FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Kentucky Supreme Court’s decision this week to stop the impeachment of a state judge has sparked new legal questions in Frankfort, as the Senate appears to move forward with its planned trial.
“We’re in unprecedented waters here,” FOX 56 News Political Analyst Jonathan Miller said.
Despite the court’s ruling to drop the impeachment, the Kentucky State Senate still plans to proceed with the trial of Fayette County Circuit Court Judge Julie Goodman.
“Andrew Jackson was said to say, ‘Now the Supreme Court has ruled. Now, let’s let them enforce it.’ Apparently, he never said that, but certainly the idea is something that’s translated over the ages,” Miller said, referring to the tension between the General Assembly and the court.
Miller explained that while the State Supreme Court typically has the final constitutional authority, lawmakers are questioning whether the court can intervene in the legislature’s impeachment powers.
“I think [the Court’s] strongest argument is that this is a matter for the judiciary. That the judiciary has systems on how to discipline attorneys and judges within it, and that they have the right under constitutional law to have the final say. You know, on the other hand, it is fairly clear in the Constitution that the legislature has the power to impeach,” he said.
The Kentucky House of Representatives passed articles of impeachment on March 20, alleging misdemeanors in office, including abuse of power and failure to follow binding legal precedents.
However, in its April 6 ruling, the state’s highest court determined that the allegations did not meet the legal definition of a misdemeanor and that Goodman had not been afforded due process.
Following the decision, Senate President Robert Stivers said the Senate remains focused on fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
“The Senate’s focus remains on carrying out its duties as outlined in the Constitution of Kentucky, that each branch of government operates with integrity and that concerns about judicial conduct can be raised and addressed without fear of retaliation,” Stivers said.
Miller noted that the situation could lead to further legal battles depending on how the trial unfolds.
“If the trial happens and she’s acquitted, I imagine it will be all said and done. If the trial happens and she’s convicted, then I would imagine there would be further court adjudication, and conceivably we could see this go into the federal courts, into the U.S. Supreme Court, ultimately,” Miller said.
Under the Senate’s current schedule, House prosecutors will present their case over three days starting April 16. Goodman’s defense will follow for another three days, with final findings expected to be presented to the full Senate on April 24.
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