Leigh Anne Hiatt, APR
Public Information Officer
502-573-2350 leigh_annehiatt@mail.aoc.state.ky.us
www.kycourts.net

FRANKFORT, Ky., Sept. 29, 2003 . More than 40 of Kentucky’s district judges took part in the 2003 District Judges’ Judicial College offered by the Kentucky Court of Justice for district judges throughout the state. The four-day conference took place Sept. 7-10 at the Executive Inn in Owensboro, Ky.

"District Court is often called the ‘people’s court’ because of the sheer number of cases it hears," said Susan Johnson, chief regional district judge for Johnson, Lawrence and Martin counties and president of the Kentucky District Judges’ Association. "When you combine a heavy case load with fast-changing legislation and technology, there’s often a great need for training. The Court of Justice provides continuing education programs that keep judges informed of the latest laws and procedures."

Kentucky judges and officials conducted the program. The agenda focused on a variety of issues pertinent to District Court, including domestic violence, new legislation on abandoned infants, handling evidence, extradition, pro se litigants, current issues with status offenders, probate, the use of court interpreters and court system technology.

District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction which hears civil cases involving $4,000 or less, juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, small claims cases, misdemeanors, cases relating to domestic violence and abuse, guardianships for disabled people, traffic offenses, probate of wills and felony preliminary hearings. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Frankfort is the administrative arm of the Kentucky Court of Justice and supports the activities of nearly 3,300 court personnel, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks. The AOC provides ongoing training and education to the state’s judges.

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