--- title: "Mark A. Ward | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mark-a-ward-district-court-judge-kansas-6th-judicial-district-court-ks" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Mark A. Ward Kansas 6th Judicial District Court · District Court Judge ## Profile - Court: Kansas 6th Judicial District Court - State: Kansas - Role: District Court Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## 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 ### media electronic device coverage Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### advance media request timing Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### judge controlled device location Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/6th-Judicial-District) - [Official roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/6th-Judicial-District) - [Kansas Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/6th-Judicial-District) - [Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mark-a-ward-district-court-judge-kansas-6th-judicial-district-court-ks", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mark-a-ward-district-court-judge-kansas-6th-judicial-district-court-ks", "name": "Mark A. 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Ward", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mark-a-ward-district-court-judge-kansas-6th-judicial-district-court-ks" } ] } ] } ``` ## 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. ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-24b6feac6cd1ef1f99728446) — 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](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.