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Judge Folsom highlights appellate, defense experience and says he would recuse from cases he handled at trial
Summary
Judge Folsom told the commission his mix of appellate and trial work (including time as a federal public defender) gives him a practical outlook for the Supreme Court; he said he would recuse from appeals arising from cases he presided over in the district court.
Judge Folsom told commissioners that his legal career includes federal public defender work, extensive appellate practice and service as a district court judge in Douglas County. Describing a blend of appellate and trial experience, he said it gives him a practical understanding of how records are built and how appellate review functions.
Asked about potential conflicts, he said he would recuse from appeals that originated in cases he had presided over: "I believe I would be required to recuse as having presided in the district court over those issues," Folsom said. Commissioners questioned him about high‑profile matters on his docket and he said he would follow conflict rules and the canons of judicial conduct if selected. He also acknowledged the pending ballot question that could change how Kansas selects supreme court justices and said he is prepared to run for office if the law requires it.
