TOPEKA ? The Kansas Supreme Court is studying proposed guidelines for judges grappling with people who file repetitive, malicious or frivolous pleadings.

The proposed guidelines by the judicial branch’s Access to Justice Committee are meant to act as a resource for judges when considering filing restrictions in court cases. The 18-member panel made up of lawyers and judges has written a report that outlines court precedent and advice for judges when confronted with difficult litigants.

The guidelines say a judge should provide litigants a chance to present their objections to proposed restrictions. After considering the litigant’s response, the judge should weigh whether he or she should impose filing restrictions.

A committee member tells the Topeka Capital-Journal that the guidelines seek to balance management of court dockets while respecting a person’s constitutional rights.