Topic: Dispute resolution
Interview of Richard Walker, December 2, 2022
Interviewed by Nancy Parrish
Richard Walker's oral history interview shows the human side of being a judge for 30 years in his hometown of Newton. After a brief foray into politics while fresh out of law school and starting the private practice of law, Walker found his niche on the bench in his hometown of Newton in Harvey County KS. His describes of a group of young Republican lawmakers organizing to elect Wendell Lady as Speaker. Walker became disillusioned about the parole board practices during his service there but saw a way as a judge to look for creative, flexible alternatives Show Moreto resolving domestic disputes and preventing children from being damaged in the process. In 2015 he moved to senior judge status and worked with the Court of Appeals, largely because "he had had it with domestic cases." Show Less
Interview of Evelyn Wilson, April 21, 2025
Interviewed by Richard Ross
Evelyn Wilson’s interview provides an excellent explanation of the unique role of the Kansas Supreme Court. Wilson provided a thorough explanation of how Supreme Court Justices are selected in Kansas and explained the importance of the judicial branch remaining separate from the other two branches of government and emphasizing that each branch was designed to be completely separate. The role of the Judiciary is to interpret the law. She believes there is always a method to make the law better, to change the law, if you work within the process that was designed by the writers of Show Morethe U.S. Constitution. Her closing admonition, “… we all have a job to do, and that job is so important.” It’s to vote. “The Supreme Law is the people’s law, not a king. As long as we protect the republic, that will remain the case. And if we don’t protect the republic, it might not be.” She also shares her personal health struggles and deep commitment to the responsibilities of her position that led her to the decision to retire.
Highlight -- short excerpt from the interview