Governor Steve Beshear makes first judicial appointment.

Here is the press release:

Governor Beshear Appoints District Judge

FRANKFORT, KY (January 31, 2008) – Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed the Honorable John Paul Chappell to the office of District Judge for the 27th Judicial District, Division 2, of Kentucky, serving Knox and Laurel Counties. The vacancy was created when Judge Michael Caperton was elected to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

Chappell, 37, has been in private practice in London since 1999. He has tried civil and criminal cases in state and federal district courts. Chappell also has presented oral arguments before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Kentucky Supreme Court.

He received his undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Chappell then earned his juris doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law. He lives in London with his wife, Sherri, and their three children.

This appointment shall serve until the November 4, 2008, general election.