Full Breakdown
Kentucky House Votes to Impeach Judge Julie Goodman
3/21/2026, 1:32:44 PM
Impeachment Proceedings Against Judge Goodman
On March 20, 2026, the Kentucky House of Representatives voted 73-14 to impeach Fayette Circuit Judge Julie Muth Goodman, marking the first impeachment of a sitting judge in over a century in Kentucky. The impeachment follows a petition filed by former state representative Killian Timoney, who accused Goodman of abusing her judicial discretion in six specific cases within the 22nd Judicial Circuit. The articles of impeachment, drafted by the House Impeachment Committee, claim that Goodman defied binding precedents, violated state statutes, and interfered with the rights of judicial bodies.
Details of the Allegations
The impeachment resolution, known as House Resolution 124, outlines five articles against Goodman. These include allegations that she abused her office, defied established legal precedents, did not adhere to state laws, and interfered with the judicial process. Rep. Jason Nemes, chair of the Impeachment Committee, emphasized that the actions taken were not merely mistakes but constituted serious misconduct. Goodman has served as a judge for 18 years and has been elected six times by Fayette County voters.
Responses and Criticism
Goodman and her legal team have denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the impeachment proceedings violate her due process rights. They contend that several of the cases cited in the petition are still active, preventing her from fully defending herself. Two Democratic lawmakers, Rep. Pamela Stevenson and Rep. Al Gentry, issued a minority report opposing the impeachment, stating that the original petition was incomplete and did not demonstrate impeachable conduct.
Rep. Daniel Elliott, a Republican and chair of the House Judiciary Committee, expressed concerns about the implications of the impeachment, suggesting that it could set a troubling precedent for judicial independence. He noted the ambiguity surrounding what constitutes impeachable conduct, indicating that different lawmakers might interpret the standards differently.
Next Steps in the Impeachment Process
Following the House's vote, the matter will proceed to the Kentucky Senate, where a trial will be held. The Senate must appoint a committee to prosecute the articles of impeachment within five days. A two-thirds vote of present Senators is required for conviction, a standard that has not been met in over a century, with the last conviction occurring in March 2023 against former prosecutor Ronnie Goldy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The impeachment of Judge Goodman is a historic error and may well serve to undermine the independence of our judicial system,” — Robert McBride, Attorney for Judge Goodman
- “I want them to hear this directly: You need not fear impeachment for doing your job to the best of your ability.” — Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Middletown
- “And I think that is the problem, because if that standard is unclear today, then that lack of clarity becomes the standard for tomorrow.” — Rep. Joshua Watkins, D-Louisville
The outcome of this impeachment process will likely have lasting implications for Kentucky's judicial system and the standards for judicial conduct in the state.