News

November 21, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. – On December 3, 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, as part of the Court’s SCALES program. …

November 20, 2025
Governor Bill Lee appointed Bethany Glandorf to the 20th Judicial District Circuit Court, which covers Davidson County.Glandorf currently serves as a special master for the Third Judicial District Circuit Court. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and the University of Memphis…

November 19, 2025
Shelby County General Sessions Court Judge Lonnie Thompson was one of five children born to a single mother in an impoverished neighborhood in South Memphis. He attended Memphis City Schools with no idea he would end up in the legal field. Instead, Judge Thompson dreamed of a future in music.…

November 17, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. – The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has welcomed Jim Holcomb as its new Judicial Safety Program Manager.In this role, Holcomb has begun leading a coordinated, proactive strategy to protect the people who serve Tennessee’s justice system. He is the primary safety liaison…

November 10, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. - 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 D. Michael Swiney on January 12, 2026.Qualified applicants must be licensed attorneys who are at least 30 years of…

November 6, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. - The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has welcomed Jay Miller as its new General Counsel. In his role, Miller will lead the Legal Services and Judicial Development division and serve as a member of the AOC’s Executive Leadership Team.“We are excited to welcome…

November 5, 2025
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments will consider seven applicants when it meets to select nominees for an upcoming vacancy on the Court of Appeals Western Section, after the retirement of Judge Kenny Armstrong on February 9, 2026.The applicants include:Lori R. HolyfieldEileen…

November 5, 2025
Judge Raymond Lepone was appointed to the 30th Judicial District Criminal Court, which covers Shelby County, by Governor Bill Lee on August 29. He filled the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paula Skahan. Although he has a new title, Judge Lepone is no stranger to the criminal court.“I…

October 24, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. – On November 5, 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for its November docket in Jackson, Tennessee.  Oral arguments will be heard at the Tennessee Supreme Court building in Jackson and livestreamed to the TNCourts YouTube page (…

October 22, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. - The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments will consider five applicants when it meets to select nominees for an upcoming vacancy on the Tennessee Supreme Court after the retirement of Justice Holly Kirby on June 30, 2026. The applicants include: J. Ross DyerKyle…

October 15, 2025
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met in Nashville to select nominees for a vacancy in the 20th Judicial District Third Circuit Court. After holding a public hearing and conducting public interviews, the Commission selected the following nominees:Bethany P. GlandorfMorgan E. SmithJohn R. WilksTo…

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…

October 13, 2025
The Tennessee Supreme Court today held that a woman who filed a wrongful death lawsuit complied with the state’s health care liability pre-suit notice statute when she identified herself as the claimant authorizing the notice and the mother of the patient.Bobbie Jo Denson sent pre-suit notice and…

October 13, 2025
Today in Matthew Long v. Chattanooga Fire and Police Pension Fund, the Tennessee Supreme Court reinstated the Chattanooga Fire and Police Pension Fund’s (Fund) denial of the plaintiff’s pension benefits.  The plaintiff, Matthew Long, was a firefighter.  In 2020, he applied for job-…

October 8, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Supreme Court today held that the warrantless seizure of a firearm did not violate the U.S. Constitution. The Court found that the firearm was seized properly under the “plain view exception.” Seizures made without first obtaining a warrant generally are considered…

October 3, 2025
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Tennessee Supreme Court following the retirement of Justice Holly Kirby on June 30, 2026.Qualified applicants must be licensed attorneys who are at least 35 years of age, have been residents of…

September 25, 2025
Judge Chris Frulla is drawn to career paths that demand patience, precision, and unearthing the truth. He’s now a circuit court judge in the 30th Judicial District, but has been in the practice of excavation before.“I had the pleasure of doing a two-week archeological survey on an island down in…

September 23, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. – On October 1, 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for its October docket in Nashville, Tennessee.  Oral arguments will be heard at the Tennessee Supreme Court building in Nashville and livestreamed here…

September 23, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. – Justice Holly Kirby has announced she will retire from the Tennessee Supreme Court, effective June 30, 2026.Justice Kirby was appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court by Governor Bill Haslam in 2014, serving as Chief Justice from 2023-2025. Throughout her legal career, Justice…

September 19, 2025
Governor Bill Lee appointed Judge Jim Todd to the 20th Judicial District Criminal Court, which covers Davidson County.Judge Todd currently serves as a judge in the Davidson County General Sessions Court, District VI. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University and juris doctor at…