Karen is from Lexington, Kentucky. She attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts at Lafayette High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from the University of Louisville and a law degree from the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. She lives in Louisville with her husband and her two sons, Liam and Leo.

Karen Faulkner - Ballotpedia

Karen Faulkner is from Lexington, Kentucky. She has a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from the University of Louisville and a law degree from the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. She lives in Louisville with her husband and her two sons.

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Karen currently works as a private attorney and public defender. 

Karen currently serves as a district court judge for District 30. 

For Candidate Karen Faulkner on Issue judicial-administration: Aims to restore faith in the judiciary by improving court access, reducing delays, and utilizing technology to enhance participation and attendance.

Aims to restore faith in the judiciary by improving court access, reducing delays, and utilizing technology to enhance participation and attendance.

For Candidate Karen Faulkner on Issue judicial-administration: Aims to improve court efficiency and access by utilizing bail alternatives and supporting specialty courts such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and the Unlawful Camping docket.

Aims to improve court efficiency and access by utilizing bail alternatives and supporting specialty courts such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and the Unlawful Camping docket.

Seeks to ensure all in the court system are treated fairly and with respect and that the courtroom is run efficiently and fair.

Aims to improve access to the court system and the district court schedule.

Supports restorative justice and strives to expand social programs for youth that are involved in the juvenile justice system.

For Candidate Karen Faulkner on Issue Ethics & Conduct: Advocates for evaluating bail alternatives over incarceration and ensuring timely court appearances for those held in jail, emphasizing the need for a justice system that serves rather than harms individuals, particularly the mentally ill, drug-addicted, and poor.

Advocates for evaluating bail alternatives over incarceration and ensuring timely court appearances for those held in jail, emphasizing the need for a justice system that serves rather than harms individuals, particularly the mentally ill, drug-addicted, and poor.

- Aims to restore faith in the judiciary by improving court access, reducing delays, and utilizing technology to enhance participation and attendance.
- Aims to improve court efficiency and access by utilizing bail alternatives and supporting specialty courts such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and the Unlawful Camping docket.
- Seeks to ensure all in the court system are treated fairly and with respect and that the courtroom is run efficiently and fair.
- Aims to improve access to the court system and the district court schedule.
- Supports restorative justice and strives to expand social programs for youth that are involved in the juvenile justice system.
- Advocates for evaluating bail alternatives over incarceration and ensuring timely court appearances for those held in jail, emphasizing the need for a justice system that serves rather than harms individuals, particularly the mentally ill, drug-addicted, and poor.

Judicial Administration

As of March 10, 2026, Karen Faulkner’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Philosophy

Serves as a co-coach for duPont Manual High School’s Mock Trial team and on the Advisory Committee for Seneca and Waggener High Schools’ Pre-Law Programs.

Serves as one of the teen court judges for the court designated Worker Teen Court Diversion Program.

Serves as a volunteer Amnesty Court Judge, clearing up old warrants, and has presided over hundreds of cases on the adult criminal dockets, juvenile court and probate dockets.

Serves as a presiding judge on the Unlawful Camping Court.

Served as an adjunct professor at the Brandeis School of Law and as a guest lecturer at the University of Louisville, Legal Aide, Ivy Tech, and Brown Mackie College.

- Serves as a co-coach for duPont Manual High School’s Mock Trial team and on the Advisory Committee for Seneca and Waggener High Schools’ Pre-Law Programs.
- Serves as one of the teen court judges for the court designated Worker Teen Court Diversion Program.
- Serves as a volunteer Amnesty Court Judge, clearing up old warrants, and has presided over hundreds of cases on the adult criminal dockets, juvenile court and probate dockets.
- Serves as a presiding judge on the Unlawful Camping Court.
- Served as an adjunct professor at the Brandeis School of Law and as a guest lecturer at the University of Louisville, Legal Aide, Ivy Tech, and Brown Mackie College.

Community Involvement

Ethics & Conduct

As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As a private attorney, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in family law.

Has practiced in every area of District Court, as well as Circuit, Family, and Federal Courts, with extensive jury and bench trial experience at all state levels.

Has practiced in every area of District Court, as well as Circuit, Family, and Federal Courts, with jury and bench trial experience at all state levels.

- As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As a private attorney, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in family law.
- Has practiced in every area of District Court, as well as Circuit, Family, and Federal Courts, with jury and bench trial experience at all state levels.

Legal Experience

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Karen Faulkner

- 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. 