Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Justice Laurance B. VanMeter took the Constitutional Oath of Office Monday afternoon in a ceremony at the Kentucky State Capital. An overflow crowd attended the ceremony and reception including former Chief Justice Joe Lambert.
Governor Andy Beshear stated that VanMeter was elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court in November 2016 and took office in January 2017. Governor Beshear also recognized VanMeter for serving in all four judicial courts in Kentucky or District Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, and the Kentucky Supreme Court. Robert Stivers, the President of the Senate, called VanMeter a “man with patience and wisdom.” David W. Osborne, the Speaker of the House, stated that it was an “honor to be selected by your peers.” William M. Lear, Jr., a former State Representative and Chairman Emeritus of Stoll, Keenon, and Ogden law firm in Lexington, reminisced of hiring VanMeter out of Kentucky Law School in 1982 and then hiring him as an associate in 1983.
His cousin, Robert F. Houlihan, also called VanMeter a man “to whom much is given; much is required.” Houlihan made the formal motion to seat the new Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter.
His wife and children were there to witness the ceremony along with many other judges, circuit court clerks, and friends.
