09-01-2017
District judges participate in judicial college Aug. 22-25 in Covington
Kentucky Press News Service
FRANKFORT – District Court judges from across the state participated in sessions on criminal evidence, forensics, implicit bias, legislation and more at the 2017 District Judges College in Covington from Aug. 22-25. The Education Committee of the Kentucky District Judges Association and the Office of Judicial Branch Education at the Administrative Office of the Courts developed the college.
Johnson, Lawrence and Martin counties were represented at the event by
District Court Judge John T. Chafin and District Court Judge John Keith Holbrook.
“District judges come from all over Kentucky to spend time together at our annual colleges,” District Court Judge John M. McCarty, who serves Butler, Edmonson, Hancock and Ohio counties and was elected president of the Kentucky District Judges Association at the college, said in a news release. “There’s tremendous value in sharing successes and challenges, learning best practices for District Court, getting updates on new legislation and being introduced to the latest technology. These colleges sharpen our skills and equip us to better serve those who come before our courts.”
Among legislation covered at the college was Senate Bill 120, a criminal justice reform bill that took effect June 29. The legislation allows people convicted of felonies to gain work experience and wages while incarcerated, reduces probation and parole times for certain offenders and prevents people from being jailed for not being able to pay court costs. The session covered new rules and best practices.
The judges also attended sessions on polygraph, search and seizure, family law, guardianship, social media and ethics, and substance abuse and mental health topics. The 2017 General Assembly passed Tim’s Law to let District Court judges order outpatient treatment for certain people with severe mental illness after receiving a petition from the person’s family, friends or legal guardians, or law enforcement or medical professionals.
Another session covered “Alive at 25,” a defensive-driving program the Kentucky State Police and National Safety Council provide in Kentucky for citizens who are 16-24 years old. Judges heard about how they can help bring the program to their communities and use it in sentencing young drivers.
The judges also had the opportunity to meet with Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. and AOC Director Laurie K. Dudgeon.
The college included 15.5 hours of continuing judicial education credit for the district judges.
Salaries of Kentucky judges:
Supreme Court
Chief Justice $140,504
Justice $135,504
Court of Appeals
Chief Judge $133,044
Judge $130,044
Circuit/Family Court
Chief Regional Circuit Judge $125,620
Circuit/Family Judge $124,620
District Court
Chief Regional District Judge $113,668
District Judge $112,668
