Located in the east-south central region of the country, Kentucky sits in the Sixth Circuit of the United States. It is one of four US states which is constituted under commonwealth, and was originally part of Virginia, prior to becoming a state on June 1, 1792, making it the 15th US state admitted to the union. With a population of over 4.4 million it is the 26th largest state by population, and 37th largest by area, at roughly 40,400 square miles.

Horse racing, college basketball, coal, moonshine, tobacco, bluegrass, automobile manufacturing, and bourbon distilleries throughout the state, are a few of the major trademarks which the state is known for. And, these are among the leading economic-drivers in the state as well. Excellent farming conditions make Kentucky one of the country’s leading economies in farming and agriculture. It is also known for bourbon production, auto manufacturing, energy fuel production, medical facilities, coal, and electricity production, are among the leading areas of development. Total gross product in 2016 for Kentucky was $197 billion, making it the 28th in the nation.

Kentucky is a commonwealth, much like Virginia from which the state was formed.  The government of Kentucky has three branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branch, with headquarters in the state capital of Frankfurt.

The Judicial Branch is known as the Kentucky Court of Justice, and is made up of District courts, Circuit courts, specialty courts as well as an appellate court system comprised of the Kentucky Court of Appeals and the Kentucky Supreme Court.  District courts have limited jurisdiction, and Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction.  Specialty courts cover areas such as Drug Courts and Family Courts. 

Kentucky holds 8 electoral votes during presidential elections.

The National Law Review covers the latest stories and developments in Kentucky. Agency news, recent legislation, tax laws, bankruptcy, employment laws, discrimination cases, and other developing stories and litigation from the state. Visitors will find information about upcoming developments, recent developments, and stories which affect the state of Kentucky, and the country, on the National Law Review.