Kentucky Supreme Court

Kentucky Supreme Court Backs Release of Child Abuse Records

Associated Press — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:06:58 +0000

The Kentucky Supreme Court has ordered Kentucky child welfare officials to publicly release records of child abuse cases resulting in death or serious injury.

The court released the 3-3 vote on Thursday on whether to halt a lower court decision ordering the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to open the cases. The tie vote let the lower court decision stand.

For First Time, Kentucky Supreme Court Has 3 Women Justices

Kenny Colston — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:38:47 +0000

In a historic appointment, Governor Steve Beshear has named Court of Appeals Judge Michelle M. Keller of Fort Mitchell to the Kentucky Supreme Court.

The appointment increases the number of women on the state's highest court to three. It is the first time the state Supreme Court has had three female justices on the bench.

Keller replaces Justice Wil Schroder, who resigned January 17 due to health reasons.

In a statement, Keller says her appointment is bittersweet.

Commission Narrows Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Nominees to Three

Staff — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:46:46 +0000

Gov. Steve Beshear has 60 days to appoint a new justice for the Kentucky Supreme Court once the state's Judicial Nominating Commission hands over the list that was narrowed down to three names this week.

Justice Wil Schroder retired in January from the 6^th Supreme Court District which includes 21 northern Kentucky counties.

The commission--made up of Chief Justice John Minton, members appointed by the state bar association and citizens appointed by the governor--is responsible for requesting and considering nominees presented by the state bar.

Kentucky High Court Hears Teacher Discipline Case

Kentucky Public Radio's Brenna Angel — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 20:45:00 +0000

The Kentucky Supreme Court is weighing whether actions by an award-winning educator who disciplined an elementary school student constitute “conduct unbecoming a teacher.”

The case stems from a 2009 incident at Cardinal Valley Elementary School in Lexington.

Teacher Rosaslind Hurley-Richards spotted three students running in the hallway. One of the children, a 7-year-old boy, refused to cooperate and at one point began pulling his sister’s hair. Hurley-Richards then used one hand to guide the student toward the principal’s office, but as the boy resisted, he turned around.

High Court Considering Miranda Rights Case

Kentucky Public Radio's Shelly Baskin — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 02:59:39 +0000

The Kentucky Supreme Court is expected to hand down a ruling soon on whether public school administrators should read Miranda rights to students when they question them with a resource officer present.

The case involves a high school student in Nelson County who was convicted of sharing prescription pain pills after confessing to the school’s vice principal and resource officer.

The student says his statement shouldn’t have been admissible in his trial because he was not informed of his rights before the interrogation.

Kentucky State Court System To Observe Furlough Day Tuesday

Rick Howlett — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:16:07 +0000

Tuesday is the second of three furlough days in Kentucky’s state judicial system.

Courthouses across the state will be closed as part of the system’s budget cutting plan.

Most court operations, including pre-trial services, driver license branches and bond processing will be shut down.

The processing of domestic violence and emergency protective orders will not be affected.

The first court system furlough day was August 6; the third and final furlough day is October 15.

Minton Re-elected Chief Justice

Kenny Colston — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John Minton has been elected to a second term.

“With this re-election, the justices have expressed their appreciation for the hard work and leadership of Chief Justice Minton,” says Mary C. Noble, deputy chief justice for the Supreme Court in a statement. “We have an unusually close court that works together on all major issues under the guidance of our chief justice.”

In Kentucky, Supreme Court justices are elected by popular vote. The court then appoints its own chief justice.

Louisville Attorney Friedman Disbarred

Rick Howlett — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:29:47 +0000

A former attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky has been permanently disbarred over his handling of client funds in his private practice.

The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled today that David Friedman of Louisville withheld more than 100-thousand dollars in judgments he won for several clients, using the money for personal expenses because of financial problems.

Friedman did not contest his disbarment and admitted to six violations of professional ethics rules.