Judge Evaluations
Michael Malone
District Court

District: 7
County: Douglas

The Kansas Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Michael J. Malone BE RETAINED.

Judge Malone was appointed as District Judge in the 7th Judicial District in 1982. He handles a civil and criminal docket. He previously handled a domestic relations docket and also served as Chief Judge of his judicial district for 12 years. A graduate of Kansas State University and the University of Kansas School of Law, Judge Malone previously engaged in the private practice of law and served as Douglas County District Attorney from 1978 to 1982.

Judge Malone is president of the Douglas County Law Library, a member of the Judicial Council Criminal Law Advisory Committee, an Adjunct Professor at the KU School of Law, and a member of the Douglas County Bar Association. He is a former member of the faculty at the National College on Judicial Conduct & Ethics and is a guest lecturer for USD 497. As Chief Judge of the 7th Judicial District from 1990 through 2002, Judge Malone established a number of programs including a Divorce Education Workshop for parents, Judicial Clerkship Program, Court Trustee Program for collection of child support and other court-ordered fees, and the Douglas County Law Library.

Judge Malone believes his strengths are that he is prepared for each hearing, treats each case seriously, and has a thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence. Also, he states that he is determined to treat all litigants and attorneys with respect. Judge Malone acknowledges that he sometimes spends too much time anguishing over writing the perfect decision. His professional goals are to rule correctly in every case and handle each case in a timely manner as well as stay current on recent appellate decisions and legislative changes in the law. He also wants to continue to improve the efficiency and professionalism of his division.

The Commission received survey responses from 36 attorneys and 115 non-attorneys. Survey results showed that 97% of attorneys and 88% of non-attorneys recommended that Judge Malone be retained in office. Judge Malone received an overall average score from attorneys of 3.77 on a 4.0 scale, an overall average score from non-attorneys of 3.38, and an overall average score from appellate judges of 3.8. Judge Malone's scores exceed the required minimum average grade of 2.0 from each category of respondents. The Commission recommends he BE RETAINED.