This week, the Kentucky Supreme Court held its investiture services for its new justices and chief justice.
On Monday, new Chief Justice Laurence B. VanMeter was sworn in by former Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr., who held the position for 14 years. Gov. Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, and Speaker of the House David W. Osborne spoke at the ceremony.
“As the highest legal authority in our state, the Kentucky Supreme Court ensures clarity, uniformity, and fairness,” Beshear said on Monday. “It holds up the backbone of our democracy, which is the rule of law.”
Stivers wished patience and wisdom to the court and the incoming justices.
Osborne also gave his thoughts about VanMeter’s selection as the new chief justice.
“Chief, for almost three decades, people of the Commonwealth have benefited greatly from your service,” Osborne said. “Your reputation as a thorough, thoughtful, and diligent judge, no doubt, led to your selection of this honor.”
On Tuesday, VanMeter swore in Justice Angela McCormick Bisig.
Bisig replaced retiring Judge Lisabeth T. Hughes in the 4th Supreme Court District that’s composed of Jefferson County.
On Wednesday, The Kentucky Supreme Court held the final investiture service for its new Supreme Court judges when new Chief Justice Laurence B. VanMeter swore in new Justice Kelly Thompson.
Elected in November, Thompson will serve the 2nd Supreme Court District composed of Allen, Barren, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Butler, Hancock, Hardin, LaRue, Meade, Monroe, Ohio, Simpson, Spencer, and Warren counties.
Justices Debra Hembree Lambert, Christopher Shea Nickell, Robert B. Conley, and Michelle Keller make up the rest of the court.