FRANKFORT, Ky., Oct. 29, 2025 – A bronze statue honoring the late Chief Court of Appeals Judge Tom Emberton (ret.) will be unveiled during a special ceremony at 1:30 p.m. CST Sunday at the Tom Emberton Metcalfe County Courthouse in Edmonton. Members of the public and the media are invited to join the community in celebrating the life and legacy of Judge Emberton.
The statue and renaming of the judicial center were authorized by the Kentucky General Assembly in the Judicial Branch biennial budget for fiscal years 2024–2026 and signed into law by the governor in April 2024.
Judge Emberton was a noted leader and statesman, serving his country and the commonwealth. Following a four-year tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force, he earned his bachelor’s degree at Western Kentucky University and his juris doctor at the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.
“The Supreme Court is deeply honored to participate in the dedication of this bronze statue for Judge Tom Emberton, whose legacy continues to inspire both the community and judicial branch alike,” said Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Debra Hembree Lambert. “This statue stands not only as a work of art, but as a lasting symbol of his contribution to the rule of law that he embodied throughout his life.”
Judge Emberton began practicing law in Edmonton in 1962 and was elected Metcalfe County Attorney two years later. In 1971, he became the Republican candidate for Kentucky governor. He was appointed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals in 1989 and was twice re-elected, serving as chief judge from 2002 until his retirement in 2004.
“Our family is enormously touched by this incredible tribute that honors my father in such a meaningful way,” said Laura Emberton Owens, daughter of Judge Tom Emberton. “The kind words and ongoing stories this project has inspired have been truly heartwarming, affirming the leadership and compassion he exemplified. His statue serves as a reminder to those who knew him of his legacy as a statesman, and we hope it will also inspire others to learn more about his life and service. Our family is deeply grateful and humbled by this gesture.”
Judge Emberton passed away at age 90 after heroically saving his wife, Julia Emberton, from a fire at their home.
Court of Appeals
Nearly all cases heard by the Kentucky Court of Appeals come to it on appeal from a lower court. If a case is tried in Circuit Court or District Court and the losing parties involved are not satisfied with the outcome, they may ask for a higher court to review the correctness of the trial court’s decision. Some cases, such as criminal case acquittals and divorces, may not be appealed. In a divorce case, however, child custody and property rights decisions may be appealed. Cases are not retried in the Court of Appeals. Only the record of the original court trial is reviewed, with attorneys presenting the legal issues to the court for a decision.
Fourteen judges, two elected from seven appellate court districts, serve on the Court of Appeals for eight-year terms. The judges are divided into panels of three to review and decide cases, with the majority determining the decision. The panels do not sit permanently in one location but travel throughout the state to hear cases.
Administrative Office of the Courts
As the operations arm of the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget and oversees the construction and maintenance of Kentucky court facilities statewide. The AOC is based in Frankfort and supports the activities of nearly 3,300 employees and 412 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks.
###