Josephine Layne Buckner earned a B. A. in English literature from the University of Louisville in 1996 and a J. D. from Northern Kentucky University—Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 2004.

Josephine Layne Buckner - Ballotpedia

Linkedin

Josephine Layne Buckner earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Louisville and a law degree from the Northern Kentucky University—Salmon P. Chase College of Law.

Josephine is a domestic violence prosecutor for Jefferson County. She previously worked as an assistant county attorney with the Jefferson County Attorney's Office and as a domestic violence advocacy program director with the Legal Aid Society of Louisville. She also served as a public defender representing juveniles and adults. 

Voters oust District Judge Armstrong - The Courier-Journal

Josephine previously worked as a domestic violence prosecutor for the Jefferson County Attorney's Office. She also worked as a criminal defense attorney for the Kentucky Public Defender and a domestic violence advocacy program director with the Legal Aid Society of Louisville. She also served as a public defender representing juveniles and adults. 

Josephine previously ran for election to the 30th District Court in 2014 but did not win. 

Judicial Nominating Commission announces nominees for Jefferson District Court judge

Facebook

Josephine serves as a judge on Kentucky's 30th District Court's 12th Division. She was appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022 and is in her first term. Josephine previously ran for election to the Louisville Metro Council's 3rd District in 2018 and Kentucky's 30th District Court in 2014 and 2015, but did not win. 

'My body is in pain!' | Herbert Lee has heated exchange with judge ...

Followed standard procedure when entering not guilty pleas for a defendant without an attorney, and helped make sure they had access to a phone and medical attention.

- Followed standard procedure when entering not guilty pleas for a defendant without an attorney, and helped make sure they had access to a phone and medical attention.

Judicial Administration

Cashless bail system discussed in forum - Louisville - WAVE

Served on a panel discussing how to reform Kentucky's bond system.

- Served on a panel discussing how to reform Kentucky's bond system.

Judicial Philosophy

As of March 10, 2026, Josephine Layne Buckner did not have a website or any information online.

Community Involvement

Was removed from the Breonna Taylor protest case by the Kentucky Supreme Court for concerns of impartiality because she had previously been an attorney for Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers when they represented Taylor's family, as well as for Facebook posts she made or shared regarding that case prior to being a judge.

- Was removed from the Breonna Taylor protest case by the Kentucky Supreme Court for concerns of impartiality because she had previously been an attorney for Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers when they represented Taylor's family, as well as for Facebook posts she made or shared regarding that case prior to being a judge.

Ethics & Conduct

LinkedIn

As a domestic violence prosecutor, Buckner oversees civil and criminal cases involving individuals accused of harming an intimate partner.

As a domestic violence prosecutor for the Jefferson County Attorney's Office for three years, oversaw civil and criminal cases involving individuals accused of harming an intimate partner.

As a criminal defense attorney for the Kentucky Public Defender for seven years, provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney.

- As a domestic violence prosecutor for the Jefferson County Attorney's Office for three years, oversaw civil and criminal cases involving individuals accused of harming an intimate partner.
- As a criminal defense attorney for the Kentucky Public Defender for seven years, provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney.

Legal Experience

Twitter

Josephine Layne Buckner

Has experience in both trial and appellate courts.

Believes she has more experience practicing in juvenile court than many of the other candidates.

As of March 10, 2026, Josephine Layne Buckner’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Josephine is a domestic violence prosecutor for Jefferson County. She previously worked as an assistant county attorney with the Jefferson County Attorney's Office and as a domestic violence advocacy program director with the Legal Aid Society of Louisville. 

Josephine is currently a district court judge for Kentucky's 30th Judicial District. She was first elected in 2020. She previously ran for a seat on the 30th District Court in 2014 and 2015 but did not win.

As a domestic violence prosecutor, she serves the people of Jefferson County, focusing on legal issues related to domestic violence.

For Candidate Josephine Layne Buckner on Issue legal-experience:  
Buckner has trial and appellate experience, having practiced in courtrooms across the Commonwealth.

- District court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases, as well as, small claims (involving $2,500 or less), landlord eviction cases, and cases related to domestic violence and abuse. 
- In Kentucky, there are 116 district court judges serving in 60 judicial districts.
- District court judges are elected for four-year terms in nonpartisan elections. Vacancies can be filled by the governor's appointment, with staggered elections ensuring that only some judges are elected each year.
- District court judges earn ​$141,761 annually. 