On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Louisville Public Media reported that a resolution seeking the impeachment of Fayette County Circuit Court Judge Julie Muth Goodman was introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Representative Jason Nemes, who leads the House Impeachment Committee, sponsored the measure following a hearing where Judge Goodman defended her judicial conduct.
The impeachment effort centers on allegations that Goodman’s actions in six specific cases, many of which are still under appeal, have eroded public confidence in the judicial system. Goodman has served as a judge in Kentucky since 2008.
According to Kentucky law, the House has the authority to impeach civil officers for “misdemeanors in office.” Should the resolution pass the House, the matter would proceed to the Senate for a trial, where a two-thirds majority vote would be required for conviction and removal from office.
The Impeachment Committee has reviewed five other impeachment petitions, quickly dismissing two without hearings. Remaining petitions target Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine and Fayette County Board of Education Chair Tyler Murphy.
Impeachments are infrequent in Kentucky. The state’s last impeachment occurred in 2023, when former prosecutor Ronnie Goldy was removed from office and later convicted on federal charges.
Unlike previous cases, the allegations against Goodman do not involve criminal misconduct. Instead, the resolution claims she has shown disregard for the law in her rulings and has demonstrated bias towards defendants.
Representative Nemes declined to elaborate on the resolution, stating he would provide details when it comes to a vote. Goodman defended her record, asserting she upholds the law and treats prosecutors fairly. She also criticized the impeachment proceedings as unfair, as many of the cases cited are still ongoing.
Goodman expressed concern over the public nature of the proceedings, stating, “More troubling to me… is the fact that these defendants are being tried in a public forum on TV when those cases are still pending.”
Robert McBride, Goodman’s attorney, argued that the complaints against her are based on disagreements with her rulings and do not constitute impeachable offenses.
Commonwealth Attorney Kimberly Baird testified against Goodman, alleging unfair treatment of prosecutors and suggesting bias based on “extrajudicial sources.” Baird presented data indicating that Goodman more frequently suppressed evidence compared to other judges.
Goodman countered that the petition focuses on cases where prosecutors have grievances and ignores her observations of misconduct within the Commonwealth Attorney’s office. She suggested Baird harbored a grudge stemming from a past election.
Representative Josh Watkins questioned why Baird had not filed a complaint with the Judicial Conduct Commission. Baird cited a perception that judges protect each other.
Goodman stated she would not change her rulings, citing her oath and moral compass.
Source: Louisville Public Media
