Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert has named Deputy Chief Justice Will T. Scott as chair of the Supreme Court Criminal Rules Committee. The Criminal Rules Committee meets every two years to review proposals to change the rules that are submitted from interested parties. The criminal rules govern the practice of law from the arrest to the appeal for all levels of state courts, and cover such areas as arrest, initial appearance and preliminary hearing, bail, the grand jury, indictment, discovery, arraignment and pleadings, trial, judgment and the appellate process.
"Over the last two years, Justice Scott has proven himself to be a hard-working, conscientious and fair-minded member of this Court," said Chief Justice Lambert. "His evenhandedness will serve the Commonwealth well as he chairs this important committee.”
Justice Scott was elected in November 2004 to represent the 7th Supreme Court District, which consists of 22 counties in Eastern Kentucky. He replaced retiring Justice Martin E. Johnstone as Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kentucky, effective July 1, 2006.
“I am honored to be asked by the Chief Justice to chair the Criminal Rules Committee, as this esteemed committee oversees the rules for all criminal cases in Kentucky," said Justice Scott. "In this regard, I look forward to working with the prosecutors, the defense bar and other esteemed members of this committee to ensure fairness to all in the courtrooms of this Commonwealth. I enter into this endeavor with no preconceived notions, except fairness to all.”
Prior to being elected to the state's highest court, Justice Scott had spent nearly 30 years in the courtrooms of Kentucky as a defense attorney, prosecutor, circuit judge and trial attorney. In 1986, he was elected second vice president of the Kentucky Circuit Judges Association.
He was born in Pike County in 1947 and attended Eastern Kentucky University for one year before volunteering for service in the U.S. Army. Enlisting as a private in 1966, he finished his tour of duty in 1969 in Vietnam as a first lieutenant. Among his military honors are his airborne wings, the Bronze Star, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
After completing his military service, Justice Scott graduated with a bachelor's degree from Pikeville College. He earned a juris doctor in 1974 and a master’s degree in taxation in 1975 from the University of Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, Fla. He is licensed to practice law in both Kentucky and Florida. Justice Scott is a member of the First Christian Church in Pikeville and is an avid hunter and fisherman.
The Supreme Court is the state court of last resort and the final interpreter of Kentucky law. Seven justices sit on the Supreme Court and all seven justices rule on appeals that come before the court. The justices are elected from seven appellate districts and serve eight-year terms.