Kentucky House Keeps Open Impeachment Petition Against Supreme Court Justice

Petition to remove Justice Pamela Goodwine referred to investigative committee as legislative session ends.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:23am

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A photorealistic painting of a stately Kentucky Supreme Court building in warm, golden light, with a lone figure standing on the steps, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The Kentucky Supreme Court building stands as a symbol of the state's political divisions, with an impeachment petition against one of its justices remaining open despite the legislative session's end.Hopkinsville Today

The Kentucky House of Representatives has referred an open impeachment petition against state Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine to an investigative committee, even as the legislative session has ended. The petition, filed by a Louisville attorney and GOP official, alleges Goodwine had a conflict of interest and should have recused herself from a case involving the Jefferson County Board of Education. The House impeachment committee did not take final action on the petition during the session, and it has now been referred to the Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee, which can continue hearings and issue subpoenas.

Why it matters

The decision to keep the impeachment petition against Justice Goodwine open reflects the ongoing tensions between Republican lawmakers and the state's judiciary. It raises questions about the separation of powers and the appropriate grounds for impeaching elected officials, especially members of the judiciary.

The details

The Kentucky House adjourned its 2026 legislative session late Wednesday night, but not before referring two open impeachment petitions to the Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee. One of those petitions seeks to remove Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine. The petition was filed by Louisville attorney and GOP official Jack Richardson, who alleged Goodwine had a conflict of interest and should have recused herself from a case involving the Jefferson County Board of Education. While the House impeachment committee dismissed other petitions this session, it did not take final action on the ones against Goodwine and Fayette County Board of Education chairman Tyler Murphy.

  • The impeachment petition against Justice Goodwine was filed last year.
  • The House referred the petition to the Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee on the final night of the 2026 legislative session.

The players

Pamela Goodwine

A justice on the Kentucky Supreme Court who is the target of an impeachment petition.

Jack Richardson

A Louisville attorney and GOP official who filed the impeachment petition against Justice Goodwine.

Carmine Iaccarino

The attorney representing Justice Goodwine.

Jason Nemes

The chair of the House impeachment committee.

Tyler Murphy

The Fayette County Board of Education chairman who is also the target of an impeachment petition.

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What they’re saying

“Though the impeachment committee this session dismissed petitions against two officials and recommended impeachment for Fayette Circuit Judge Julie Muth Goodman, they did not take any final actions on the ones seeking to remove Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine and Fayette County Board of Education chairman Tyler Murphy.”

— Jason Nemes, Chair of the House impeachment committee

“Unjust impeachment 'would reverse the will of a bipartisan electorate that elected her by an overwhelming, unprecedented margin.'”

— Carmine Iaccarino, Attorney representing Justice Goodwine

What’s next

The Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee can continue to hold hearings on the potential removal of both Justice Goodwine and Fayette County Board of Education chairman Tyler Murphy, as well as issue subpoenas for testimony and documents. However, the committee may not take any formal votes to recommend articles of impeachment, as that can only be done by the impeachment committee during a regular legislative session.

The takeaway

The decision to keep the impeachment petition against Justice Goodwine open reflects the ongoing tensions between Republican lawmakers and the state's judiciary. It raises questions about the appropriate grounds for impeaching elected officials, especially members of the judiciary, and the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches.