Judge Kenneth H. Goff II sworn-in as Circuit Judge

A life-time Leitchfield resident has been sworn-in as Circuit Judge for the 46^th District.

Former District Court Judge Kenneth H. Goff II was sworn-in as a Circuit Judge Friday afternoon at the Grayson County Judicial Complex.

Attended by dignitaries, including Grayson County Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson, Leitchfield Mayor Rick Embry, U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie, State Rep. Steve Meredith, Grayson County Jailer Jason Woosley, County Attorney Jeremy Logsdon, and Grayson County Commonwealth Attorney Rick Hardin, along with many members of the Grayson County Bar, an emotional Judge Goff said after his investiture that he is “humbled by the honor” and “hopes to do a good job for you.”

Judge Goff was originally slated to be sworn-in by his father, former Judge Kenneth H. Goff I, but an illness kept his father from the ceremony. In his place, Judge Bruce Butler conducted the swearing-in. Rev. Wayne Clemons offered a heartfelt prayer immediately after the swearing-in.

Judge Goff was appointed to the Circuit Judgeship by Gov. Matt Bevin after the sudden death of Judge Robert Miller in September 2018.

Judge Goff previously served as the District Judge for the 46th District, and was re-elected to that position last year. He will serve as Circuit Judge until the position is filled in accordance with the results of the November 2019 General Election, according to officials. Circuit Judges serve in eight-year terms.

Goff was appointed to the judgeship over the Breckinridge County Attorney, Bradley S. Butler, of Harned, and the Meade County Attorney, Jessica B. Roberts, of Guston. All three were nominated in early January.

Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction that hears civil matters involving more than $5,000, capital offenses, felonies, dispute title cases, and contested probate cases. Circuit Court has the power to issue injunctions, writs of prohibition and writs of mandamus, and to hear appeals from District Court and administrative agencies.

As a division of Circuit Court with general jurisdiction, the family court division of Circuit Court further retains primary jurisdiction in cases involving dissolution of marriage, child custody, visitation, maintenance and support, equitable distribution of property in dissolution cases, adoption, and termination of parental rights.

In addition to general jurisdiction of Circuit Court, the family court division of Circuit Court, concurrent with the District Court, has jurisdiction over proceedings involving domestic violence and abuse, the Uniform Act on Paternity and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, dependency, neglect, and abuse, and juvenile status offenses.