Kentucky Chief Justice VanMeter Outlines Major Judicial Reforms in Final Address

Frankfort, Kentucky — In his final address as Chief Justice, Laurence B. VanMeter delivered the annual State of the Judiciary speech on Thursday, outlining significant upcoming changes within the Kentucky judicial system. The address was given before the General Assembly’s Interim Joint Judiciary Committee.

The highlight of VanMeter’s speech was the introduction of a new computerized Case Management System (CMS). This system aims to modernize court operations across the state, with plans for a pilot launch in select counties next fall and a full statewide implementation scheduled for 2027. VanMeter emphasized that while this transition represents a crucial advancement for Kentucky, it will require meticulous planning and coordination. “Such a large organizational change needs careful planning and coordination at every level,” he stated.

One of the key benefits of the new system is the shift toward an all-electronic record, which will reduce resource strain while improving access to the courts statewide. VanMeter pointed out that implementing the CMS will make it feasible to introduce new laws, including expanded automatic expungement, in future cases. “The new systems will allow us to begin the transition to an all-electronic record,” he added.

In addition to the CMS, VanMeter expressed gratitude towards the General Assembly for their request for a study on juror compensation, which is set to be presented later this year. He noted that juror compensation has not increased in nearly 50 years, remaining at $12.50 per day since 1978. VanMeter highlighted a significant finding from the upcoming study, indicating that to match the purchasing power of the original amount, compensation would need to rise to $70 per day, signaling a critical need for reform.

Furthermore, VanMeter called attention to the outdated nature of Kentucky’s probate laws, stating that current statutes governing property disposition and the appointment of personal representatives do not reflect modern practices. “Current statutes are outdated, and do not reflect modern practices,” he remarked, advocating for necessary reforms in this area.

As he prepares for retirement at the end of the year, VanMeter recognized his successor, Justice Debra Hembree Lambert, who has been elected to begin her four-year term on January 6. Lambert is noted for her leadership role as Deputy Chief Justice and her work with the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health.

VanMeter’s address effectively encapsulates both the accomplishments of his tenure and the challenges that lie ahead for Kentucky’s judicial system as it embraces modernization while confronting necessary reforms.