Kentucky Court of Appeals

Two members are elected from each of seven districts and serve eight-year terms of office.

Usually one judge is chosen to author the majority opinion for each panel in a particular case.

The Kentucky Court of Appeals hears appeals from the Kentucky Circuit Courts, with the exception of criminal cases involving sentences of death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment of twenty years or more, in which appeals are taken directly to the Kentucky Supreme Court.

In addition, original actions may be filed with the Kentucky Court of Appeals in certain situations.

Prior to the 1975 constitutional amendment the Clerk of the Court of Appeals was an elected position.