News
April 8, 2014
The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals opened in a unique way on Tuesday, April 8, as two Nashville-area musicians played the Star-Spangled Banner just before oral arguments began.
The trumpet performance was one of dozens that Steven H. Smartt has given this year as part of his effort to perform…
April 4, 2014
In a unanimous opinion, the Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that a guilty plea expunged after successful completion of judicial diversion is not considered a conviction and would not be subject to review in post-conviction proceedings.The case involves Jose Rodriguez, a Mexican citizen who in…
April 4, 2014
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has appointed Judge Jeff Bivins, a member of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, to the Tennessee Supreme Court, replacing Justice William C. Koch Jr., who is retiring July 15, 2014.“I had the opportunity to appoint Judge Bivins to the Court of Criminal Appeals, and…
April 2, 2014
The Tennessee Supreme Court will bring oral arguments to Bethel University next week as part of the Court’s SCALES program, as high school and college students get a personal look at how the court operates.More than 800 students from eight area high schools and Bethel University are expected to…
April 2, 2014
Mr. Ramsey Leathers, who served as the Tennessee Supreme Court Clerk from 1963-1987, died March 28 in Nashville. He is remembered by many for his kindness and service to the public.Mr. Leathers' obituary can be found…
April 1, 2014
The National Judicial College presented Advancement of Justice Awards to several individuals and entities Monday in Nashville for their efforts to improve access to justice in the state of Tennessee.
Among the award recipients are the Tennessee Supreme Court, its Access to Justice Commission and…
April 1, 2014
The Governor’s Commission for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications for the upcoming appeals court vacancies created by Court of Appeals Judge Holly M. Kirby’s appointment to the Tennessee Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Jerry L. Smith’s announcement that he will not…
March 31, 2014
A suspension of Knoxville attorney Roger D. Hyman’s law license has been upheld by a unanimous opinion of the Tennessee Supreme Court.In 2010, the Board of Professional Responsibility filed a petition for discipline against Mr. Hyman for two unrelated complaints. The petition charged that Mr. Hyman…
March 28, 2014
Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Chris Craft is a 2014 recipient of the Dunavant Public Servant Award, selected by the family of the late Probate Court Clerk Bobby Dunavant and the Rotary Club of Memphis East.…
March 18, 2014
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts is accepting applications for two grants. The deadline for both grants is April 11. More information is available here: Application for Grant Funding by State Appropriation Parent Education and Mediation Fund…
March 17, 2014
A five-member Special Supreme Court convened solely to hear a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the way appellate judges are initially chosen and later stand for reelection to office ruled today that the current retention election system for choosing appellate judges does not violate the…
March 7, 2014
In a unanimous opinion, the Tennessee Supreme Court has held that state law allows a plaintiff to add a defendant whose involvement was raised by the original defendant, even when the plaintiff was aware of the new defendant before the statute of limitations expired.The case involves Michael Becker…
March 7, 2014
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today appointed Carma Dennis McGee of Savannah as chancellor in the 24th Judicial District. She replaces Chancellor Ron E. Harmon, who died September 14, 2013.McGee will serve immediately upon her appointment and be up for election this August. The 24th…
March 6, 2014
The Tennessee Supreme Court has reinstated a Memphis man’s conviction for first-degree felony murder while clarifying Tennessee law regarding the requirements to make an arrest and when a confession can be a basis for a conviction.Courtney Bishop and an accomplice schemed to rob a drug dealer at…
March 5, 2014
The Governor's Commission for Judicial Appointments met Wednesday, March 5 in Nashville to interview five candidates for the position on the Tennessee Supreme Court being vacated this summer by Justice William C. Koch, Jr.After conducting a public hearing and interviews of all the candidates, the…
March 5, 2014
Sullivan County General Sessions Judge William A. "Bill" Watson died last week after an extended illness. Judge Williams,74, was first elected in 1998.More information and a…
February 27, 2014
Sumner County Circuit Court Judge C.L. “Buck” Rogers died Thursday, February 27, 2014 in Hendersonville.Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Hendersonville Memory Gardens, 353 Johnny Cash Parkway, Hendersonville 37075; (615) 824-3855.Memorial services will start at 2 p.m. Sunday, March…
February 25, 2014
The first-ever statewide gathering of faith-based organization and pro bono lawyers will bring together individuals and groups with a common interest in assisting Tennesseans with civil legal problems.The Tennessee Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission is hosting the Faith-Based Initiatives…
February 24, 2014
The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission is hosting a Pro Bono Legal Clinic Conference on Monday, March 10, 2014, in Nashville, TN. The Conference will be a combination of presentations and round-table discussions, and topics will include recruiting attorney volunteers,…
February 21, 2014
The Governor’s Commission for Judicial Appointments will consider five applicants when it meets March 5 in Nashville to select nominees for the Tennessee Supreme Court vacancy.The vacancy was created by the announcement last year by Justice William C. Koch, Jr. that he will retire in July to become…