Kentucky Court of Justice
Judicial Nominating Commission releases names of nominees to fill vacant Circuit Court judgeship in Jefferson County

The Judicial Nominating Commission, led by Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, met today at the Jefferson County Judicial Center, 700 W. Jefferson Street in Louisville, to chose nominees to replace Circuit Judge Thomas Wine, who was appointed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, effective August 15, 2006. The vacant circuit judgeship serves the 30th Judicial Circuit, Division 8, consisting of Jefferson County. Three Louisville attorneys were named as nominees to fill this vacancy: A.C. McKay Chauvin, Michael Losavio and Ann Swain.

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 the Chief Justice. Chief Justice Lambert then meets with the Judicial Nominating Commission to choose three nominees. Because the Kentucky Constitution requires that three names be submitted to the governor, in some cases the commission submits an attorney's name even though the attorney did not apply. A letter naming the three nominees is sent to Gov. Ernie Fletcher for review. The governor has 60 days to appoint a replacement and his office makes the announcement.

Circuit/Family Court
Family Court is a division of Circuit Court, Kentucky’s highest trial court level, and employs full-time judges with the same qualifications as those who serve other divisions of Circuit Court. Family Court jurisdiction includes dissolution of marriage; spousal support; child custody, support and visitation; paternity; adoption; domestic violence; termination of parental rights; and dependency, neglect and abuse. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Frankfort is the administrative arm of the Kentucky Court of Justice and supports the activities of more than 3,400 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.