News
September 25, 2013
A pilot program in Sumner County General Session Judge James Hunter’s courtroom allows language interpreters to provide services from any location via an internet connection.The first remote session was held for five cases this week. The interpreters worked via laptop using a video and audio feed…
August 29, 2013
Tennessee held its first ever Veterans Treatment Court graduations this week, as eight people completed the innovative program designed to help veterans and active service members.The graduations took place in the Clarksville courtroom of Judge Kenneth Goble, Jr. and in Memphis in Judge Bill…
July 10, 2013
Williamson County General Sessions Judge Al Nations has announced he will retire at the end of September. “I am incredibly grateful to the citizens of Williamson County for the opportunity to serve the community for 18 years as a judge and 25 as a school teacher and administrator,” Judge Nations…
April 15, 2013
The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct has issued a public reprimand to Judge James McKenzie of Rhea County.Judge McKenzie’s reprimand is the result of his conduct in two incidents in late 2012, one concerning comments made regarding an attorney appearing in Judge McKenzie’s courtroom and another…
January 4, 2013
Robert D. “Don” Arnold was sworn in Thursday as the third General Sessions Judge for Washington County.Judge Arnold was appointed by the Washington County Commission during a special meeting convened Thursday. He was immediately sworn in by Criminal Court Judge Robert E. Cupp.Judge Arnold was on…
December 17, 2012
Assistant District Attorney Lila Statom was sworn in Monday morning as General Sessions Judge, Division IV, in Hamilton County.Governor Bill Haslam appointed Judge Statom to fill a vacancy created by Judge Ronald W. Durby, who is taking leave from the court."It is my desire to faithfully serve the…
September 21, 2012
Nashville, Tenn.—The Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization announced it has awarded funds from its reserves to projects supporting the Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Initiative. The Commission’s reserves accumulate from fees paid by lawyers who do not complete the…
July 30, 2012
From Memphis ABC 24Randy Wimbley
MEMPHIS, TN - They leave to fight for our freedom, but many come home only to lose it. There are more veterans committing crimes than many care to admit.Trauma experienced during service leads some down that path. Shelby County has taken notice and created a program…
July 18, 2012
From the Clarksville Leaf ChronicleBy: Philip Grey
General Sessions Judge Ken Goble banged his gavel at approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 17, and the long-awaited Veterans Court became a reality.
The court is aimed at helping veterans who come to the criminal justice system as a result of drug…
June 15, 2012
Judge Monte D. Watkins recently received the 2012 Z. Alexander Looby Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in the legal community, academia and public service. Watkins has been a criminal court judge since 2003. Prior to his appointment, he worked as a private…
May 31, 2012
From the Morristown Citizen Tribune
Optimistic determination and steadfast integrity — relying on those qualities, Hamblen County General Sessions Judge Joyce M. Ward served local citizens for 16 years.
Her tenure ends Thursday, May 31, as her retirement begins. Tuesday afternoon, state Sen. Steve…
April 13, 2012
Hawkins County General Sessions Judge James F. Taylor reached an agreement with the Court of the Judiciary today. He agreed to an immediate suspension and will resign effective May 1.
Read the Order
April 9, 2012
The Court of the Judiciary has issued a public reprimand against Obion County General Sessions Court Judge Jimmy C. Smith in response to a complaint filed against the judge.View the Public Reprimand
February 28, 2012
Court of the Judiciary Issues a Public Reprimand for Judge John Bell
The Court of the Judiciary has issued a public reprimand against Cocke County General Sessions Court Judge John Bell in response to a complaint filed against the judge.
Read the Public Reprimand
January 26, 2012
Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon died in his home overnight from what appears to be a massive heart attack. He was 60."Our judicial family is deeply saddened by the loss of Judge Bob Moon," said General Sessions Court Judge Ben Hall McFarlin, president of the Tennessee General…
January 24, 2012
The Court of the Judiciary has today filed formal charges against Hawkins County General Sessions Court Judge James F. Taylor for five counts of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Taylor has 30 days to file a response to the charges.Presiding Judge Chris Craft has also filed an…
January 5, 2012
Warren County General Sessions Court and Juvenile Court Judge Larry Ross is stepping down after more than 13 years on the bench.His resignation is effective January 15.To read more, please see this article from WSMV - Nashville.
December 27, 2011
The Court of the Judiciary has issued a public reprimand to Pickett County General Sessions Court Judge Ronnie Zachary in response to a complaint that was filed against the judge.Click here to download the public reprimand.
December 9, 2011
The Court of the Judiciary has issued a public reprimand to Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge David Bales in response to two separate complaints that were filed against the judge.Click here to download the public reprimand.
November 30, 2011
The Tennessee Court system today completed a multi-year project to install trial court case management software in court clerks offices across the state.The Tennessee Court Information System, called TnCIS, provides clerks with an automated case management system that reduces paperwork, processes…