Court Opinion

ID: 9679143
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 06:42:15.455826+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:17:10.631924
License: Public Domain

SCOTT, Justice,
dissenting.
Although I agree with Counts I II and IV, I would dismiss Count II (making a false statement to a tribunal.) This charge was founded upon the respondent’s filing for election to the office of Circuit Judge, which under Section 122 of the Kentucky Constitution, required him to be licensed to practice law in the courts of this Commonwealth, and a licensed attorney for at least eight years. At the time of his application for election, he had been temporarily suspended for failing to pay bar dues and for non-compliance with continuing legal education requirements — all of which were remedial.
The time to test for qualifications, however, is the time one takes office — not when one files. Kirkpatrick v. Brownfield, 97 Ky. 558, 559, 31 S.W. 137, 138 (1895); Ky. OAG 79-601 (1979). See also Com. ex. rel. Buckman v. Miller, 272 S.W.2d 468 (Ky.1954). Thus, there could be no false statement. Otherwise, attorneys who do not meet all of the qualifications for office at the time of filing could never file and run for office, though they would be constitutionally qualified to hold the office once elected.
The majority opinion should not be so interpreted.
GRAVES, J., joins this dissent.