Goodman has not been charged with criminal wrongdoing. She is accused of abusing her office in a way that breaks the public’s trust. Six cases are cited in the articles of impeachment, including one that involves a fatal hit-and-run.
Before the vote, some house Democrats spoke up and said there has been no showing of a high misdemeanor or crime in office. House Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson questioned the articles of impeachment.
“The standard has not been met here – where is the crime?” Stevenson said.
Republican Jason Nemes, who chaired the impeachment committee, said Goodman has not followed the law.
“If you say the law says this but I’m going to do that instead then you do not deserve the black robe that you have been entrusted with,” Nemes said.
On Monday, Goodman defended her decisions and said some are seeking impeachment because they disagree with her rulings. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said Thursday that impeaching a judge would set a dangerous precedent.
The resolution outlines five Articles of Impeachment against Goodman. The articles charge her with:
- Abusing the powers of her office;
- Defying binding precedents established by the highest courts of the Commonwealth;
- Defying statutes enacted by the General Assembly and rules of the Kentucky Court of Justice; and
- Interfering with the rights and powers of the grand jury, trial court jurors, and attorneys to perform their roles.
Following the adoption of the resolution, the Speaker of the House will appoint a committee and staff to prosecute the articles. The chair of that committee is required to lay the Articles of Impeachment before the Kentucky Senate within five days.