Oklahoma City swears in two municipal judges, council and judges stress fairness and public service

Oklahoma City — The city formally welcomed two new municipal judges on Monday when Gunnar Briscoe and Kay Floyd took the oath of office before the City Council.

Mayor David Holt and Councilman Stonecipher introduced the judges and the presiding judge administered the oath. The presiding judge described the bench as “a place of responsibility” and said, “A judge who understands the human context behind each case can apply the law with compassion, fairness, and impartiality.”

Briscoe, introduced by the council as having graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and Oklahoma City University School of Law, was noted for public defender experience and private practice work. Floyd, identified at the dais as Kay Floyd and described as a former state senator, state representative and administrative law judge, returns to municipal court service after prior judicial and legal roles.

Council members and city officials praised both appointees’ records and said orientation materials and an onboarding guide were prepared to assist the new judges’ transition to the municipal bench.

Neither the council nor the presenters announced changes to the municipal court’s case assignments at the swearing-in. The ceremony included standard oath language affirming support for the U.S. and Oklahoma constitutions and a pledge not to accept improper payments.

The swearing-in was followed by brief remarks of thanks from the judges and recognition from the mayor’s office.

The appointments are administrative actions of the municipal court; no separate council vote to confirm was recorded on the public record during the ceremony.