judges. However, there are currently about 240 nonjudicial personnel in the Sedgwick County court system. This number includes administrative aides, court reporters, clerks, court service officers, court trustees and administrative staff. Little could be accomplished without the dedicated work of these employees.

Other Kinds of Cases: In addition to the broad categories of civil and criminal cases, a variety of other kinds of proceedings are resolved by the trial courts including Juvenile matters, Probate, Family Law, Traffic, and Small Claims.