News
January 25, 2022
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications for two imminent vacancies on the Eastern Section of the Court of Criminal Appeals after the Honorable Norma McGee Ogle and the Honorable D. Kelly Thomas, Jr. elected not to file declarations of candidacy for retention…
January 12, 2022
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Sarah K. Campbell to the Tennessee Supreme Court and Judge John W. Campbell, Sr. to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Division.“Sarah is a highly accomplished attorney and brings valuable experience from the federal…
January 6, 2022
The Jackson, Nashville, and Knoxville Supreme Court Buildings will both be closed on Thursday, January 6, 2022, due to inclement weather conditions. Governor Bill Lee has also closed state office buildings across the state today. These closures include the Appellate Court Clerk's Offices.…
November 10, 2021
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments met today to consider five applicants for the Court of Criminal Appeals vacancy in the Western Section. After holding a public hearing and conducting public interviews, the Council selected the following applicants:Donald H. AllenJohn W.…
November 8, 2021
Governor Bill Lee appointed two new members to the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments, which manages the application process, interviews candidates, and makes a recommendation to the governor for vacancies in the Tennessee appellate courts, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, or the…
November 5, 2021
Retired Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Alan E. Glenn passed away on November 4, 2021, at the age of 79. He served on the Court of Criminal Appeals for over 22 years, taking the bench in 1999 and serving until his retirement on July 1, 2021.“I am honored to have served on the Court of Criminal…
October 13, 2021
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments will consider five applicants when it meets to select nominees for the Court of Criminal Appeals opening in the Western Section created by the retirement of the Honorable Alan E. Glenn. The applicants are: Donald H. Allen Kyle Atkins John W…
September 28, 2021
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications for the Court of Criminal Appeals vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Alan E. Glenn, effective July 1, 2021.Any interested applicant must be a licensed attorney who is at least 30 years of age, a resident…
September 1, 2021
Judge Jill Bartee Ayers was welcomed to the Court of Criminal Appeals in a special investiture ceremony held in the State Capitol on August 30. She is the 44th judge to take the bench on the Court of Criminal Appeals.
“Judge Ayers is basically the best and the brightest. She has the…
August 26, 2021
The investiture ceremony of Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Jill Bartee Ayers will be livestreamed at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 30. Judge Ayers was unanimously confirmed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals – Middle Section during a joint session of the General Assembly on April 12. The…
April 12, 2021
Judge Jill Bartee Ayers was unanimously confirmed during a joint session of the Tennessee General Assembly as the newest member of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals – Middle Section. Judge Ayers was appointed by Governor Bill Lee on January 12, 2021, after being one of three candidates…
March 30, 2021
The Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee today held a confirmation hearing for Judge Jill Bartee Ayers for a seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals Middle Section. Judge Ayers is currently a circuit court judge in the 19th judicial district, which includes Montgomery and Robertson counties. …
March 2, 2021
Several Tennessee Supreme Court justices and intermediate appellate judges joined other state leaders in a processional as the three State of Tennessee constitutions made their way to the new State Library and Archives on Bicentennial Mall. The three priceless documents were meticulously moved by…
February 12, 2021
The Tennessee Judiciary mourns the loss of retired Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Jerry L. Smith, who passed away on February 12, 2021.Judge Smith was appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals in 1995 by Governor Don Sundquist. He was elected to a full term on the bench in 1996 and was reelected…
January 12, 2021
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced appointments to judicial positions across the state.“I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals, and I value the experience they will bring to their respective judicial districts,” said Governor Lee. “I’m confident they…
November 5, 2020
Since its inception in 2001, the 21st District Recovery Court has been a blessing for people struggling with substance use disorders. Through the recovery court program, habitual, non-violent offenders are given the opportunity to avoid incarceration, get healthy, and turn their lives around for…
October 27, 2020
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments met yesterday and today to consider 11 applicants for the Court of Criminal Appeals vacancy in the Middle Section. After holding a public hearing and conducting public interviews, the Council selected the following applicants:Jill Bartee AyersKim R.…
October 14, 2020
The Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments will hold its hearing to fill a vacancy in the Court of Criminal Appeals Middle Section on Monday, October 26 and Tuesday, October 27, beginning at 9 a.m. CDT. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council will hold this hearing virtually via video…
October 6, 2020
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments will consider 11 applicants when it meets to select nominees for the Court of Criminal Appeals opening in the Middle Section created by the retirement of the Honorable Thomas T. Woodall. The applicants are: Jill Bartee AyersCharles R.…
September 24, 2020
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications for the Court of Criminal Appeals vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Thomas T. Woodall, effective January 1, 2021.Any interested applicant must be a licensed attorney who is at least 30 years of age, a…