Judge Steven W. Sword was confirmed to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Division, by the General Assembly today. He was appointed to the intermediate appellate court by Governor Bill Lee on Feb. 28, 2025, after a recommendation from the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments. Judge Sword fills the vacancy created by the passing of Judge James C. Witt, Jr.
Judge Sword previously served as a Knox County Criminal Court Judge for the 6th Judicial District. He was appointed to the position in 2011 by then Governor Bill Haslam. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Sword served as assistant district attorney in Knox County for 15 years. He’s served as a Judge Advocate General, United States Army Reserves, Captain, since 2004.
Judge Sword is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association and the Tennessee Trial Judges Association. His community involvement includes serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Knox County Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative, Co-Chair of the Criminal Justice Section of the Knoxville Bar Association, Chaplain of American Legion Post 2 and Lay Leader at Fellowship Evangelical Free Church.
Judge Sword earned his bachelor’s degree at King College and his juris doctor at the University of Tennessee School of Law.
