|
Kentucky Court of Justice 
Judicial Nominating Commission releases names of nominees to fill vacant District Court Judgeship in Harlan
The Judicial Nominating Commission, led by Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, met today at the Harlan County Justice Center in Harlan to choose nominees to replace District Judge Phillip A. Hamm, who retired effective June 30, 2006. This position serves the 26th Judicial District, which consists of Harlan County. Three attorneys were named as nominees to fill this vacancy: Jeffrey J. Brock, Sidney B. Douglass and Kellie D. Wilson.
Judicial Nominating Process
When a judicial vacancy occurs, the executive secretary of the Judicial Nominating Commission publishes a notice of vacancy in the judicial circuit or the judicial district affected. Attorneys can recommend someone or nominate themselves. The names of the applicants are not released. Once nominations occur, the individuals interested in the position return a questionnaire to the Office of Chief Justice. Chief Justice Lambert then meets with the Judicial Nominating Commission to choose three nominees. A letter naming the three nominees is sent to Gov. Ernie Fletcher for review. When the governor appoints a replacement, his office makes the announcement.
District Court
District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction which hears civil cases involving $4,000 or less, juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, cases relating to domestic violence and abuse, guardianships for disabled people, traffic offenses, probate of wills and felony preliminary hearings. The Small Claims Division is part of District Court’s jurisdiction and informally handles matters with a value of $1,500 or less. The Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort supports the activities of more than 3,500 Kentucky Court of Justice employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks.
|