Circuit Judge Judy Vance Murphy has agreed to a two-week suspension following an investigation by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission.
She was suspended without pay beginning this past Monday through Nov. 25.
The commission issued a notification of the agreed order of suspension on Tuesday, citing that Murphy waived formal proceedings and agreed to the order.
During its investigation, the commission determined that Murphy violated four provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
According to the release, in September 2023, Murphy leveraged her influence as a judge in handling a personal matter involving her daughter’s boyfriend and his mother.
Between August 2017 and March 2021, Murphy inappropriately engaged in discussions about ongoing cases with individuals not involved in those cases, thereby threatening the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
She was also observed using her mobile phone from the bench during court proceedings for non-court related matters, which resulted in a claim of periods of inattention to judicial matters and the appearance of impropriety.
Lastly, in 2024, Murphy inappropriately leveraged her judicial influence for personal gain by requesting that a suspended attorney sign an affidavit stating the attorney did not view Murphy as vindictive.
Murphy acknowledged the allegations as true and agreed to the suspension. During the suspension, she cannot use her judicial office or other judicial offices she may have. She cannot use her courthouse access pass and must turn in all credentials and passes during her suspension.
In addition, she must recuse herself from all proceedings involving the suspended attorney.
Murphy was contacted Tuesday morning and given an opportunity to make a statement. She referred the Community Voice to attorney Elmer George. He was also contacted and said he would be able to provide a statement at a later date but was not available to do so Tuesday.
Attorney Janet Stumbo is listed as Murphy’s attorney on the court documents and Stumbo spoke to the Lexington Herald Leader, saying she had no comment about the suspension.
By Sharon Burton
snburton@farmlandpub.com
