Mark A. Ward at a glance
- Current role
- District Court Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Kansas · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Mark A. Ward
District Court Judge · Kansas 6th Judicial District Court
Biography
Professional career
- Retired judge of the 6th Judicial District Court of Kansas, serving from 2007 until his retirement on October 9, 2026 after 19 years on the bench
- In 2019, Chief Justice Lawton Nuss assigned him to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear a case on its September 2019 docket
- Private practice attorney for 26 years He also held the role of an adjunct professor at Pittsburg State University
Education
Additional information
- He was retained in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.
- Appointed in 2007 by then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon.
- Ward stated that serving as a judge was “a rewarding career” and encouraged eligible attorneys to consider the profession.
- In retirement, he plans to travel, golf, and enjoy life on the lake
- Ward’s career combined public service, legal practice, and community engagement.
- The 6th Judicial District covers Bourbon, Linn, and Miami counties.
- He has been active in the First United Methodist Church of Fort Scott.
- He credits his high school debate team with sparking his interest in law
- Born and raised in Bourbon County, Ward attended Fort Scott High School.
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 6th 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 ↗