News

April 13, 2026
The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals heard oral arguments April 7-8 at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Judges John W. Campbell, Camille R. McMullen and Robert W. Wedemeyer sat in for the court. The experience was especially poignant for Judge Wedemeyer.“This year…

March 27, 2026
On March 24, 2026, the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals heard oral arguments for its Knoxville docket at the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law. Judges Timothy L. Easter, J. Ross Dyer, and Tom Greenholtz, who is a UT Winston Law graduate, sat in for the court.“The law students can…

March 26, 2026
Governor Bill Lee appointed Judge Stacy Street to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Section.Judge Street is currently serving as Criminal Court Judge in the First Judicial District. He earned his bachelor’s degree at East Tennessee State University and juris doctor at the University…

March 5, 2026
 The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments met in Knoxville today to select nominees for the Court of Criminal Appeals Eastern Section vacancy following Justice Kyle Hixson’s elevation to the Tennessee Supreme Court. After holding a public hearing and conducting public interviews, the…

February 17, 2026
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments will consider eight applicants when it meets to select nominees for an upcoming vacancy on the Court of Criminal Appeals Eastern Section, after the appointment of Judge Kyle A. Hixson to the Tennessee Supreme Court.The applicants include:Bryce…

February 3, 2026
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, following the appointment of Judge Kyle A. Hixson to the Tennessee Supreme Court.Qualified applicants must be licensed attorneys who are at least 30 years of…

July 29, 2025
Criminal Court of Appeals (CCA) Judge Robert Wedemeyer was recently elected presiding judge of the CCA.“He was voted in by acclamation, so everybody is excited for him to take the reins,” said CCA Judge Camille McMullen.As presiding judge, Wedemeyer will be responsible for:Presiding at all meetings…

April 17, 2025
Court of Criminal Appeals, Middle Section, Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer is celebrating 25 years on the bench.“It’s been a great honor and privilege to serve in the Tennessee judiciary, and I cannot believe these years have gone by so quickly,” said Judge Wedemeyer. “It’s been a great honor to serve…

March 24, 2025
Judge Steven W. Sword was confirmed to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Division, by the General Assembly today. He was appointed to the intermediate appellate court by Governor Bill Lee on Feb. 28, 2025, after a recommendation from the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments. Judge…

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…

February 4, 2025
On Jan. 28, 2025, the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals held oral arguments for its Knoxville docket at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Sitting for the court were Judges Robert H. Montgomery, Tom Greenholtz, and Kyle A. Hixson, all of whom are University of Tennessee College of Law…

February 3, 2025
On Jan. 28, 2025, the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals held oral arguments for its Knoxville docket at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Sitting for the court were Judges Robert H. Montgomery, Tom Greenholtz, and Kyle A. Hixson, all of whom are University of Tennessee College of Law…

November 13, 2024
Nashville, Tenn. – The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments will consider three applicants for the Court of Appeals Eastern Section.The applicants are:Bryce W. McKenzieWillie SantanaSteven W. SwordThe public hearing for this position is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:30 EST…

October 7, 2024
Nashville, Tenn. – The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications for the vacancy on the Court of Criminal Appeals following the death of Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr., on August 17, 2024.                      …

August 26, 2024
Retired Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Joe D. Duncan passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 20 in Farragut. He was 100 years old.In 1990, Judge Duncan retired from the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. He was elected to the post by Governor Winfield Dunn, in 1975. Prior to his appointment,…

August 20, 2024
Court of Criminal Appeals Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr. passed away on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. Judge Witt was serving as a judge on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Section, at the time of his passing. He was appointed to the court by Republican Governor Don Sundquist in…

May 20, 2024
Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Camille R. McMullen was selected to give the commencement address at her alma mater, the University of Tennessee Law School, on May 16. “Being chosen by the students of the Class of 2024 to deliver the commencement address was an honor and a privilege I…

January 31, 2024
The Association for Women Attorneys (AWA) of Memphis honored Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge Camille McMullen with the Marion Griffin-Frances Loring Award at its annual banquet on January 25. The award is presented to someone who exhibits outstanding achievement in the legal…

December 1, 2023
The Tennessee judiciary is reflecting on the legacy of the late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who passed away on December 1, 2023, at the age of 93. Justice O’Connor made history in 1981 when she was the first female appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States. Justice O’Connor was also a…

June 27, 2023
The Court of Criminal Appeals has elected Judge Camille R. McMullen as its Presiding Judge.  She succeeds Judge Curwood Witt of Knoxville.  Judge McMullen was appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals by former Governor Phil Bredesen in 2008.  She will become the first woman and the…