EPISODE 68: Politics as Usual?

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Christine and Hugh discuss a significant development in their ongoing coverage of judicial ethics in Kentucky. After the Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice ruled that a Jefferson County Family Court judge could attend partisan political fundraisers, the hosts discovered that Chief Justice Deborah Lambert herself has been attending and being photographed at Republican political fundraisers—all documented on public social media.

Key Topics Discussed:

Chief Justice Lambert's Social Media Activity

Chief Justice following the JudgeMental Podcast's social media

Discovery of photos from political fundraisers posted publicly on Instagram

November 11th post showing Chief Justice at a Republican fundraiser with candidates

Judicial Ethics & Canon 4.1

Kentucky's Canon 4.1 prohibits judges from attending or purchasing tickets for events sponsored by political organizations

Discussion of the Shelly Sentry case and the Chief Justice's ruling refusing recusal

The appearance of endorsement when judges pose for photos at partisan events

Why judges attending fundraisers matters, regardless of political affiliation

Implications for Kentucky's Judiciary

How this sets a precedent for other Kentucky judges

The danger of identity politics infiltrating the judiciary

Potential impact on cases with political dimensions (abortion laws, constitutional challenges)

The erosion of judicial impartiality and public trust

Broader Context

Comparison to U.S. Supreme Court justices who maintain political views but are expected to remain impartial

Discussion of how political affiliation increasingly defines identity in America

The importance of calling out judicial misconduct regardless of political party

Why local judicial issues matter as much as national political controversies

Other Judicial News:

Orange County, California Judge Israel Stro pleading guilty to mail fraud after running on transparency platform

Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission's mental health summit for judges

Listener feedback on previous episodes

The Hosts' Position:

Christine and Hugh make clear their stance: judges should not attend partisan political fundraisers, period. This isn't about personal political beliefs—it's about maintaining the appearance of impartiality required by judicial ethics rules.

Important Links:

Website: judge-y.com

Social Media: @Judgingthejudges

Listener Engagement:

The hosts welcome constructive feedback and discussion, even from those who disagree. They emphasize the importance of fostering dialogue about judicial accountability while avoiding personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Engaging with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the hosts, guests, or their firms. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any law firm, company, or organization. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information presented. Any reliance on the information in this podcast is at your own risk. Laws are constantly changing, and every situation is unique. You should always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for your specific legal concerns.