08/09/2025
DID YOU KNOW?
Kansas Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Z. Wilson was a dedicated jurist who left a lasting impact! Born on July 13, 1959, in Smith Center, Kansas, she served from January 24, 2020, until retiring on July 4, 2025, due to an ALS diagnosis. Wilson shaped key cases like Hodes & Nauser v. Kobach and Hodes & Nauser v. Stanek (2024), where her concurrence struck down anti-abortion laws, upholding personal autonomy and reproductive rights. She also helped decide State v. Jonathan D. Carr (2022), affirming death sentences in the “Wichita Massacre” case (The Carr Brothers).
The State v. Hogan case was decided on July 3, 2025, likely Wilson’s last case before retirement. She joined a unanimous vote to reverse felony convictions for child abuse and murder. A Washburn Law grad, her legacy of fairness endures. I am humbled to have been in the same room as her and listen to her speak in my friend's case.
I’ve spent hundreds of hours listening to the Kansas Supreme Court debate dozens of cases, all available on the YouTube channel. These justices have shaped my outlook on our judicial system for the better. Justice Wilson was one of the most outspoken during Kaleb Hogan’s appeal, rigorously and analytically questioning Kaleb’s lawyer and the prosecutor. Even if they hadn’t reversed Kaleb’s convictions, I believe these justices are among the most fair and discerning I’ve seen. They approach even the most challenging cases with a non-biased, meticulous lens rooted in law and morality.
This tragic case of Malykai and Kaleb Hogan has really sparked my passion for criminal law. I encourage everyone to check out the court’s YouTube channel, even beyond Kaleb’s case, to see the vital work happening while we live our everyday lives. The news often makes us lose faith in government, but rest assured, many still uphold the law and American values. Justice Wilson was one of them!
As a reminder, we’ll soon break down Kaleb’s appellant hearing. We’re aiming for this weekend, but technical issues may push us to Monday. We’ll update if we miss our target—this takes time! Thanks for reading, and please give us a follow!