Superior Court of California, County of Kings
A general-jurisdiction trial court in California.
The Superior Court of California, County of Kings is a general-jurisdiction state trial court in California, where most civil and criminal cases are first heard. Its judges are chosen by gubernatorial appointment from a nominating commission, followed by retention elections, the method California uses for its judges. This page lists the judges on record for this court from our public-records source, current and former; trial-court coverage is partial.
Roster as of the CourtListener bulk-data snapshot (2026-03-31): recent departures and appointments may not be reflected, so it is shown as “on record,” not “currently serving.”
Judges on record
Former judges
| Judge | Years |
|---|---|
| Donald Scott Kurtz | 2020–2033 |
| Michael J. Reinhart | 2012–2020 |
| Robert B. Burns | 2010–2021 |
| Donna L. Tarter | 2010–2019 |
| Steven D. Barnes | 2007–2019 |
| Danny Chun | 2005–2005 |
| James T. LaPorte | 2005–2017 |
| Lynn C. Atkinson | 2003–2006 |
| Thomas DeSantos | 2003–2018 |
| Charles R. Johnson | 2001–2005 |
| Ronald Maciel | 2001–2007 |
| John G. O'Rourke | 2001–2003 |
| George Orndoff | 2001–2013 |
| Louis F. Bissig | 1989–2009 |
| Peter M. Schultz | 1985–2009 |
| Dennis L Beck | 1983–1985 |
| Larry G. McKee | 1981–1984 |
Other courts in County, California
County is also served by these courts.
How a judge reaches this court. Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Kings are appointed by the governor to 12-year terms and then face yes-or-no retention elections. Selection methods vary by jurisdiction and have changed over time; this page reflects the court’s current method (source: National Center for State Courts). Open any judge to see their tenure and whom they succeeded.
Source: CourtListener / Free Law Project (bulk data); selection method from the National Center for State Courts. Data as of 2026-03-31 (CourtListener bulk snapshot). Verify against the primary source before relying. Not a consumer report (FCRA).