News
September 22, 2021
A lifetime dream came true for recently appointed Judge Robert Thomas Bateman when he donned a black robe and took the bench for the first time as one of the 19th Judicial District’s newest judges.Judge Bateman was officially sworn in on August 19, 2021, in Robertson County, during a joint ceremony…
September 21, 2021
The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services kicked off its 44th annual Equal Justice University by honoring the Tennessee Supreme Court for its leadership and work in keeping courts open and accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic. EJU is virtual again this year and the piece honoring the Court was…
September 15, 2021
Sumner County Youth Empowerment (SCYE) is Tennessee’s first juvenile mental health court. The intensive probation and treatment program, which kicked off in May and welcomed its first case last month, is designed to help vulnerable youth avoid the adult court system.“We figured a court is the best…
September 10, 2021
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed A. Blake Neill to serve as circuit court judge for the 25th Judicial District to fill the Honorable Joe H. Walker III’s vacancy, effective immediately.“Blake will bring extensive experience to this role, and I’m confident he will serve Tennesseans with…
September 9, 2021
The Tennessee Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts, Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, the Tennessee Department of Human Services, and the Tennessee Housing Development Agengy sponsored an Evictions Summit on Tuesday, August 31 for all stakeholders in the evictions…
September 7, 2021
The Board of Judicial Conduct has issued a 30-day suspension for Lewis County General Sessions and Juvenile Judge Michael Hinson. Read the Board's Suspension here.
September 3, 2021
A commitment to helping themselves while serving others in need is what the 23rd Judicial District Drug Court is all about. That’s why this group of Drug Court participants and team members were among the first to lend a hand when catastrophic flooding devastated the community of Waverly, Tennessee…
September 1, 2021
Judge Jill Bartee Ayers was welcomed to the Court of Criminal Appeals in a special investiture ceremony held in the State Capitol on August 30. She is the 44th judge to take the bench on the Court of Criminal Appeals.
“Judge Ayers is basically the best and the brightest. She has the…
August 31, 2021
The investiture and swearing-in ceremony for incoming Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger A. Page scheduled for this week has been postponed until later this fall. As is customary, Justice Page will take the oath privately and become the Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court on…
August 30, 2021
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed Ryan Spitzer to serve as circuit court judge for the 7th Judicial District to fill the Honorable Donald R. Elledge’s vacancy, effective immediately.“Ryan is a dedicated public servant with an extensive background in criminal prosecution,” said Governor…
August 27, 2021
The Tennessee Supreme Court has appointed Judge Roy B. Morgan. Jr., as a senior judge for a term of four years, effective September 1, 2022. Judge Morgan is currently a circuit court judge in the state’s 26th Judicial District, which includes Chester, Madison, and Henderson counties. He will retire…
August 26, 2021
The Tennessee Supreme Court today issued an Order that reinforces the authority of judges statewide to respond to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, including requiring facial coverings in their judicial districts or courtrooms. The Court strongly encouraged judges to consider implementing a…
August 26, 2021
The investiture ceremony of Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Jill Bartee Ayers will be livestreamed at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 30. Judge Ayers was unanimously confirmed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals – Middle Section during a joint session of the General Assembly on April 12. The…
August 24, 2021
Court operations in Humphrey County have been disrupted by the catastrophic flooding in the area over the weekend. While the courthouse itself did not sustain substantial damage, phone, internet, and road outings and closures are impacting court business. In addition, court staff lost family,…
August 24, 2021
Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Roger A. Page has been elected Chief Justice by his colleagues for a term that begins September 1, 2021. Justice Page succeeds Justice Jeff Bivins, who has served as chief justice since September 2016.“It is an honor to serve as chief justice and a responsibility…
August 16, 2021
The Tennessee Supreme Court has upheld a decision of a Board of Professional Responsibility Hearing Panel denying an attorney’s petition seeking relief from costs associated with his disbarment proceedings. This case stems from a petition of discipline filed against Knoxville attorney Loring…
August 13, 2021
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced key appointments to the Board of Parole and judicial positions across the state.“It’s an honor to announce the appointment of eight qualified Tennesseans who will each bring valuable experience to their respective roles,” said Gov. Lee. “I am grateful…
August 11, 2021
The Tennessee Trial Judges Association installed a new president for the 2021-2022 term at a recent meeting. The Tennessee Trial Judges Association, formed in 1976, is a non-partisan association of participating circuit, criminal and chancery court judges from each county in the state…
August 3, 2021
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met today, Tuesday, August 3, to consider candidates for the 24th judicial district circuit court vacancy. The 24th judicial district includes Benton, Carroll, Decatur, Hardin, and Henry counties. This vacancy was created by the retirement of the Honorable C…
August 2, 2021
In a unanimous opinion released today, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that the economic loss doctrine applies in fraud actions where the parties are sophisticated commercial entities and the claim is based solely on alleged misrepresentations or nondisclosures about the quality of the goods…