News

Judge Kathryn Olita
September 29, 2023
After years of planning, grant applications, hiring, and meetings, the 19th Judicial District has launched a Mental Health Court. “When I started regularly hearing criminal cases here in the 19th, I noticed that certain defendants were cycling through my courtroom,” Judge Kathryn W. Olita said. “A…

September 28, 2023
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced three key judicial appointments for newly created state courts. “I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to their respective roles,” said Governor Lee. “I…

Judge Norman at his retirement party.
September 25, 2023
The Tennessee judiciary is mourning the loss of retired 20th Judicial District Judge Seth Walker Norman, who passed away on September 25 at the age of 89. Judge Norman served as a criminal court judge in Nashville from 1990 until his retirement in 2018. He is often considered the father of the…

August 31, 2023
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met today in Franklin to consider four candidates for a circuit court judge vacancy in the 21st Judicial District, which includes Williamson County. This vacancy was created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Michael W. Binkley on September 29, 2023. After…

August 30, 2023
The Tennessee Supreme Court has appointed former Judge D. Kelly Thomas as a senior judge. He replaces current Senior Judge Thomas Wright, who is retiring. Judge Thomas’ appointment will begin September 1, 2023 and is for a term of two years. Judge Thomas has over 30 years of judicial experience,…

August 30, 2023
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met today in Murfreesboro to consider five applicants for a circuit court judge vacancy in the 16th Judicial District, which includes Rutherford and Cannon Counties. This vacancy was created by the upcoming retirement of Judge J. Mark Rogers on September 1, 2023…

August 29, 2023
The Tennessee Supreme Court has appointed former Judge Vanessa Agee Jackson as a senior judge for a term of four years, effective September 1, 2023. Judge Jackson previously was a circuit court judge in the 14th Judicial District, which includes Coffee County, from 2009 to 2022. In that position,…

August 16, 2023
The Board of Judicial Conduct has issued an interim suspension for Hawkins County Juvenile Judge Daniel Boyd. See the suspension here. 

July 26, 2023
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission will consider four applicants when it meets on August 31 in Franklin to select nominees for a circuit court judge vacancy in the 21st Judicial District, which includes Williamson County. This vacancy will be created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Michael W.…

July 26, 2023
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission will consider five applicants when it meets on August 30 in Murfreesboro to select nominees for a circuit court judge vacancy in the 16th Judicial District, which includes Rutherford and Cannon Counties. This vacancy will be created by the upcoming retirement of…