On Sunday, March 2, 2025, The Owensboro Times reported that Judge Jay Wethington officially retired from his position as Division 1 Circuit Judge of the 6th Judicial Circuit, effective February 28, 2025. His retirement marks the end of a notable career in the legal profession that spanned over three decades.
Judge Wethington, a native of Owensboro, began his journey in law after a career in journalism, where he covered trials in Atlanta. He pursued his legal education at Chase Law School, part of Northern Kentucky University, and supplemented his studies at the University of Cincinnati and The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands.
Throughout his career, Wethington held various roles, including 12 years in private practice at Connor, Neal & Stevenson, and 14 years as the Commonwealth’s Attorney. His tenure as a prosecutor was marked by high-profile cases, including several murder trials. He also took on the role of special prosecutor for the Attorney General during his time in office.
One of Wethington’s significant contributions to Kentucky law was his involvement in the landmark case Commonwealth v. Hahn, which led to a revision of the legal definition of rape to encompass acts involving foreign objects. He also contributed to legislation that enables homicide charges against individuals who supply drugs resulting in fatal overdoses, and he played a role in establishing laws allowing the Commonwealth to appeal certain rulings.
As a judge, Wethington found fulfillment in presiding over adoption cases, noting that these hearings were particularly positive experiences for all involved. He also played a crucial role in launching Owensboro’s drug court program, which aims to help non-violent offenders struggling with substance abuse. This program was among the first of its kind in the state and was overseen by Wethington for seven years.
Wethington’s decision to retire followed careful consideration, especially regarding the timing of his departure. He chose to wait until after the recent election to prevent any disruption to the electoral process. The responsibility for appointing his successor now lies with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who will make a selection based on recommendations from a local committee and the state Supreme Court.
Reflecting on his career, Wethington highlighted the significance of collaboration among legal entities, emphasizing the need for cooperation between the sheriff’s office, police department, jailer, and other stakeholders in the judicial process. He expressed a desire to educate the public about the legal system, viewing this as a critical aspect of his role.
In his formal resignation letter to Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert, Wethington addressed his struggles following an injury sustained in March 2024. He noted that he had hoped to recover fully but came to terms with the reality that he could not return to the level of performance required for his position.
Wethington expressed concern about the increasing politicization of the judiciary but took pride in the relationships he built with the media throughout his career. He underscored the importance of the judiciary remaining impartial and accessible to the public.
Although his tenure on the bench has concluded, Judge Wethington’s influence on Kentucky’s legal framework is expected to endure for years to come. As he transitions into retirement, he looks forward to spending time with his family and traveling with his wife.
Source: The Owensboro Times
