On Friday, March 20, 2026, The Herald-Leader reported that Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has expressed concerns that the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Fayette Circuit Judge Julie Muth Goodman could create a “chilling effect” on the state’s judiciary. Beshear suggested that such actions, if not carefully considered, might undermine the independence of judges in Kentucky.

Beshear’s remarks came after a special House committee announced its intention to proceed with articles of impeachment against Goodman, who has served as a Lexington judge for 18 years. The impeachment articles allege that Goodman defied binding precedents and statutes enacted by the General Assembly and interfered with the rights and powers of judicial bodies.

The governor, along with others, has questioned whether impeachment is the appropriate avenue for addressing the concerns surrounding Judge Goodman’s conduct. Beshear posited that the matter might be better suited for the state’s Judicial Conduct Commission (JCC), the only body authorized by the Kentucky Constitution to take action against a sitting judge.

Beshear stated at a press conference that pursuing impeachment could set a precedent for “potentially dozens” of similar petitions in the future. Killian Timoney, a former Republican lawmaker, initiated the impeachment effort by filing a petition against Goodman in January, accusing her of abusing her office.

The JCC, operating under the Supreme Court of Kentucky rules, is responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct or wrongdoing. It has the authority to conduct hearings and, if necessary, issue disciplinary measures, including admonition, reprimand, suspension, or removal from office.

According to available information, Goodman has only been the subject of one complaint submitted to the conduct commission, which was found to be unsubstantiated. She testified that she has never been sanctioned by the body. Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Kim Baird also stated that she considered submitting a complaint to the JCC regarding Goodman but ultimately decided against it due to “timing.” However, Baird agreed to testify before the impeachment committee.

Goodman and her attorneys, Robert McBride and Mitchel Denham, have challenged the impeachment proceedings, arguing that they violate her due process rights. They filed a request for an emergency order to halt the proceedings in the Franklin Circuit Court.

Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd allowed a hearing to take place but ultimately denied Goodman’s request to intervene. Shepherd stated that the impeachment process should not be used as a forum for litigants to air grievances against judges. He added that if the legislative impeachment process does not protect judges from such attacks, it could invite judicial review.

Critics of the impeachment proceedings argue that Goodman’s case is too complex for a non-judicial committee, particularly since Goodman is restricted from publicly commenting on ongoing cases due to the judicial code of conduct. James Morris, an attorney involved in one of the cases mentioned in Goodman’s petition, raised concerns about the accuracy of the committee’s discussion of his client’s case.

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on whether to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, where Goodman would face a trial. If convicted, she would be removed from office.

 

 

Source: The Herald-Leader