FRANKFORT, Ky., Nov. 1, 2007 -- Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts Jr. has appointed Kentucky Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert to membership on the Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction of the Judicial Conference of the United States. The three-year appointment was effective Oct. 15, 2007.

Chief Justice Lambert is one of six new members appointed to the 14-member committee. The membership includes state Supreme Court chief justices from Delaware, Kentucky, Montana and Pennsylvania; four U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges; four U.S. District Court judges; one U.S. bankruptcy judge; and one U.S. magistrate judge.

The Judicial Conference of the United States established the Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction in 1987 to study proposed changes in federal jurisdiction and to serve as a liaison with the state courts. Topics previously considered by the committee include class action/mass torts, patients' rights, immigration reform, asbestos litigation, private property rights, diversity jurisdiction and habeas corpus procedures. The committee usually meets in January and June of each year to consider pending business and to make recommendations to the Judicial Conference when appropriate.

"Your experience and knowledge concerning the judicial process will be of great value to the committee's work and I look forward to working with you in the years ahead," said Committee Chair U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in a letter to Chief Justice Lambert on his appointment. "The committee's consideration of proposals is enriched by its diverse composition. The presence of the chief justices also allows us to learn more about the views of the Conference of Chief Justices, an organization that facilitates consultation among state courts."

"I am honored to be appointed by Chief Justice Roberts to this important committee," said Chief Justice Lambert. "Federal and state courts exist to serve the citizens of this nation and their work often overlaps. This committee endeavors to assure that judicial resources are used efficiently and to recognize the distinct role of state and federal courts."

Chief Justice Lambert was elected to the Supreme Court in 1986. In 1998, he became Kentucky’s fourth chief justice by a vote of his fellow justices. He has since been elected to two additional four-year terms as chief justice.