Justice Shea Nickell was formally sworn in during a ceremony Wednesday in Frankfort.
Chief Justice John Minton, a Trigg County native, administered the oath of office in the Supreme Court Courtroom at the state Capitol.
Chief Minton said Justice Nickell would bring practical experience and a great heart to the Supreme Court.
Justice Nickell said he pledged to do his best” in his new role and that he could not express in words the great honor and excitement he has in joining the Supreme Court.
Justice Nickell was elected in the November general election to serve the 1st Supreme Court District, which is composed of the 24 westernmost counties in Kentucky. He has served the counties in the 1st District for 13 years as a judge with the Kentucky Court of Appeals for the 1st Appellate District, 1st Division.
Justice Nickell was elected to fill the vacancy of Justice Bill Cunningham, who retired in February. Justice David Buckingham was appointed to fill Cunningham’s vacancy until the November general election.
