Kentucky Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments at University of the Cumberlands

In an effort to educate students and the broader community about the judicial system, the Supreme Court of Kentucky will hear oral arguments April 13–14, 2026, at University of the Cumberlands.

Proceedings will take place at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 13th, and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14th, in the Kohn Theatre.

The public is invited to attend in person or watch via livestream at ket.org/supremecourt.

Hosting oral arguments on campus provides a unique opportunity for students to observe the judicial process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of how legal decisions are made at the state’s highest court. The Supreme Court of Kentucky, the court of last resort in the Commonwealth, consists of seven justices who hear and decide appeals from across the state.

Event tickets can be secured at https://www.ucumberlands.edu/events/kentucky-supreme-court-cumberlands.

Cases scheduled for argument during the visit include:

Monday, April 13

• Shelly Damron v. Commonwealth of Kentucky
• Mercy Regional Emergency Medical System, LLC, et al. v. Estate of Joshua Adam Fuson, et al.

Tuesday, April 14

• Daniel J. Carey, II, D.C., et al. v. Craig Heligman, M.D., et al.
• Daniel J. Carey, II, D.C., et al. v. CSX Transportation, INC.
• CSX Transportation, INC. V. Daniel J. Carey, II, D.C., et al.

In addition to oral arguments, University of the Cumberlands will host several educational events designed to connect students directly with members of the Court. On April 14, the university will host a reception for Justices and select pre-law students. During this invite-only event, Justices will be paired with small groups of students for informal conversation and Q&A, offering insight into the legal profession, law school preparation, career pathways, and public service.

The opportunity reflects University of the Cumberlands’ commitment to a student-centered approach, where experiential learning and personal interaction with leaders in the field help prepare students for meaningful careers.

Later that evening, the university will host a panel discussion titled “The Work of Justice: Decision-Making and Service in Kentucky’s Courts.” The panel will feature Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert and other members of the Court and will explore the role of the judiciary, the decision-making process, and the impact of the courts on communities across the Commonwealth.

By bringing oral arguments to campus, the Court continues its longstanding commitment to civic education and public engagement, offering students and community members a closer look at the judicial branch in action.