The Tennessee Court of Appeals has 12 members who sit in panels of three every month across the state. On March 24 in Nashville, as court was called to order, a significant moment in the history of the COA took place.
“When I came on the court in 2019, I was the only female,” said Judge McGee. “Judge Davis came on the court in 2020, and then when Judge Smith came on the court last year, it’s the first time in recent history that we’ve had three female judges.”
There have been times in the past when the COA had three women judges across the western, middle and eastern sections of Tennessee. However, the opportunity for them to sit together didn’t happen because judicial travel was not the requirement it is today.
“My understanding is they did not have traveling judges assigned every month at that time and now traveling judges are assigned all the time,” said Judge McGee. “We find out a year in advance what months we will be going and sitting with other sections.”
Since Judge Davis was assigned to travel this month, and March is Women’s History Month, the judges coordinated a date that worked for all of them.
“I’m honored to witness Tennessee history in a panel of judges on our Court of Appeals composed entirely of women judges,” said Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Holly Kirby. “Judge McGee, Judge Davis, and Judge Smith are inspirational and show the progress of women in positions of great responsibility in our government.”
Justice Kirby was one of those early pioneers, often referred to as the “first” or the “only” woman throughout her legal and judicial careers.
“Thirty years ago, a panel like this wouldn’t have been possible; back in 1996, I was the only woman judge on the entire Court of Appeals, statewide,” said Justice Kirby. “Judges McGee, Davis, and Smith are the living embodiment of the strides women have made in the legal profession and in the judiciary. Much respect to all three of these accomplished leaders.”
“I think if you ask any of us, Judge Davis, Judge Smith or myself, we’re very proud to represent the females in the legal world and on this court, but we also see ourselves first as judges,” said Judge McGee.
Judge McGee hopes this historic milestone sends the message to girls that no profession is off limits.
“I think a lot of times, especially girls, are led to believe that if they want to have a family, if they want to have a home life, if they want to have a marriage, and if they want to do all the mom things, they can’t pursue a career,” said Judge McGee. “You don’t have to be held back just because you’re going to have a full plate. It’s ok. Go get your education and go do what you feel called to do, and don’t be afraid to go out there and do the hard things and to pursue careers that even 50 years ago might not have been realistic options.”
