Kentucky.gov

The Judicial Nominating Commission, led by Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, met today at the Ballard County Courthouse in Wickliffe to chose nominees to replace Circuit Judge William L. Shadoan, who retired effective June 30, 2006. The vacant circuit judgeship serves the 1st Judicial Circuit, consisting of Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman counties. The nominees to fill this vacancy are attorneys Timothy A. Langford, William L. Shadoan and Dawn Stacey.

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 Court
Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction and hears all civil matters involving more than $4,000. It has jurisdiction over capital offenses and felonies, dissolution of marriage, adoption, termination of parent rights, land disputes and contested probate cases. Kentucky judges, justices and circuit court clerks are supported by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), which is the administrative arm of the Kentucky Court of Justice. The AOC provides ongoing training and education to the state’s judges.