Kentucky gun permits

Administrative changes in the application/renewal procedure for carrying handguns and other “concealed” weapons in Kentucky go into effect today.

Initially, a certified birth certificate or naturalization papers were required in applying for permits. That provision is now being supplemented by applicants being able to use a notarized affidavit.

Also, the manner of payment’s changed, with $20 going to the resident’s local county sheriff’s office as before, but now necessitating a separate $40 check or money order with the respective completed form (application for new permit or renewal) for the balance amount to the Kentucky State Police’s office.

Kentucky permits are recognized by both Ohio & Indiana law enforcement agencies.

The application/renewal request procedures are summarized here, with more information posted on the Kentucky State Police’s website. Additional questions and personal concerns are requested to be directed to the applicant’s respective state patrol post.

Kenton County (859) 392-1400 [ http://www.kentoncounty.org/sheriff/index.html ]

Campbell County (859) 292-3833 [ no URL ]

Boone County ( 859) 334-2175 [ http://www.boonecountyky.org/so/default.aspx ]

Ohio "private judges"

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that “private judges” can only preside over bench trials, and that there are no provisions for their hearing jury trials. They are afforded facilities, staff, and equipment at the discretion of the individual courts if the parties involved assume such costs.

“In matters referred to private judges pursuant to ORC § 2701.10 and Gov.Jud.R. VI, the court in which the action or proceeding is pending,” the Court’s syllabus said, “is not required to provide the retired judge with court or other facilities, equipment, or personnel, but may in its discretion do so if the parties assume the responsibility and pay for all costs arising out of the provision of the facilities, equipment, and personnel.”

ORC § 2701.10(D) specifies, the Court continued, “’[a] retired judge to whom a referral is made under this section shall try all of the issues on the action or proceeding, shall prepare relevant findings of fact & conclusions of law, and shall enter a judgment in the action or proceeding in the same manner as if he were an active judge of court.’”

(Court’s opinion summary)

(See Ohio Supreme Court’s “Guidelines for assignment of judges”)

First Lethal Injection with New Procedures: Man Executed Less than 4 years after Killing Wife

On July 13, 2006, the State of Ohio executed Rocky Barton for the 2003 murder of his wife. Barton became the first person executed under Ohio's new procedures. Prisons Director Terry Collins ordered a revision of procedures after problems developed at the May 2 execution of Joseph Clark. Clark’s lethal injection was delayed more than 60 minutes when a vein collapsed and medical technicians struggled to restore an intravenous line. Barton was examined the day before the execution, and it was found that his veins were not at risk for collapse. The execution team also was told to take its time in connecting the lethal injection lines so there was no "artificial time barrier," Collins said.

For more information, see the Cincinnati Law Library's blog post from July 3, 2006.