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Kentucky Circuit Courts
Kentucky is home to 57 circuit courts and 95 circuit judges. Each court represents one to four counties.[1] These courts have jurisdiction over capital offenses, felonies, land disputes, contested probates of wills and general civil litigation in disputes involving more than $4,000. They can also hear appeals from district courts and administrative agencies. The family court is a division of the circuit courts.[2]
Family court
The circuit courts contain a family division, which retains primary jurisdiction in cases dealing with marriage, divorce, adoption, custody and termination of parental rights. Along with the district courts, the family courts also "have jurisdiction over proceedings involving domestic violence and abuse; the Uniform Act on Paternity and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; dependency, neglect, and abuse; and, juvenile status offenses."[2]
Circuit court judges
Circuit court judges serve eight-year terms and are selected in nonpartisan elections. In the event of a mid-term vacancy, the governor may appoint a replacement from candidates recommended by the Kentucky Judicial Nominating Commission.[3]
Circuit courts by county
See also
External links
- Kentucky Court of Justice, "Judicial Directories"
- Kentucky Court of Justice, "Circuit Court Overview"
- Kentucky Court of Justice, "Judicial Circuits Map"
- Kentucky Court of Justice, "Docket Information"
Footnotes
Federal courts:
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky
State courts:
Kentucky Supreme Court • Kentucky Court of Appeals • Kentucky Circuit Courts • Kentucky District Courts • Kentucky Family Court
State resources:
Courts in Kentucky • Kentucky judicial elections • Judicial selection in Kentucky
