News
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…
September 19, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. - The Tennessee Supreme Court today affirmed the suspension of a Davidson County attorney for his disclosure of confidential client communications in violation of the ethics rules for lawyers. The violations stemmed from attorney James B. Johnson’s representation of a client…
September 12, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. - The Trial Court Vacancy Commission has received five applications for a vacancy in the 20th Judicial District following the retirement of the Honorable Phillip R. Robinson on Oct. 17, 2025. The 20th Judicial District covers Davidson County, and this circuit court will be assigned…
September 10, 2025
Judge Emily Abbott was appointed by Governor Bill Lee to serve on the Sixth Judicial District Criminal Court on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. She was sworn in just three days later.“I wanted to go ahead and get sworn in immediately to be able to start hearing cases because Knox County had been without a…
September 5, 2025
Not long after taking the bench in Gibson County, General Sessions Court Judge Bradley Owens made a startling observation- many of the defendants before him did not understand the legal consequences of their choices.“I see all of these adults, even with violation of probation, even after they would…
September 4, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. - The Supreme Court has elected Justice Jeff Bivins to be the next Chief Justice of the Court. Justice Bivins was unanimously elected by the Court for a three-year term, effective September 1, 2025. This is the second time Justice Bivins will serve as Chief Justice. He…
August 29, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. - On September 4, 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for its September docket in Knoxville, Tennessee. Oral arguments will be heard at the Tennessee Supreme Court building in Knoxville and livestreamed to the TNCourts YouTube page…
August 29, 2025
Governor Bill Lee appointed Chris Frulla to the Circuit Court and Raymond Lepone to the Criminal Court in Judicial District 30, which covers Shelby County.Chris Frulla currently serves as a partner at Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, PLC. Frulla earned his bachelor’s degree at College of…
August 25, 2025
Nashville, Tenn- The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is currently accepting applications to fill the vacancy in the 20th Judicial District Third Circuit Court following the retirement of the Honorable Phillip R. Robinson on Oct. 17, 2025.The 20th Judicial District covers Davidson County, and this…
August 18, 2025
Governor Bill Lee appointed Emily Abbott to the 6th Judicial District Criminal Court, which covers Knox County, and William Lane to the 32ndJudicial District Circuit and Chancery Courts, which cover Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties, on Aug. 15, 2025.Emily Abbott currently serves as an Assistant…
August 18, 2025
Governor Bill Lee appointed Emily Abbott to the 6th Judicial District Criminal Court, which covers Knox County, and William Lane to the 32ndJudicial District Circuit and Chancery Courts, which cover Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties, on Aug. 15, 2025.Emily Abbott currently serves as an Assistant…
July 31, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. - The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met in Nashville to select nominees for a criminal court judge in the 20th Judicial District which covers Davidson County. After holding a public hearing and conducting public interviews, the Commission selected the following nominees to forward…
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…
July 18, 2025
The Tennessee Supreme Court held today in State of Tennessee v. Shanessa L. Sokolosky, that an appeal of a probation revocation order was not moot even when the defendant fully served her sentence.Shanessa Sokolosky pleaded guilty in 2019 to two misdemeanors. Instead of serving time in…
July 18, 2025
Nashville, Tenn.- The Administrative Office of the Courts today announced the release of an updated official judicial seal and accompanying style guide. The newly redesigned judicial seal maintains key traditional elements symbolic of the court’s authority, impartiality, and dedication to…
July 16, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. - The Trial Court Vacancy Commission has referred the Criminal Court Vacancy in the 30th Judicial District to Governor Bill Lee. In accordance with state law, the Governor may fill the vacancy with any person who is qualified to serve as a judge in the 30th Judicial District.Four…
July 16, 2025
Nashville, Tenn. – The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met in Memphis to select nominees for a circuit judge in the 30th Judicial District.After holding a public hearing and conducting public interviews, the Commission selected the following nominees to forward to Governor Bill Lee for his…