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Frankfort Today
By the People, for the People
Kentucky legislature censures Supreme Court justice over impeachment ruling language
Lawmakers say justice's comments threatened them for actions within their authority
Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:08pm
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The Kentucky legislature's censure of a Supreme Court justice highlights ongoing tensions between the state's branches of government.Frankfort TodayThe Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives have filed resolutions to censure a state Supreme Court justice over language used in an opinion that halted the impeachment of a state courts administrator. In the opinion, Justice Kelly Thompson suggested that attorneys involved in the impeachment could face serious consequences, including the loss of their law licenses or possible jail time. Lawmakers argue that Thompson's language threatened them for actions taken within their constitutional authority.
Why it matters
This conflict between the legislative and judicial branches highlights ongoing tensions over the limits of each branch's power and authority. The censure of a Supreme Court justice is a rare and significant move that could have broader implications for the separation of powers in Kentucky.
The details
In the opinion released on April 6, Justice Kelly Thompson suggested that attorneys involved in the impeachment of Fayette County Judge Julie Goodman could face serious consequences, including the loss of their law licenses or possible jail time on a Class D felony charge. Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker David Osborne have filed resolutions to censure Thompson's remarks, arguing the language threatened lawmakers for actions taken within their constitutional authority. The resolutions also call for a formal complaint to be filed against Thompson with the Judicial Conduct Commission.
- The opinion was released on April 6, 2026.
- The resolutions were filed on April 16, 2026.
The players
Justice Kelly Thompson
A justice on the Kentucky Supreme Court who issued the opinion halting the impeachment of Fayette County Judge Julie Goodman.
Robert Stivers
The Republican Senate President who filed a resolution to censure Justice Thompson's remarks.
David Osborne
The Republican Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives who filed a resolution to censure Justice Thompson's remarks.
Julie Goodman
The Fayette County Judge who was the subject of the impeachment proceedings that were halted by the Supreme Court opinion.
What they’re saying
“'Additionally, such actions can constitute the crime of intimidating a participant in the legal process via use of a threat to influence or attempt to influence that person's vote, decision or opinion. This constitutes a Class D felony.'”
— Justice Kelly Thompson
What’s next
The Judicial Conduct Commission will review the formal complaint filed against Justice Thompson over his comments.
The takeaway
This clash between the legislative and judicial branches in Kentucky underscores the ongoing debate over the separation of powers and the limits of each branch's authority. The censure of a Supreme Court justice is a rare and significant move that could have broader implications for governance in the state.
