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Hart retiring after 21 years as judge
Judge Gerald W. Hart on Friday afternoon stood in the courtroom, his hands gripping a framed certificate. The courtroom that had become his home for the last 21 years, the courtroom in which he said he has spent more time in than his living room at home, the courtroom that was the venue on Friday for a recognition party attended by about 100 friends, family and colleagues.
Hart can recall Feb. 28, 1985, the day he was sworn in as judge. Since that day, he "wanted to do the very best I could and that I would work at the job the best that I could," Hart told the crowd.
Tuesday will be Hart's last day as Bourbon County court judge. Starting in January, he will be teaching full time in courses like criminal justice, political science and sociology at the Fort Scott Community College, where he has been teaching since 1996.
The Fort Scott native, who gave a candid speech to the audience, reflected on his time serving on the bench.
"I have never, in any case that I have had, done something to someone simply because I had the authority to do it," Hart said in a deliberate tone. "Never. I have always done what I have believed is right and what the law required. It's a great honor to me. It's a great honor to my family.
"Many, many times it's been very difficult for me to do. No one can understand the obligation, the responsibility and the accountability, the weight that being a judge can entail until you are selected a judge. And it's been a great privilege for me to serve the state of Kansas and to work with outstanding people. I've tried to play my part in the system."
Sixth Judicial District Chief Judge Richard Smith said if asked the most difficult responsibility a judge faces, the answer would most likely be taking responsibility for the effect they have on a person's life.
"No member of the judiciary has ever taken that responsibility more seriously than Judge Hart," Smith said. "If I were asked to sum up Judge Hart as a judge and colleague, I would say that I have never met a judge more sincere and more concerned about people in front of him. The one thing I can say about Gerald is that he is humble."
Smith also recognized Hart's mother, wife, children and brothers, many of whom attended the nearly two-hour event to witness Hart receive a framed certificate for his years of service.
Hart, who turned 55 on Sunday, graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1969; Pittsburg State University in 1973 with a pre-law degree; and Washburn University with a law degree three years later. He then served as assistant Bourbon County Attorney until being selected as county judge in 1985.
His successor has not yet been selected. Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius is expected to make the selection soon from a three-person list.
"I wish them well," he said of his prospective successors.