---
title: "William J. Kissner | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/william-j-kissner-pa-mdj-56-3-02"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# William J. Kissner

Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 56-3-02 · Magisterial District Judge

## Profile

- Court: Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 56-3-02
- State: Pennsylvania
- Role: Magisterial District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## 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

### recording photography evidence presentation

Scope: 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.

Evidence excerpt: the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Official roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania official judicial roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)

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## 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