Debra Hembree Lambert

Current office: Chief Justice, Kentucky Supreme Court

Office per official source. 5 official record items loaded (selection, not exhaustive). Checked 2026-09-24.

Opinion (majority): Mercy Regional Emergency Medical System, LLC v. Estate of Joshua Adam Fuson

Affirmed; addressed whether KRS 413.170(1) tolls the statute of limitations for minor children's loss of parental consortium claims against an EMS provider when the original suit was filed against other defendants before the EMS provider was added. Docket 2024-SC-0371-DG, decided 2026-06-25. Authored majority opinion. Source: official court opinion page.

Opinion (majority): Baskin v. Commonwealth of Kentucky

Reversed and remanded; addressed criminal law issues including Batson challenge to jury selection, directed verdict on aggravated trafficking, and evidentiary rulings regarding police body camera footage and expert testimony. Docket 2024-SC-0336-MR, decided 2026-06-25. Authored majority opinion. Source: official court opinion page.

Opinion (majority): R.L.P. v. Commonwealth of Kentucky

KRS Chapter 202C's involuntary commitment process for defendants found incompetent to stand trial for qualifying offenses is civil, not criminal; the statute does not violate due process, equal protection, or state constitutional requirements. Docket 2025-SC-0121-DG, decided 2026-04-23. Authored majority opinion. Source: official court opinion page.

Opinion (majority): State Auto Property & Casualty Company v. Greenville Cumberland Presbyterian Church

A building insurance policy's collapse coverage applied to a church roof that sustained an actual collapse due to hidden decay; the circuit court summary judgment for the insurer is vacated and remanded for entry of judgment in favor of the church. Docket 2023-SC-0220-DG, decided 2024-12-19. Authored majority opinion. Source: official court opinion page.

Opinion (majority): Woodside v. Commonwealth of Kentucky

The trial court did not abuse its discretion by limiting cross-examination of a victim who was an undocumented immigrant regarding U visa status, absent evidence that the victim had sought or inquired about such status. Docket 2023-SC-0141-MR, decided 2024-12-19. Authored majority opinion. Source: official court opinion page.

On the ballot: Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, 3rd District — November 3, 2026 general election

Listed as "Debra Hembree Lambert" (Nonpartisan) on the Kentucky Secretary of State certified candidate list for the 2026 General Election (as of read 2026-09-24). Checked 2026-09-24.

On the Nov 3, 2026 general ballot — Justice of the Supreme Court, KY-SUPCT-03

Ballot designation: Nonpartisan

Justice of the Supreme Court · KY-SUPCT-03

Nonpartisan · Incumbent · On the 2026 ballot