On Wednesday, in testimony before Interim Joint Committee on State Government at the Capitol Annex, Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr.gave an overview of the process and methodology being used to create what is the first judicial redistricting plan for Kentucky trial courts in decades. Chief Justice Minton said that the “singular goal of redistricting is to ensure Kentucky’s judicial resources are allocated appropriately.” He added that the process of judicial redistricting is a more difficult process, as it impacts commonwealth’s attorneys and judges, with caseloads determining the workload of the trial judges.

Judicial caseloads were measured by circuit, family and district judges logging how they spent their time handling cases and other judicial duties, with a formula determining implied judicial need. Changes would not go into effect until 2022, when all circuit and district judges are on the ballot. It would bring Family Court to all but eight jurisdictions, and reduce the number of circuits by two, from 57 to 55. It also would not impact every county or jurisdiction across the state. Chief Justice Minton said that no matter the end result, he is confident about the data and sound research principles the proposed plan will be based on.