District Courts

Most of the judiciary in Oklahoma is composed of judges of the District Courts. District court judges hear both civil and criminal matters. Appeals from the District Courts in civil matters are considered by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Appeals in criminal matters from the District Courts are considered by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Nine presiding judges are elected by their peers to assist in the administration of Oklahoma’s trial courts. These judges, representing separate geographic areas, meet monthly with members of the Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals to discuss the administration of justice and developments affecting Oklahoma’s judiciary. These meetings provide an effective forum for exchanging information between trial and appellate judges. The Honorable M. John Kane IV is the current Chief Justice.