FRANKFORT, Ky., Nov. 4, 2025 – The Kentucky Court of Justice will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the state’s unified court system throughout 2026. The Administrative Office of the Courts announced the upcoming observance today on the anniversary of Kentucky voters approving the landmark constitutional amendment that reformed the judiciary during the 1975 General Election.
The 1976 Judicial Article fundamentally changed how justice is administered in Kentucky. Before its adoption, more than 300 separate courts operated under different rules, funding systems and jurisdictions. The amendment unified those courts into a single, statewide system led by the Supreme Court of Kentucky, creating consistency in how cases are handled from county to county.
The amendment was enacted with overwhelming bipartisan support from the Kentucky General Assembly, which placed the measure on the ballot for voter approval. The reform succeeded through cooperation among state leaders, legislators, members of the bar and local officials across Kentucky, including county judge-executives who worked to ensure the new system could be implemented smoothly at the local level.
It also established the AOC to provide centralized support for the Judicial Branch, handling finances, technology, personnel, facilities and communications for every court in all 120 counties. The reform modernized Kentucky’s judiciary, strengthened accountability and ensured equal access to justice regardless of where a person lives.
“This milestone marks more than an anniversary. It marks a transformation in how justice is delivered across Kentucky,” said Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Debra Hembree Lambert. “When voters approved this amendment in 1975, they helped make Kentucky a national leader in judicial reform. That success was possible only because of the vision and collaboration of the General Assembly and community leaders throughout the commonwealth. Our unified system remains one of the most progressive and well-structured in the country, a model that other states continue to look to even 50 years later.”
To mark the occasion, the AOC unveiled a commemorative logo featuring Lady Justice. The emblem will appear on official Judicial Branch materials, social media and public outreach throughout 2026. “Kentucky Courts: 50 Years of Unified Justice” will be the tagline for the yearlong commemoration.
The commemoration will include educational initiatives, historical features and community engagement opportunities to highlight the past, present and future of Kentucky’s judiciary. Specific events and programming will be announced in the coming months.
The 1976 Judicial Article
Approved by Kentucky voters in 1975, the Judicial Article to the state constitution took effect Jan. 1, 1976. It unified and modernized Kentucky’s courts by:
- Creating the Kentucky Supreme Court as the administrative head of the state’s court system.
- Establishing a centrally funded Judicial Branch to replace hundreds of locally supported courts.
- Forming the AOC to manage statewide operations and support local courts.
- Standardizing procedures, salaries and recordkeeping to ensure uniform justice across all 120 counties.
- Resulting from broad cooperation between the Kentucky General Assembly, state and local leaders, and the public, who together laid the groundwork for a modern, unified court system that endures today.
Supreme Court of Kentucky
The Supreme Court is the state court of last resort and the final interpreter of Kentucky law. Seven justices sit on the Supreme Court and all seven justices rule on appeals that come before the court. The justices are elected from seven appellate districts and serve eight-year terms. A chief justice, chosen for a four-year term by fellow justices, is the administrative head of the state’s court system and is responsible for its operation. The Supreme Court may order a ruling or opinion to be published, which means that the ruling becomes the case law governing all similar cases in the future in Kentucky.
Administrative Office of the Courts
The AOC in Frankfort is the operations arm of the state court system. The AOC supports the activities of nearly 3,300 court system employees and 412 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. As the fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget.
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