---
title: "Melissa Dugan | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/melissa-dugan-district-magistrate-judge-kansas-31st-judicial-district-court-ks"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Melissa Dugan

Kansas 31st Judicial District Court · District Magistrate Judge

## Profile

- Court: Kansas 31st Judicial District Court
- State: Kansas
- Role: District Magistrate 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/31st-judicial-District)
- [Official roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/31st-judicial-District)
- [Kansas Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/31st-judicial-District)
- [Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Rules/Rule-1001.pdf?ext=.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- District Magistrate Judge for the 31st Judicial District Court of Kansas, serving the Neosho County division since April 14, 2023
- Appointed by the 31st Judicial District Nominating Commission on April 14, 2023, to a magistrate judge position in Neosho County
- Served as County Attorney for Neosho County
- Her appointment followed the creation of new magistrate judge positions under Kansas law
- Dugan’s legal career combines public service as county attorney with judicial leadership in her district

### Education

- Kansas State University — B.A.
- Washburn University School of Law — J.D.

### Additional information




## 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.
