---
title: "Kenneth A. Lenker | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kenneth-a-lenker-pa-mdj-12-2-02"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Kenneth A. Lenker

Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 12-2-02 · Magisterial District Judge

## Profile

- Court: Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 12-2-02
- State: Pennsylvania
- Role: Magisterial District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### recording photography evidence presentation

Scope: statewide

For Pennsylvania Common Pleas proceedings, statewide Pa.R.J.A. 1910 prohibits courtroom broadcasting, recording, and photography unless an exception or judicial authorization applies; the rule also recognizes judge-authorized electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation.

Evidence excerpt: the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Official roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania official judicial roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- In February 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed a dismissal of a civil rights lawsuit against Judge Lenker, citing judicial immunity under federal law
- Judge Lenker was born and raised in Swatara Township and completed studies at Central Dauphin East High School in 1972
- Associate of Arts degree in Police Administration from Harrisburg Area Community College

### Education


### Additional information

- He was re‐elected without opposition in the November 3, 2009 general election and later in 2015
- Sworn in on December 18, 2009.
- He ran successfully in the May 19, 2009 primary elections on both the Republican and Democratic ballots, was appointed by the State Senate, and commissioned by the Governor.
- He was certified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Minor Judiciary Education Board in 2009
- Before his judicial role, Lenker had a 28‐year career as a Steelton Police Officer, serving as Chief of Police from 1998 until his retirement in April 2009.
- He also served in the U.S. Air Force (1974–1978) as a Security Police Explosives Detector Dog Handler, earning the rank of Sergeant
- Joined fill the seat vacated by Judge Steven M. Semic’s retirement.
- Magisterial District Judge 12‐2‐02 for Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, serving communities including Swatara Township, Highspire Borough, and Steelton Borough
- His prior assignments included the Dauphin County Drug Task Force, Crisis Response Team, and as a Narcotics Detector Dog Handler for the U.S. Customs Service.
- As a Magisterial District Judge, Lenker handles traffic violations, minor criminal matters, landlord‐tenant disputes, civil cases up to $12,000, and initial jurisdiction over criminal cases.