photo by: Journal-World File

Judge Sally Pokorny confers with defense attorney Shaye Downing, left, and District Attorney Charles Branson during the Mass Street murder trial of Anthony L. Roberts Jr. on June 18, 2019, in Douglas County District Court.

Recently retired Douglas County District Judge Sally Pokorny on Friday will share some insights with the public regarding her long legal career and important issues facing the state.

The Lawrence/Douglas County Chapter of Women for Kansas is hosting the event, which it calls a conversation with Pokorny about the courts and current issues, including a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would allow for the election of state Supreme Court justices — an amendment that Pokorny opposes.

Kansas has filled Supreme Court vacancies not through elections but through a merit-based assisted appointment system for nearly 70 years.

As the Journal-World reported, Pokorny stepped down from the bench on April 10 after 17 years as a judge and nearly 50 years as an attorney. Of the current roster of Douglas County judges, she had been the longest serving. She started the first Behavioral Health Court in the state, which she has said was her top accomplishment as a judge.

Pokorny will appear at 1 p.m. Friday at the Watkins Museum of History Community Room with longtime friends Patti McCormick and Kathy Webb. Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are appreciated by email at w4klawrence.douglas@gmail.com.