Emporia judge named to sentencing commission

TOPEKA--Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss announced today that he has appointed Judge W. Lee Fowler to the Kansas Sentencing Commission. Judge Fowler has served as a district judge since 1997 in the 5th Judicial District. He presides over cases in Lyon and Chase Counties. Judge Fowler joins Judge Evelyn Wilson of Shawnee County as one of two district judges appointed by the Chief Justice to the commission.

Judge Fowler said, "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as a member of the Kansas Sentencing Commission. I look forward to being able to participate in addressing issues that face our state in the criminal justice system."

Fowler, a native of Parsons, Kansas, is a graduate of Emporia State University and Washburn University School of Law. He served on the 5th Judicial District Community Corrections Advisory Board from 1990 through 1992, and again from 2007 to the present. He currently serves as chairman. Judge Fowler created a drug court in Emporia in 2004 and has presided over it since that time. He brings a unique perspective to the commission, having served as Chase County Attorney from 1985 – 1993, and later as defense counsel in private practice. He replaces Judge Richard M. Smith of Linn County on the commission.

Chief Justice Nuss said, "I am very pleased to announce Judge Fowler's appointment. His longtime interest in corrections, and in the connection between the use of drugs and alcohol and the commission of crimes, will be a definite asset to the Kansas Sentencing Commission." The Kansas Sentencing Commission consists of seventeen members appointed from all three branches of government. The Commission evaluates sentencing practices as they relate to correctional resources and policies, determines the impact of sentencing practices on the state's prison population, and recommends statutory modifications to the Legislature.