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Kentucky Court of Justice 
Chief Justice Lambert names Circuit Judge Charles Hickman to statewide Court Facilities Standards Committee
FRANKFORT, Ky., Sept. 20, 2005 ¾ Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert has appointed a local judge to the Court Facilities Standards Committee. Circuit Judge Charles Hickman, who serves Anderson, Shelby and Spencer counties, has been named to a board that reviews design plans, cost estimates and financing proposals for new court facilities statewide. Judge Hickman will serve a four-year term beginning immediately.
"I'm certainly honored to be appointed to such an important committee," Judge Hickman said. "I appreciate the confidence Chief Justice Lambert has placed in me and pledge my best efforts to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth in this endeavor. New court facilities and the latest technology will ensure that Kentucky is well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead for its judicial system."
The Court Facilities Standards Committee operates under the auspices of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Frankfort, which is the operational arm
of the Kentucky Court of Justice. The AOC Department of Facilities oversees court facility construction, renovation and maintenance throughout the Commonwealth. Rep. Gross Clay Lindsay chairs the 10-member committee.
"This committee's oversight is instrumental to the design and construction of judicial facilities," said Garlan VanHook, general manager of the AOC Department of Facilities. "The members are charged with ensuring the projects are developed in the best interests
of the courts and the communities they will serve."
VanHook said he expects the committee to begin renewed activity after slowing down near the completion of the 20 court facilities that were authorized during the 2000 General Assembly. "We plan to dedicate the last of the 2000 projects by spring 2006. We are excited to begin planning for 18 new projects in counties that badly need updated facilities. The 2005 General Assembly authorized 14 new judicial centers and four additions to existing buildings at a total cost of over $200 million."
Shelby County is one of the 14 counties slated to receive a new judicial building.
Judge Hickman was appointed to the circuit bench in February 2005. He earned an
A.B. degree from Western Kentucky University before completing a juris doctor at the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. He and his wife, Pam, reside in Shelbyville with their three children, Mary Beth, Brad and Natalie.
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