--- title: "Paula D. Hofaker | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/paula-d-hofaker-chief-district-judge-kansas-17th-judicial-district-court-ks" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Paula D. Hofaker Kansas 17th Judicial District Court · Chief District Judge ## Profile - Court: Kansas 17th Judicial District Court - State: Kansas - Role: Chief District 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/17th-judicial-District) - [Official roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/17th-judicial-District) - [Kansas Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/District-Courts/Districts/17th-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/paula-d-hofaker-chief-district-judge-kansas-17th-judicial-district-court-ks", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/paula-d-hofaker-chief-district-judge-kansas-17th-judicial-district-court-ks", "name": "Paula D. 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Hofaker", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/paula-d-hofaker-chief-district-judge-kansas-17th-judicial-district-court-ks" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - Served in the 17th Judicial District since 2013 (Magistrate Judge) - The Chief Judge of Kansas’ 17th Judicial District, serving from January 13, 2024, through December 31, 2025, and is also the Phillips County District Judge - Appointed by the Kansas Supreme Court, Hofaker became chief judge in November 2024, succeeding Chief Judge Preston Pratt, who retired in January 2025 - District Judge: Appointed in 2022 - Prior work included Private law practice in Logan, KS - She also continues to serve as District Judge for Phillips County ### Education ### Additional information - The 17th Judicial District covers Decatur, Graham, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, and Smith counties As chief judge, she has general control over case assignments in the district and supervisory authority over administrative and clerical functions of the courts. - Professional Service: Member of the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct, Northwest Kansas Community Corrections Board, and Northwest Kansas Juvenile Services Board; also served on the Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee and Judicial Education Advisory Committee ## 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.