All

Haslam Names Phillip Robinson Judge of Third Circuit Court for Davidson County

cmahoney@tncourts.gov — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:32:52 +0000

02/23/12

From the Governor's Office

Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced Phillip Robinson as judge of the Third Circuit Court for the 20th Judicial District, replacing Barbara Haynes who retired last year. Robinson received his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law and has spent the entirety of his 36-year legal career practicing in Nashville.

“Phillip has practiced law in Davidson County his entire career, and he will bring that extensive experience to the bench,” Haslam said. “I appreciate his willingness to serve.”

The Third Circuit Court will likely be designated a new family law court for Davidson County.

Robinson’s practice originally included domestic relations cases, personal injury and criminal and probate matters, but for the last 25 years it has exclusively been domestic relations with Robinson opening his own practice with associates in 2001.

“I am honored to receive the appointment from Gov. Haslam, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of Davidson County in the Third Circuit Court,” Robinson said.

Robinson is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is board certified as a family law trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a hearing panel member of the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee and a fellow of the Nashville Bar Association. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America from 2005 to present and Mid-South Super Lawyers from 2007 to present.

Robinson, 61, lives in Nashville with his wife Christy Cason Robinson.

Court of Criminal Appeals to Hear Cases at UT College of Law

cmahoney@tncourts.gov — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:20:27 +0000

02/22/12

Nashville, Tenn. – The Court of Criminal Appeals will hear cases at the University of Tennessee College of Law on Feb. 29. The morning session will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to attend and will have the opportunity to ask questions after the sessions.

The court was invited to convene at the law school by Dean Doug Blaze and Professor Penny White. The session will provide a unique learning experience for students.

The panel will include, Judge Jerry L. Smith and Judge Thomas T. Woodall from Middle Tennessee and Judge Roger A. Page from West Tennessee.

List of Cases to be Heard

WHO:        Judge Roger A. Page
                  Judge Jerry L. Smith
                 Judge Thomas T. Woodall

WHAT: Court of Criminal Appeals - Eastern Section at Knoxville, Tenn.

WHERE:   University of Tennessee College of Law
                  Room 237
                 Knoxville, Tenn.

WHEN: Morning Session – 9:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session – 1:30 p.m.

# # #

Court of the Judiciary Interim Report

cmahoney@tncourts.gov — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:01:02 +0000

02/22/12

Court of the Judiciary Interim Report

Mahoney Selected as New AOC Public Information Officer

cmahoney@tncourts.gov — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:13:48 +0000

02/21/12

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts is pleased to announce Casey Mahoney as the new Public Information Officer (PIO).

“I’m excited to have Casey onboard,” said Elizabeth Sykes, Director of the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. “Her experience with government media relations, website management and social media will be a tremendous asset to the Tennessee judiciary and the people of Tennessee.”

Mahoney has nearly eight years of government communication experience under four different administrations in Florida and Tennessee. Most recently, she was the Asst. Director of Public Affairs at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Mahoney has a B.S. in Communication/Public Relations and an M.S. in Political Science/Applied American Politics & Policy. She has experience in leading statewide promotional campaigns, project management as well as media relations.

“It’s great to be with the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, and I look forward to continue working for the people of Tennessee,” said Mahoney.

The PIO is responsible for media relations, website management, social media as well as public record accessibility.

Mahoney resides in Dickson County with her husband, Kevin and their two children.

For more information on the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Court, visit www.tncourts.gov.

Judge Keta Barnes Honored With J. C. Napier Trailblazer Award

joann.watlington@tncourts.gov — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:03:10 +0000

02/17/12

Smyrna Municipal and General Sessions Judge Keta Barnes was presented with the 2012 J. C. Napier Trailblazer Award last night at the 8th Annual Napier-Looby Bar Foundation Banquet and Awards Program was held at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel.

To read more, click here to read the Daily New Journal article in its entirety.

Justice Janice Holder Greets Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Before MTSU Address

joann.watlington@tncourts.gov — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:12:31 +0000

02/10/12

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor delivered the 21st Annual Windham Lecture in Liberal Arts to an overflow crowd at MTSU’s Wright Music Building on Wednesday, February 8. After her speech, Justice O'Connor answered questions submitted by MTSU students.

Click here to read Shelbyville Times-Gazette article about Justice O’Connor’s appearance.

Nominating Commission Recommends Three Attorneys for 26th Judicial District Circuit Court Vacancy

joann.watlington@tncourts.gov — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:37:19 +0000

02/10/12

Jackson, Tenn. – The Judicial Nominating Commission met in Jackson today to review the four applicants for the judicial vacancy in the 26th Judicial District created by the appointment of Roger A. Page to the Court of Criminal Appeals.

After holding a public hearing and interview for each applicant, the Judicial Nominating Commission has recommended the following three candidates to Governor Bill Haslam:

Dale Conder, Jr.
Partner
Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, PLC
Jackson, TN

Nathan Pride
Sole Practitioner
Jackson, TN

Lloyd Tatum
Private Practice
Henderson, TN

The governor may now appoint one of these candidates.

# # #

Judge Dan Swafford Praises Advocates

joann.watlington@tncourts.gov — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:55:25 +0000

02/06/12

Bradley County Juvenile Judge Dan Swafford praised the efforts of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program volunteers at a recent Cleveland Kiwanis Club luncheon.

Click here to read the Cleveland Daily Banner article in its entirety.

Chief Justice Cornelia A. Clark - Keynote Speaker - Greene County Drug Court Graduation

rrobinson@tncourts.gov — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:13:08 +0000

02/03/12

Chief Justice Cornelia A. Clark was the keynote speaker at the Greene County Drug Court Graduation ceremony held on January 19th, 2012 at the Greene County Courthouse. Chief Justice Clark, General Sessions Judge Kenneth Bailey and other drug court supporters were there to celebrate the accomplishments of the drug court graduates.

Click here to view a video of Chief Justice Clark's remarks.
Photograph and video courtesy of the Greeneville Sun.

Court of the Judiciary Issues Public Reprimand Against Dickson County Juvenile Court Judge A. Andrew Jackson

lclick@tncourts.gov — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:56:09 +0000

01/30/12

The Court of the Judiciary has issued a public reprimand against Dickson County Juvenile Court Judge A. Andrew Jackson for failing to appoint counsel in two cases.

Click here to view the public reprimand.

Shelby County Juvenile Court Wins Three Top Designations

lclick@tncourts.gov — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:14:28 +0000

01/26/12

The Shelby County Juvenile Court is the only juvenile court in the southeast to earn three top designations - national accreditation, designation by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and designation as a model site from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Only a few other juvenile courts in the country have achieved all three designations.

More information about these accomplishments can be found in this article from The Commercial Appeal.

Judiciary Mourns Death of Judge Bob Moon

lclick@tncourts.gov — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:26:01 +0000

01/26/12

Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon died in his home overnight from what appears to be a massive heart attack. He was 60.

"Our judicial family is deeply saddened by the loss of Judge Bob Moon," said General Sessions Court Judge Ben Hall McFarlin, president of the Tennessee General Sessions Judges Conference. "Judge Moon served on the bench with great honor and dignity for many years. He was also adept at striking the right balance between serving the court, his community and spending time doing the things he enjoyed with the people he loved."

"The court system and the Chattanooga community has lost a great servant and dear friend today. His colleagues on the bench will miss him dearly and our prayers go out to his family during this difficult time," McFarlin said.

The visitation will take place on Friday, January 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home and on Saturday, January 28 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church on McCallie Avenue.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 28, at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.

Click here to read more from the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Click to read an article from The Chattanoogan.

Court of the Judiciary Files Formal Charges Against Judge James Taylor

lclick@tncourts.gov — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:51:27 +0000

01/24/12

The Court of the Judiciary has today filed formal charges against Hawkins County General Sessions Court Judge James F. Taylor for five counts of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Judge Taylor has 30 days to file a response to the charges.

Presiding Judge Chris Craft has also filed an Order of Recusal because he served on the investigative panel for this matter. Presiding Judge Pro-tem Jean Stanley will serve as presiding judge in this matter.

From this point forward, all filings in this matter will be public in nature and they will be posted online here.

4 Attorneys Apply for 26th Judicial District Vacancy

lclick@tncourts.gov — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:07 +0000

01/20/12

Nashville, Tenn. – Four attorneys have applied to fill the Circuit Court vacancy in the 26^th Judicial District, which includes Chester, Henderson and Madison counties. The vacancy was created by the appointment of Circuit Court Judge Roger Page to the Court of Criminal Appeals.

The Judicial Nominating Commission will hold a public meeting to interview the following candidates:

Dale Conder Jr.
Partner
Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, PLC
Jackson, Tenn.

Harold F. Johnson
Sole Practitioner
Jackson, Tenn.

Nathan Pride
Private Practice
Jackson, Tenn.

Lloyd Tatum
Private Practice
Chester, Tenn.

The application for each candidate is available by clicking on the name of each applicant above.

The public hearing will be held on Friday, February 10, at 9:00 a.m. CDT at the Tennessee Supreme Court building in Jackson, Tenn. During the public hearing, attorneys and members of the public may express their approval or objections to the candidates.

Following the public hearing, the commission will interview each applicant before recommending three candidates to the governor. Members of the public are invited to attend both the public hearing and the interviews.

# # #

Judicial Family Reunion To Be Held For 75th Anniversary of the Nashville Supreme Court Building

lclick@tncourts.gov — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:06 +0000

01/18/12

Plans are underway for a Judicial Family Reunion of all persons who've worked in the Nashville Supreme Court Building as part of the 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the building in December 1937. If you or someone you know worked in the Nashville Supreme Court Building, please e-mail Mike Catalano, the Clerk of the Appellate Courts, with the following information if you are interested in attending:

Name
Address
E-Mail Address
Years Worked
Position

In addition, if you have any photographs of people in the building that you would like included as part of the reunion, you can e-mail them to the above e-mail address if they are in digital form, or you can mail prints to the following address:

Mike Catalano

Appellate Court Clerk

401 7th Avenue North

Nashville, TN 37219

Prints will not be returned.

Court of the Judiciary Issues a Public Reprimand for Judge Robert L. Moon

lclick@tncourts.gov — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:47:20 +0000

01/09/12

The Court of the Judiciary has issued a public reprimand against Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Robert L. Moon in response to three separate complaints filed against the judge.

Click here to download the public reprimand against Judge Moon.

Judge Larry Ross to Resign January 15

lclick@tncourts.gov — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:50:40 +0000

01/05/12

Warren County General Sessions Court and Juvenile Court Judge Larry Ross is stepping down after more than 13 years on the bench.

His resignation is effective January 15.

Supreme Court Adopts New Ethics Rules for Judges; Outlines Procedure for Recusals

lclick@tncourts.gov — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:43:32 +0000

01/04/12

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Supreme Court has adopted a comprehensive revision to the Code of Judicial Conduct, which sets forth the ethics rules for Tennessee judges. The new Code of Judicial Conduct, which is Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10, will take effect on July 1, 2012.

Among the principal changes to the Code of Judicial Conduct is the addition of a new procedure for pursuing the recusal of a judge, along with a new process for seeking an expedited appeal if a motion for recusal is denied.

Under the new recusal procedure, judges will be required to provide, in writing, grounds for denying any motion for recusal. And, in cases where the recusal is granted, the rule outlines the process for designating a new judge in the case.

In the new rule, the Court also establishes the process for seeking an expedited appeal should a motion for recusal be denied. Should a judge deny a motion for recusal, an accelerated appeal may be filed with the appropriate appellate court within 15 days of the judge’s ruling. The appellate court will then make a decision on an expedited basis.

The Supreme Court also eliminated the ability for judges to make contributions to political campaigns or political organizations. However, the rule allows judges to purchase tickets to attend campaign events.

In following the American Bar Association’s model rules of judicial conduct, the Court adopted a new provision regarding the disability and impairment of a judge or attorney. The new rule instructs judges to take “appropriate action”, such as referral to a lawyer or judicial assistance program, should a judge have reasonable belief that another judge or attorney is impaired by drugs, alcohol or other physical, mental or emotional condition.

“Maintaining a high standard of judicial ethics is paramount to the public’s trust and confidence in the courts and the judges who preside over them,” said Chief Justice Cornelia A. Clark. “We believe these changes to the Code of Judicial Conduct will provide Tennessee judges with greater guidance for conducting the business of the courts in a fair, impartial and ethical manner.”

The new Code of Judicial Conduct was adopted as a result of a petition filed by the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) to make changes to the current ethics rules. The TBA’s proposed rule changes were developed by a 13-member task force of attorneys and judges.

The Supreme Court filed the TBA’s proposed rules for public comment in March. Following the public comment period, the Supreme Court held oral arguments in December to discuss some of the issues in the TBA’s proposed rule.

The new Code of Judicial Conduct, along with the TBA’s proposed amendments and comments from the public, are available online here.

# # #

Download the Supreme Court's Order & new version of Rule 10

Related documents:

Court of the Judiciary Issues Public Reprimand for Judge Ronnie Zachary

joann.watlington@tncourts.gov — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:44:27 +0000

12/27/11

The Court of the Judiciary has issued a public reprimand to Pickett County General Sessions Court Judge Ronnie Zachary in response to a complaint that was filed against the judge.

Click here to download the public reprimand.

Judicial Nominating Commission Accepting Applications for Vacancy in 26th Judicial District

lclick@tncourts.gov — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:49:11 +0000

12/22/11

Nashville, Tenn. – The Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting applications for the Circuit Court vacancy in the 26^th Judicial District, which includes Chester, Henderson and Madison counties. The vacancy was created by the appointment of Circuit Court Judge Roger A. Page to the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Interested applicants must be attorneys who are at least 30 years of age, a resident of the state for five years and a resident of their circuit or district for one year. Applicants must complete the designated application, which is available at h ere, and submit it to the Administrative Office of the Courts by Friday, January 20, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. CST.

The Judicial Nominating Commission will meet Friday, February 10 at 9 a.m. CST at the Tennessee Supreme Court building in Jackson, Tenn. to interview all qualified applicants. The meeting will also include a public hearing where members of the public may express their opinions about the applicants. The interview, public hearing and deliberation process will be open to the public.

Following the interviews, public hearing and deliberations, the Nominating Commission will select three candidates to recommend to the governor.

# # #

Notice of Judicial Vacancy

Judicial Application & Instructions

Justice Lee Swears in Knoxville Mayor

lclick@tncourts.gov — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:39:39 +0000

12/21/11

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon G. Lee administered the oath of office to Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero Saturday. With Saturday's inaguration ceremony, Rogero became Knoxville's first female mayor.

To read more about the ceremony, click here to see an article and video from WBIR.

Haslam Appoints Page to Court of Criminal Appeals Western Section

lclick@tncourts.gov — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:38:04 +0000

12/21/11

From the Governor's Office:

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced his appointment of Judge Roger Page to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section.

Page currently serves Chester, Henderson and Madison counties as a circuit court judge for Division III of the 26^th Judicial District, a position he has held since his first election in 1998, and he replaces the late Judge J.C. McLin on the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section.

“Roger has been practicing law in West Tennessee for nearly his entire legal career, and he brings extensive experience and knowledge to the bench,” Haslam said. “I appreciate his willingness to continue serving the people of West Tennessee.”

Page, 56, was an assistant attorney general for Tennessee from 1991-1998, when he was elected as the 26^th Judicial District circuit court judge.

He received his J.D. with high honors from the University of Memphis Cecil B. Humphreys School of Law in 1984. He is also a former licensed pharmacist, graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in 1978 and practicing full time until he entered law school in 1981.

“I’m excited by this new opportunity to serve West Tennesseans, and I appreciate Gov. Haslam for selecting me for this duty,” Page said. “I’m honored to follow Judge McLin, who was a friend and very good judge and who did an excellent job in this position. We all miss him very much.”

Page was a member of the Judicial Evaluation Commission from 2004-2008 and currently serves on the Tennessee Judicial Conference Bench-Bar Committee. He attended the National Judicial College with an emphasis on general jurisdiction and search and seizure issues.

The Henderson native is married to Judge Carol McCoy and has two children, Ethan and Justin, who is married to Hannah, and a grandson, Will.

# # #

Lee, Ogle Talk to Local Girl Scout Chapter

lclick@tncourts.gov — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:08:34 +0000

12/21/11

Supreme Court Justice Sharon G. Lee and Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Norma McGee Ogle met with Loudon County Girl Scout Troop 20654 when they visited the Knoxville Supreme Court building on November 21.

The judges talked to the Girl Scouts about the appellate court process and the history of the Knoxville Supreme Court building. The girls each received a lapel pin from the judges that they now wear as part of their uniform.

The Girl Scouts earned credit toward their government badge for the trip.

Chief Justice Clark Speaks to Lipscomb University Class

lclick@tncourts.gov — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:15:33 +0000

12/21/11

Chief Justice Cornelia A. Clark spoke to a legal research and reasoning class at Lipscomb University on November 29, 2011. During the class, Clark spoke to the students about access to justice and how the court system works.

Photos from the class are below.

Statement Regarding the Petition to Stop the Retrials for the Murders of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom

lclick@tncourts.gov — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:09:26 +0000

12/20/11

Statement from the Administrative Office of the Courts:

“As of this morning, the Administrative Office of the Courts has received more than 16,000 email petitions requesting the Supreme Court to stop the retrials of the four defendants charged with the murders of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom of Knoxville, Tenn.,” said Laura Click, public information officer for the Administrative Office of the Courts.

“We certainly appreciate and understand the public’s interest in these cases, however, the Code of Judicial Conduct prevents the Supreme Court, or any judge, from considering ex parte communications as part of its decision making process. In other words, a judge cannot consider any communications made to the judge without the parties in the case being present.

“The Code of Judicial Conduct also prohibits judges from commenting on any cases that may come before them. Should the state file an appeal from the trial judge’s decision granting the motions for retrials, the appellate courts will consider the appeal based on the facts and information filed with the court as part of the regular appeals process, described in the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure,” Click said.

# # #