William J. Kissner at a glance
- Current role
- Magisterial District Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Pennsylvania · State
- Judicial service
- Active
William J. Kissner
Magisterial District Judge · Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 56-3-02
Biography
Professional career
- Magisterial District Judge for District 56‐3‐02 in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, serving since his first election in 2011 and re‐elections in 2017 and 2023
- He also serves on multiple Carbon County committees, including the Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Court Processing, Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, and Re‐Entry Coalition In 2024, he joined the Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania, an independent body reviewing judicial misconduct complaints
Education
- A.A. in Criminal Justice from Lehigh Carbon Community College (1988) and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University (1990)
Additional information
- Kissner has been active in the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania (SCJAP), serving as District 10 President (2012–2020) and SCJAP President (2022–2023).
- Before becoming a judge, Kissner held the role of a Bethlehem police officer — 1991–2011.
- Judge Kissner presides over Magisterial District Court 56‐3‐02, located at 401 Delaware Avenue, 2nd Floor, Palmerton, PA 18071
- Judge Kissner is recognized for his community involvement, including service on the Franklin Township Fire Company and the Palmerton Historical Society, and as a board member for the Bo Tkach Foundation
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Exhibits
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.
the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom ↗
Sources
Identity source checked July 27, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 27, 2026.
Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 27, 2026
View Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania official judicial roster ↗201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View 201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom ↗