---
title: "Tom Emberton | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/tom-emberton-7328"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Tom Emberton

Kentucky Court of Appeals · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Kentucky Court of Appeals
- State: Kentucky
- Role: Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Court of Appeals of Kentucky, 1989-present
- The Kentucky General Assembly authorized the project in 2024, and Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert called him “a noted leader and statesman” whose legacy “inspires both the community and judicial branch”
- Tom Dale Emberton Sr. (1932–2022) was an American lawyer, politician, and judge best known for his service on the Kentucky Court of Appeals and his role as a Republican gubernatorial candidate in 1971
- Chief Judge, Kentucky Court of Appeals; 2002; 2004
- Appointed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals in 1989, later served as chief judge, and retired in 2004
- Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge (1987–2004), appointed by Democratic Governor Wallace Wilkinson to fill a vacancy

### Education

- University of Louisville School of Law in — J.D. (1962)
- University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law — J.D.
- Degrees from Western Kentucky University and the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.

### Additional information

- Served twice and was Chief Judge from 2002 until retirement in 2004
- Born July 14, 1932 in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, Emberton attended Western Kentucky University
- Date of birth: 1932
- He served in the U.S. Air Force before beginning his legal career
- Emberton was known for his integrity, leadership, and dedication to public service, and was respected across Kentucky’s political and legal communities
- The Metcalfe County Courthouse was renamed in his honor
- Birth place: Monroe County

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing platform

Scope: statewide

Kentucky Court of Justice publishes statewide instructions for using Zoom to participate in remote court proceedings.

Evidence excerpt: This page provides general instructions about how to use Zoom to participate in a remote court proceeding.

[Kentucky Court of Justice: Remote Court General Instructions](https://kycourts.gov/Courts/Pages/Remote-Court-Information.aspx)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### video voice content sharing

Scope: statewide

Kentucky identifies Zoom as a platform that supports video, voice, and content sharing for desktops, mobile devices, phones, and room systems.

Evidence excerpt: Zoom is a videoconferencing platform that offers video, voice and content sharing for desktops, mobile devices, phones and room systems.

[Kentucky Court of Justice: Remote Court General Instructions](https://kycourts.gov/Courts/Pages/Remote-Court-Information.aspx)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### county login information

Scope: statewide

Kentucky directs parties to obtain specific remote-court login information from the circuit court clerk for the county where they are scheduled to appear.

Evidence excerpt: To request specific login information for your court event, contact the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in the county in which you are scheduled to appear.

[Kentucky Court of Justice: Remote Court General Instructions](https://kycourts.gov/Courts/Pages/Remote-Court-Information.aspx)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7328/tom-emberton/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7328/tom-emberton/)
- [Court of Appeals of Kentucky current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7328/tom-emberton/)
- [Kentucky Court of Justice: Remote Court General Instructions](https://kycourts.gov/Courts/Pages/Remote-Court-Information.aspx)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7328/tom-emberton/)
- [Wikidata: Tom Emberton](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7815722)
- [www.kycourts.gov](https://www.kycourts.gov/Pages/Article.aspx?n=KentuckyCourtofJustice&prId=459)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7328/tom-emberton/)
- [Wikidata: Tom Emberton](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7815722)

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