Karl Harris at a glance
- Current role
- District Magistrate Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Kansas · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Karl Harris
District Magistrate Judge · Kansas 16th Judicial District Court
Biography
Professional career
- Also listed as a candidate for District Magistrate Judge, Judicial District 16, Position 5 in the November 3, 2026 general election
- The District Magistrate Judge for Kansas’s 16th Judicial District, appointed by Governor Laura Kelly in January 2026 to fill a vacancy, with a background of over 27 years in Meade County law enforcement
- Karl Harris is a seasoned law enforcement officer now serving as a judicial officer in Kansas, bringing decades of community service and leadership to the 16th Judicial District
Education
Additional information
- Governor Laura Kelly appointed Karl Harris of Meade County, Kansas, to the vacant District Magistrate Judgeship in the 16th Judicial District on January 29, 2026.
- Before becoming a judge, Harris served over 27 years in the Meade County Sheriff’s Office.
- District Magistrate Judges in this district are elected to four‐year terms
- Harris’s appointment will last until the next general election, when a successor is elected and qualified
- Harris himself called the appointment “a great honor” and said he looks forward to continuing his service to Meade County
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Media Electronic Device Coverage
Statewide
Kansas statewide Rule 1001 requires media members to obtain written court permission before using an electronic device to photograph, record, transmit, or provide live coverage of a court proceeding.
A media member must get written permission from the court before using an electronic device to photograph, record, transmit, or provide live coverage of a court proceeding.Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings ↗
Advance Media Request Timing
Statewide
Kansas statewide Rule 1001 directs media members to request permission at least one week before the proceeding, unless the court waives the timing requirement for good cause.
At least one week before a court proceeding, a media member must ask the court or media coordinator for permission to use an electronic device during the proceeding.Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings ↗
Judge Controlled Device Location
Statewide
Kansas statewide Rule 1001 leaves the authorized device location to the judge, presiding judge, or appellate clerk depending on the court, and local orders control when they conflict with Rule 1001.
A judge will designate where a media member may use an electronic device during a district court proceeding.Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings
Kansas 16th Judicial District Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 26, 2026.
Kansas Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Kansas Judicial Branch official judicial roster ↗Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings ↗