More than 170 trial and appellate judges from across the state gathered in Chattanooga last week for the annual Tennessee Judicial Conference. The conference included continuing legal education on a wide range of topics such as workers’ compensation, judicial ethics and access to justice.
The opening meeting on Wednesday featured an address from Governor Bill Haslam, who discussed the state’s financial recovery and topics from the recent legislative session. The governor also discussed the method for selecting judges, reiterating that he favors the current merit selection and retention election system.
Later on Wednesday, the judges listened to a luncheon address from Tom Griscom, who served as director of communications for President Ronald Reagan and as press secretary to U.S. Senator Howard Baker.
Thursday’s Bench-Bar Program, held in conjunction with the Tennessee Bar Association, featured a trip to the Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton, Tenn., where lawyers and judges learned about the historic Scopes Monkey Trial and enjoyed lunch on the courthouse lawn.
At Friday’s business meeting, Criminal Court Judge James C. Beasley of the 30th Judicial District in Shelby County was inducted as the new president of the Tennessee Judicial Conference. Beasley, who previously served as president-elect, replaces outgoing conference President Chancellor Skip Frierson of the 3rd Judicial District. Circuit Court Judge Robert L. (Bobby) Holloway of the 22nd Judicial District was elected president-elect.
