(KNZA)--A local judge has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court.

According to a news release from the Kansas Judicial Center, District Judge John Weingart of the 22nd Judicial District will hear oral arguments on the court's docket Thursday ( January 30).

After hearing the arguments, Weingart will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.

The release said Weingart will hear arguments in the appeal of a Topeka teen convicted and sentenced to life in prison for his role in a fatal 2016 drive by shooting in Topeka. Shawn Pattillo, who was 16 at the time of the crime, was prosecuted as an adult.

Weingart has been a district judge since 2001. The 22nd Judicial District is composed of Brown, Doniphan, Marshall and Nemaha Counties.

Before being elected a judge, he had a private law practice in Hiawatha for 24 years.

Weingart said “ it is indeed an honor and privilege to serve the Supreme Court.”