Governor Kevin Stitt has made his first appointment to the Oklahoma Supreme Court with Osage County District Judge John Kane IV. He is replacing retired Justice John Reif.
Kane has been on the Osage County bench since 2005 and served as president of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference in 2013-2014.
“Judge Kane’s extensive record serving the 10th Judicial District and his broad support in the community, and from across the state, speak toward his qualifications to join the highest court in Oklahoma,” said Stitt. “Kane is an accomplished judge with a reputation for fairness and a passion to ensure the legal system is serving the needs of the people. I am confident Kane will serve with integrity, honor and a dedication to uphold the rule of law.”
Kane said his family has longtime ties to law in Oklahoma.
“My great-grandfather was a framer of our State Constitution, and it is truly an honor to be selected to stand as a defender of this treasured deposit of wisdom,” said Kane. “I appreciate the Governor’s confidence in me, and I vow to impartially and fairly conduct the business of the Court and serve the people of Oklahoma with full and undivided devotion.”
Stitt still has another Supreme Court appointment to make. Former Justice Patrick Wyrick left the Court to become a judge for the U.S. District Court of Western Oklahoma earlier this year.
