News

October 15, 2025
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Tennessee Court of Appeals following the retirement of Judge Kenny Armstrong on February 9, 2026.Qualified applicants must be licensed attorneys who are at least 30 years of age, have been…

April 15, 2025
 April 15, 2025, marked the centennial of Governor Austin Peay’s signing of the act creating the Court of Appeals.  This milestone offers the opportunity to look back at the origins of the Court and to recognize some of the notable jurists who have served on it.The Court of Appeals came…

March 24, 2025
Judge Valerie L. Smith was confirmed to the Court of Appeals, Western Division, by the General Assembly today. She was appointed to the intermediate court by Governor Bill Lee on Feb. 28, 2025, at the recommendation of the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments. Judge Smith fills the vacancy…

March 3, 2025
Governor Bill Lee announced two judicial appointments on Feb. 28, 2025.Judge Steven W. Sword was appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Division, and Judge Valerie L. Smith was appointed to the Court of Appeals, Western Division.Judge Sword currently serves as a Criminal Court Judge…