April 23, 2025 Story by: Publisher
Justice Pamela R. Goodwine was formally sworn in today as a justice of the Supreme Court of Kentucky during an investiture in the Supreme Court Courtroom at the state Capitol in Frankfort. Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter (ret.) administered the oath of office. Justice Goodwine makes history as the first Black woman to serve on Kentucky’s highest court, receiving two standing ovations at her swearing-in ceremony
Justice Goodwine, who said joining the Supreme Court was the realization of a 45-year dream, delivered her address to a full courtroom, reflecting on her life and sharing how she turned adversity into achievement and fulfilled her dreams.
“I always say that I don’t give up on my dreams when life gets hard, I simply work harder to make my dreams come true,” she said. “If there is one philosophy and action I would like to be known for and for you all to recognize and live by as well, that is it. No matter what life brings your way, keep dreaming and keep working toward your goals.”
She went on to say, “Our judiciary is entrusted with upholding the constitution and ensuring that the rights and freedoms of every individual are protected. Our legal system must remain vigilant in ensuring access to justice for all and continuing to serve as a pillar of our fairness and equity. It is my solemn duty to uphold these principles, ensuring that every person who comes before our courts is met with dignity, impartiality and respect.”
Among the speakers at the investitures were Gov. Andy Beshear and attorney Barbara Edelman, a longtime friend of Justice Goodwine.
“Kentucky can be proud and grateful that Justice Goodwine now brings the full wealth of experience to the highest court as a leader,” Gov. Beshear said. “We know that building a better commonwealth isn’t just about making a difference for our generation. It’s about making that difference for our kids and our grandkids and our great-grandkids, making sure that they can find opportunities and pursue their dreams right here in Kentucky and making sure they trust elected leaders to move this state forward, not right, not left, but forward.”
Edelman, a longtime friend and mentor of Justice Goodwine’s, shared how the justice had persevered through being in foster care, needing 11 years to earn her undergraduate degree and putting herself through law school.
Edelman told the story of how the justice interviewed for a law clerk position, “And she sat down, and she said, ‘I want to work here, I’ve got a plan, my whole life has been dedicated to this. This is a place to start. I will work harder than anyone you can hire. I will do more than anybody that you’ve encountered. I really, really need this, want this. Trust me, I can do this job.”
Edelman said Justice Goodwine shined at the firm: “So she comes in and sure enough she’s driven, she focused, she’s determined, she’s hardworking, she bills more time than anyone. She hits the road. She takes more depositions than anyone. She does everything that’s asked and then some.”
Justice Goodwine’s fellow justices each gave remarks.
Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert said that Justice Goodwine had found strength in her hardships.
“The type of difficulty in life can certainly lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and give you a great perspective when you’re having to sit at the bench and make difficult decisions for others and for society,” Chief Justice Lambert said.
Justice Angela McCormick Bisig said, “We don’t consider or discuss things like race and gender when we’re talking about a case, but for this court to do that very important work, it is best to have all lived experiences and points of view at the table. Because we can all strive to be compassionate and understanding, but we really can’t know what it’s like to be someone else and walk in their shoes. As is the case with the activities of all three branches of our government, we want the public to have confidence in the work that we do on behalf of our communities, in the knowledge that as we do that work, no one is left behind.”
Justice Michelle M. Keller said, “Each time I walk into this building – its beauty, its history – I am reminded of both the beauty and the weight of history and that each one of us, no matter what our position, is just occupying that for a brief moment in history. But today, seating you on this court has forever altered the history of the Kentucky Court of Justice.”
Justice Goodwine
Justice Goodwine serves the eight counties of Kentucky’s 5th Supreme Court District. She was elected in November and began serving in January after six years on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where she served as deputy chief judge. Her legal career began in 1979 as a legal secretary and court reporter. Today, she holds the distinction of being the first woman and the fifth person to serve at all four levels of Kentucky’s judiciary.
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.
Watch the recorded investiture this weekend at ket.org/ky-supreme-court.
Source: Kentucky Court of Justice
