Kentucky Senate Defies Court Ruling to Proceed with Judge Julie Goodman’s Impeachment
A high-stakes constitutional clash has erupted in Kentucky as state senators prepare to move forward with the impeachment trial of Fayette Circuit Judge Julie Goodman, despite a circuit court ruling that declared the proceedings “null and void.” The conflict pits the authority of the judiciary against the legislative powers of the Kentucky General Assembly, raising critical questions about the impeachment process in the Commonwealth.
The Court’s Ruling: Lack of Legal Basis
Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd recently intervened in the case, ruling that the impeachment petition against Judge Goodman was improper. In his decision, Judge Shepherd stated that the petition failed to allege any “misdemeanor in office,” which is a mandatory prerequisite for the Kentucky General Assembly to remove a judge from office.
According to the ruling, the petition—filed by former Republican state Representative Killian Timoney—did not allege criminal conduct or the violation of any civil or penal statute or regulation. Judge Shepherd characterized the petition as the effort of a partisan political candidate seeking a “political comeback” rather than a legitimate legal action based on misconduct.
Senate Response: A Matter of Constitutional Authority
Despite the court’s declaration, the Kentucky Senate has signaled that the judicial ruling will not halt their proceedings. Senate President Robert Stivers asserted that Judge Shepherd lacks the “constitutional authority” to void an impeachment. Stivers maintained that the ruling has no influence over the Senate’s internal processes.
While Judge Shepherd voided the House’s March 20 impeachment, he explicitly noted that he would not enjoin proceedings in the Senate, acknowledging that the chamber has various options for dealing with HR124. This creates a precarious legal landscape where the Senate is proceeding with a trial that a lower court has already deemed baseless.
Timeline and Next Steps
The Senate trial for Judge Goodman is currently scheduled to move forward. While some lawmakers previously indicated the trial could begin as early as April 6, the trial is now tentatively set for April 16.
The final resolution of this dispute now rests with two entities: the state Senate and the Kentucky Supreme Court. As the Senate prepares for the trial, the Supreme Court will determine if the legislative branch’s actions overstep constitutional bounds or if the judiciary’s attempt to void the impeachment constitutes an overreach.
A History of Friction
The tension surrounding this case is amplified by a long-standing history of animosity between Republican leadership and Judge Phillip Shepherd. Senate President Stivers has previously criticized Shepherd’s court as being “slanted and tainted,” and former Governor Matt Bevin once referred to the judge as a “political hack.” This backdrop of political friction adds a layer of complexity to the current legal battle over Judge Goodman’s tenure.
Key Takeaways
- The Ruling: Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd voided the impeachment of Judge Julie Goodman, citing a failure to allege a “misdemeanor in office.”
- The Petitioner: Former Republican state Rep. Killian Timoney filed the impeachment petition.
- The Senate’s Position: Senate President Robert Stivers argues the court cannot void an impeachment and intends to proceed with the trial.
- The Schedule: The Senate trial is tentatively scheduled for April 16.
- Current Status: The matter is now before the Kentucky Supreme Court and the state Senate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HR124?
HR124 is the House Resolution involving the impeachment proceedings against Fayette Circuit Judge Julie Goodman.
Why did Judge Shepherd void the impeachment?
He ruled that the petition did not set forth any statutory or regulatory violations or criminal conduct, which are necessary requirements to justify removing a judge from office.
Can the Senate ignore a circuit court ruling?
Senate President Robert Stivers contends that the Senate possesses the constitutional authority to conduct impeachment proceedings regardless of a circuit court’s ruling on the validity of the petition.
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