Court Opinion

ID: 9750085
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-28 14:17:50.101772+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:26:02.498660
License: Public Domain

VENTERS, J.,
dissenting.
I disagree with the majority’s conclusion that KRS 532.043(5) is unconstitutional. Certainly, the concept of a term of release and re-incarceration following the completion of a lengthy prison sentence is a novel and unconventional approach to criminal punishment. But, I find nothing in our Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine that expressly or inherently bars the General Assembly from re-vesting the judicial branch with jurisdiction to adjudicate alleged violations of the kind of conditional discharge created by KRS 532.043. I see nothing in the inherent powers of the executive branch that compels it to adjudicate such violations, or that prohibits the judicial branch from doing so under legislative authorization. I therefore respectfully dissent.
SCOTT, J., joins.