The Kentucky Application for the Retired Judges Program is an initiative created by the Kentucky Supreme Court to allow retired judges to provide judicial services to the state. The program is designed to provide additional support to judicial systems in areas where there is a shortage of judges or a backlog of cases. The program allows retired judges to serve as pro tempore (temporary) judges or special judges, hearing cases in various types of proceedings. There are three types of Kentucky Application for the Retired Judges Program: 1. Pro Tempore Judge Program: Retired judges can serve as pro tempore judges, presiding over civil and criminal cases in the state as needed. 2. Special Judge Program: Retired judges can serve as special judges, hearing cases in specialized areas such as family court, juvenile court, and probate court. 3. Senior Judge Program: Retired judges can serve as senior judges, presiding overspecialized cases in appellate courts. The program is open to retired judges who meet the qualifications set forth by the Kentucky Supreme Court. Applicants must have a valid Kentucky law license and must have served as a judge in the state for at least two years.