The 2005-2006 Annual Report of the Judiciary is dedicated to Supreme Court Justices E. Riley Anderson and Adolpho A. Birch, Jr., who retired August 31, 2006. Their service to the state and the administration of justice is gratefully acknowledged.

“His leadership in helping make the court system more open and accessible to the public will be long remembered and appreciated.”

Governor on the retirement of Justice E. Riley Anderson

Justice Birch

“His commitment to judicial fairness and impartiality is well known and the state has been fortunate to enjoy the benefits of his dedication for over 40 years.”

Governor Phil Bredesen on the retirement of Justice Adolpho A. Birch, Jr.

Justice Anderson Table of Contents

Message from the Chief Justice & State Court Administrator ------3

Justices E. Riley Anderson & Adolpho A. Birch, Jr.------4

Snapshots ------6

Judicial Department Budget ------7

Highlights ------8

Court System Chart ------9

Tennessee Supreme Court ------10

Intermediate Appellate Courts ------11

Message from the TJC President------12

Trial Court Judges by Judicial District ------13

General Sessions & Juvenile Court Judges by County ------17

Appellate and Trial Court Clerks ------21

Court Clerks by County------22

Court of the Judiciary ------26

Board of Professional Responsibility ------26

Tennessee Board of Law Examiners ------26

Commission on Continuing Legal Education & Specialization ------26

Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection ------26

Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program ------26

Judicial Selection Commission ------26

Judicial Evaluation Commission ------26

2 A Message from the Chief Justice and State Court Administrator

Dear Fellow Tennesseans,

The past year has been one of tremendous change in the Tennessee judicial system. Of great significance, we lost the wisdom and experience of two remarkable members of the state Supreme Court and that of 18 trial court judges, most of whom retired after many years as part of our judicial family. We are confident, though, that the fine new judges who have succeeded them across the state will follow their examples and legacies of dedicated service.

Two of those veteran judges who left the bench are Supreme Court justices, to whom this publication is dedicated. Together, Justices E. Riley Anderson and Adolpho A. Birch, Jr., devoted an incredible 56 years to judicial service before stepping down on August 31, 2006. We are deeply grateful for their contributions to the administration of justice and are pleased to pay tribute to them in this Annual Report of the Tennessee Judiciary.

The Supreme Court and the people of Tennessee are fortunate that Governor Bredesen appointed Justice Gary R. Wade to fill the seat left vacant by Justice Anderson’s retirement. Justice Wade was a member of the state Court of Criminal Appeals prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court. A successor Chief Justice to Justice Birch had not been appointed when the Annual Report was published. William M. Barker

The administrative side of the judiciary also saw a change. The Supreme Court appointed Elizabeth (Libby) Sykes as administrative director of the state court system, including the Administrative Office of the Courts, with its staff of 83 and vast array of responsibilities.

In addition, the Supreme Court appointed a new attorney general. Robert Cooper succeeded former Attorney General Paul Summers, who did not seek a second eight-year term. Before his appointment by the court in October 2006, Mr. Cooper was chief legal counsel to Governor Bredesen.

What the year has demonstrated is that while personnel changes are inevitable, the judicial system remains steadfast and strong. The system continues, as it has since its creation, to administer justice and serve those to whom it belongs.

Sincerely,

William M. Barker Chief Justice

Elizabeth Sykes Administrative Director

Administrative Director Elizabeth Sykes

3 Including Justices Anderson, Birch Retirements End Judicial Careers Totaling 423 Years

A spate of retirements within the span of a few Cleveland; Criminal months, most of them effective August 31, 2006, added Court Judge James E. up to a remarkable 423 years of judicial experience Beckner of Morristown; leaving the trial and appellate courts in Tennessee. Chancellor Sharon Bell of Among the 20 judges who stepped down after Knoxville; Criminal many years of service to the state were two members of Court Judge Arthur T. the state Supreme Court. Former Chief Justices E. Riley Bennett of Memphis; Anderson and Adolpho A. Birch, Jr., both retired after Criminal Court Judge serving as judges for a combined total of 56 years. Joseph B. Dailey of When he announced his decision to retire, Memphis; Circuit Court Anderson said he did so with “mixed feelings.” He served Judge Julian P. Guinn of two eight-year terms on the , Paris; Circuit Court including four terms as chief justice. In 1987, Anderson Judge Russ Heldman of was the first appellate Brentwood; Chancellor Justice E. Riley Anderson court judge appointed by Richard Ladd of Bristol; Gov. Ned McWherter, Circuit Court Judge Leonard W. Martin of Dickson; who named him to the Criminal Court Judge Douglas A. Meyer of Chattanooga; state Court of Criminal Criminal Court Judge Phyllis H. Miller of Kingsport; Appeals. Prior to his Chancellor Vernon Neal of Cookeville; Circuit Court appointment, he practiced Judge Samuel H. Payne of Chattanooga; Circuit Court law in Oak Ridge for three Judge Marietta M. Shipley of Nashville; Circuit Court decades. Judge Ben K. Wexler of Greeneville; Criminal Court As a member of Judge Jane W. Wheatcraft of Hendersonville; and the Supreme Court, Birch Chancellor Dewey C.Whitenton of Bolivar. had the distinction of being the only Tennessee judge ever to have served at each level of the court Justice Adolpho A. Birch, Jr. system – general sessions, trial, intermediate appellate court and the state Supreme Court. He also was the state’s first African-American chief justice. His retirement ended a 43-year judicial career, including 19 years as an appellate court judge. Prior to becoming a judge in Davidson County, Birch served as a public defender and as a prosecutor. His decision to leave the bench was, in part, to allow him to “pursue those goals which are yet unrealized,” Birch said. The two justices were in good company when they decided to retire from judicial public service. Trial court judges across the state also made the same decisions. Those who retired were Chancellor D.J. Alissandratos of Memphis; Criminal Court Judge R. Steven Bebb of Justices Anderson and Janice Holder answer students’ questions.

4 The judges who contributed decades of service convicted of crimes. The former Tennessee Judicial left their courtrooms with a storehouse of memories - Conference president was known throughout the some pleasant and some not. In recalling his years as a courthouse and legal community for his courtesy, Criminal Court judge, Judge Dailey said one change is demeanor and turn of a phrase. For example, when especially apparent. sentencing a defendant to prison, he would sometimes “The level of proclaim that he was violence has increased “compelled to provide you significantly,” he said in a with a rapid steed so you newspaper interview. “It’s can gallop to the Penal just such a part of our Farm.” culture now and it’s very The judges who troubling to me.” retired across Tennessee After conducting were honored and thanked nearly 3,000 trials, Judge in their communities upon Martin also reflected on their retirements. events that have taken Judge Wexler was place in his courtroom. among those given public Like many judges, he said recognition for their years Justice Anderson as a member he does not consider any of service. He was thanked of the Court of Criminal Appeals single case more important with a ceremony and a or more interesting than another. proclamation stating that “For those involved, their case was the most he “symbolizes honesty, important to them and that’s how I needed to treat it as integrity and dignity in all well,” he said. that he has accomplished.” Fairness is the key to being a good judge, according Similar words were to Judge Beckner, who spent 30 years on the bench. said and written about the “I have a trailer on my computer,” Beckner said 20 judges who contributed in an interview. “It says, ‘The right things for the right more than four centuries of Justice Birch relaxes reasons.’ I figured that if I did the right things for the service to the state and their right reasons, I wouldn’t have to answer to anybody.” communities. For 30 years, Judge Bennett presided over Governor Phil Bredesen summed up the state’s Criminal Court proceedings, treating everyone in his appreciation for the contributions of Justices Anderson courtroom with respect, including those accused of and and Birch. Speaking to the Tennessee Judicial Conference, the governor said they were leaving the bench “with the thanks of a grateful state and governor for their tenure as public servants upholding the laws of this great state.”

“Two Giants of Judiciary Announce Retirements Tennesseans cannot begrudge the retirement wishes of two Supreme Court justices - E. Riley Anderson and Adolpho A. Birch. They deserve the state’s warmest congratulations and thanks for remarkable public service ... ”

Tennessean Editorial Justice Birch speaks with high school students

5 Judicial System Snapshots

Criminal Court Judge Mark Fishburn New trial court judges

Chancellor Steven Stafford and Circuit Court Judge Robert Court of Appeals Judge Sharon G. Lee with Justices Childers and Janice Holder.

Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Kelly Thomas, Jr., and Deputy Staff Clerk Tim Young Criminal Court Judge James Beasley, Jr.

6 Judicial System Budget 0.38 Percent of State Total

The Judicial Department budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 was $98,336,100, with total expenditures of $96,312,761. The budget for courts and related services was 0.38 percent of the total state budget (see graph below). Nearly half of judicial branch expenditures - $47,330,648 - was for appellate and trial courts across the state. The second largest single expenditure was $18,337,686 for criminal indigent defense, including $2,434,985 for capital cases, a decrease of $106,976 from the previous fiscal year. The budget also provided funds for Supreme Court buildings, child support referees, guardians ad litem, the civil legal representation fund, transcripts, law libraries, educational conferences for judges and clerks, the Administrative Office of the Courts, judicial programs and commissions, the Appellate Court Clerk’s Offices, the Board of Law Examiners, the Board of Professional Responsibility, the Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program, the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education & Specialization and the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.

Indigent defense expenditures: Indigent defense capital case expenditures: Fiscal Year 2005-2006 $18,337,686 Fiscal Year 2005-2006 $2,434,985 Fiscal Year 2004-2005 $17,434,503 Fiscal Year 2004-2005 $2,541,961 Fiscal Year 2003-2004 $17,896,454 Fiscal Year 2003-2004 $2,826,388 Fiscal Year 2002-2003 $16,897,986 Fiscal Year 2002-2003 $3,649,471 Fiscal Year 2001-2002 $14,987,665 Fiscal Year 2001-2002 $3,014,000 Fiscal Year 2000-2001 $12,877,960 Fiscal Year 2000-2001 $2,719,636

Total State Budget Fiscal Year 2005-06

50.0% 47.45%

Court System 0.38% 45.0% Higher Education 10.78% Law, Safety & Correction 4.58% 40.0% Transportation, Business & Economic Development 9.23% General Government 3.26% 35.0% K-12 Education 15.97% Resources/Regulations 2.81% 30.0% Health & Social Services 47.45% Debt Service 1.09% 25.0% Capital Outlay/Facilities Revolving Fund 1.72% Counties & Cities 2.75%

20.0%

15.97% 15.0%

10.78% 9.23% 10.0%

4.58% 5.0% 3.26% 2.81% 2.75% 1.09% 1.72% 0.38% 0.0%

7 Judicial Highlights Sampler

Legislature Adjusts Judicial Salaries Court Website Use Increases For the first time in 16 years, trial and appellate The number of daily visitors to the court system court judges in Tennessee received a salary adjustment website increased from about 7,100 the previous year to effective Sept. 1, 2006. Under the bill, Supreme Court more than 12,000. The website address was changed to justices’ salaries were increased from $129,000 to make it easier to remember, making the site more $150,000, with an additional $5,000 for the chief justice. accessible. The new address - www.tncourts.gov - is Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals judges shorter than the previous address. The site also has been earn $145,000, up from $123,888, and trial court judges’ updated to make it more accessible by using plain text salaries were increased from $118,000 to $140,000. menus. In addition to the court system website, the Tennessee’s constitution prohibits pay raises for judges Administrative Office of the Courts has responsibility during their eight-year terms of office. Prior to the salary for maintaining and supporting websites for the Board adjustment, salaries for the state’s appellate and trial court of Law Examiners, the Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance judges ranked seventh out of 13 Southeastern/Southern Program, the Tennessee Council of Juvenile and Family states. Separate legislation also provided pay raises for Court Judges and the Tennessee Municipal Judges general sessions judges, based on their jurisdictions and Conference. the populations of the areas they serve. Grant Funds Custody, Visitation Study New Fund Assists Legal Aid Programs The Administrative Office of the Courts, in Low-income and elderly Tennesseans needing conjunction with the Department of Human Services, certain types of legal assistance are beneficiaries of Child Support Division, is overseeing a three year federal legislation signed into law in May 2006. The Tennessee grant to fund a study into custody and visitation issues Voluntary Fund for Indigent Civil Representation will involving unmarried parents. The research and provide funds for legal aid programs across the state. demonstration project is aimed at reducing adversarial Under the law, the Administrative Office of the Courts proceedings and increasing financial security for receives and distributes the additional money which unmarried parents and their children. The project will comes from various litigation funds. The Tennessee steer parents to community programs dealing with parent Alliance for Legal Services was instrumental in the law’s education, dispute resolution, counseling and other passage. interventions to improve parent-child contact and parent relationships. The project is in three judicial SCALES Participation Exceeds 16,000 districts - the 11th, 20th and 26th. The Supreme Court SCALES program surpassed the 16,000-students mark since the court initiated the AOC Hosts ADA Coordinator Trainings project in 1995. More than 16,750 students from 376 The Americans with Disabilities Judicial Program public and private high schools have participated in the has 109 local ADA coordinators in counties throughout program. SCALES, an acronym for the Supreme Court the state. The Administrative Office of the Courts hosted Advancing Legal Education for Students, allows students ADA trainings across the state for the coordinators. The to attend a Supreme Court session in their own, or a program was implemented as a result of a case heard by nearby, community. They are provided with study the U.S. Supreme Court in 2004 - Lane v. Tennessee, materials and classroom instruction in advance so that which involved access to Tennessee courthouses. they understand the issues in the cases they will hear Following the court’s decision in the case, the state and how those cases reached the Supreme Court. adopted an ADA policy setting out procedures to make Teachers are given notebooks of materials during a judicial programs readily accessible. Accessibility professional development session conducted by lawyers, information is available on the court system website at judges and Supreme Court staff. Using the materials www.tncourts.gov. provided by the court, teachers include judicial education in their curricula.

8 9 Tennessee Supreme CourtCourts

THE SUPREME COURT is the state’s highest court and may accept appeals of civil and criminal cases from lower state courts. The five justices also interpret the laws and Constitutions of Tennessee and the .

The Supreme Court may assume jurisdiction over undecided cases in the Court of Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals when there is special need for a speedy decision. The court also has appellate jurisdiction in cases involving state taxes, the right to hold public office and issues of constitutional law. Appeals to the Supreme Court are discretionary except in death penalty cases. The court is required by law to review those cases on direct appeal.

Attorneys may present oral arguments before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and the Court of Criminal Appeals. The appellate courts also review attorneys’ briefs and the records in cases before them and issue written opinions, or rulings. Only opinions on federal constitutional issues can be appealed to the federal courts, which may or may not agree to consider them.

The Supreme Court has administrative responsibilities relating to the entire court system and adopts rules to ensure that the judicial branch functions efficiently and fairly. Rules of the court can be found on the court system website at www.tncourts.gov.

Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals are elected on a “yes-no” ballot every eight years. When a vacancy occurs, the 17- member Judicial Selection Commission interviews applicants and recommends J three candidates to the governor, who appoints a new judge to serve until the next August general election.

Members of the Tennessee Supreme Court are (seated) Chief Justice William “The Constitution does not provide for M. Barker and (standing from left) Justices Janice M. Holder, Gary R. Wade first and second class citizens.” and Cornelia A. Clark. The court normally has five members, but one of two vacancies created by the Aug. 31, 2006, retirements of Justices E. Riley Ander- Wendell Wilkie 1946 son and Adolpho A. Birch, Jr., remained unfilled at the time the court was photographed.

10 Intermediate Appellate Courts

Court of Appeals judges (seated from left) Charles D. Susano, Jr., William Frank Crawford, Herschel P. Franks, William C. Koch, Jr., Alan E. Highers, (standing from left) Patricia J. Cottrell, William Bryan Cain, D. Michael Swiney, David R. Farmer, Frank G. Clement, Jr., Holly M. Kirby and Sharon G. Lee.

Court of Criminal Appeals judges (seated from left) David G. Hayes, Joseph M. Tipton, Gary R. Wade, David H. Welles, Jerry Smith, (standing from left) Norma McGee Ogle, James Curwood Witt, Jr., Robert W. Wedemeyer, Alan E. Glenn, John Everett Williams, J.C. McLin and Thomas T. Woodall. Judge Wade was appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court in June 2006. Circuit Court Judge Dea Kelly Thomas, Jr., was appointed in November 2006 to succeed Wade on the Court of Criminal Appeals.

The COURT OF APPEALS, created by the as post-conviction petitions. State law requires the Court General Assembly in 1925, hears appeals in civil, or of Criminal Appeals to review all death sentences. If a non-criminal, cases from trial capital case conviction and courts and certain state “Four things belong to a judge: to hear courteously, sentence are affirmed by the boards and commissions. to answer wisely, to consider soberly and to decide Court of Criminal Appeals, Members of the Court of impartially.” there is an automatic review Appeals are appointed and Socrates, circa 400 B.C. by the state Supreme Court. elected under the same system as the Tennessee Supreme Court and the Court All other Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal of Criminal Appeals. The method of judicial selection Appeals decisions may be appealed, by permission, to is legislatively established for all three appellate courts. the state Supreme Court. Each of the intermediate appellate courts has 12 members, who normally sit in The COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, panels of three in Jackson, Knoxville and Nashville. created by the General Assembly in 1967, hears trial They may also meet in other places as necessary. court appeals in felony and misdemeanor cases, as well

11 A Message from the Tennessee Judicial Conference President

By Chancellor Jeffrey F. Stewart cooperative, and reasonable. The AOC is being capably 12th Judicial District run by a well qualified and capable staff responding to As I began to write this article, I was reminded of our needs. Good leadership is the calm at the center of an old story about a doctor, an engineer and an attorney our storm. arguing about which is the oldest profession. The doctor and engineer argued their theories based upon the Book As a conference we have maintained excellent of Genesis. The engineer thought his was the oldest relationships and communication. We have the because there could have been closeness of what retired Chief no organization and order out Justice Frank Drowota referred to of chaos without proper design as “family.” Like any “family” we and engineering. After much have our differences, but in times debate, the ever silent attorney of discord we gather the strength spoke up and said “who do you of family to face our problems think created chaos?” together.

Many times it seems the Emerging from chaos is one judiciary is accused of creating thing, presiding over it is quite chaos. Judges are referred to as another. While calm leadership activists and are asked to respond will lead us out of chaos, it will to questionnaires about their take calm leadership to preside beliefs and opinions. Merit over the chaos we confront in selection plans for appellate our courtrooms each day. We are judges are being attacked. problem solvers for a society with Closer to home, our judiciary is many problems to solve. We lacking one member of the need to continue to solve these Supreme Court as I write this. ills in a firm, fair, calm and A new attorney general has deliberative way if we are to recently been chosen, as has a bring order to this chaos. To new administrative director of bring the calm needed, I believe the courts. the prophet Micah has good advice to all judges, to do justice, On the heels of the Chancellor Jeffrey F. Stewart love mercy, and be humble. legislative success we enjoyed this past year, a degree of chaos could have abounded. As president of the conference for the upcoming Save one thing this might be the case. That one thing year I look forward to the opportunity to continue to is leadership. serve at your direction. You have honored me by choosing me to occupy this position, and I hope I will not I once heard a man described by his friends as being disappoint you. Best wishes and good luck for the “the calm at the center of the storm.” When things coming year. were going wrong and were chaotic he always brought calmness to the discussions that solved the problem. I believe chaos will not prevail because we have strong and solid leaders within the judiciary. Chancellor Stewart is serving a one-year term as presi- The courts are filled with well qualified, reasonable dent of the Tennessee Judicial Conference, which in- men and women of high integrity. We have leadership cludes all of the state’s appellate and trial court judges. in our Supreme Court that is experienced, deliberative, His term began in June 2006.

12 Trial Judges by Judicial District Effective September 1, 2006 1st JUDICIAL DISTRICT 5th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Carter, Johnson, Unicoi & Washington counties Blount County

Chancery Court Chancery Court G. Richard Johnson Telford E. Forgety, Jr.

Circuit Court Circuit Court Thomas J. Seeley, Jr. (Part I) W. Dale Young (Part I) Jean A. Stanley (Part II) Vacant (Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr. appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals Nov. 15, 2006) Criminal Court Lynn W. Brown 6th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Robert E. Cupp Knox County

2nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT Chancery Court Sullivan County John F. Weaver (Part I) Daryl R. Fansler (Part II) Chancery Court Michael Moyers (Part III) E.G. Moody Circuit Court Circuit Cout Dale Workman (Division I) John S. McLellan, III (Part I) Harold Wimberly, Jr. (Division II) R. Jerry Beck (Part II) Wheeler A. Rosenbalm (Division III) Bill Swann (Division IV) Criminal Court Robert H. Montgomery, Jr. Criminal Court Richard R. Baumgartner (Division I) 3rd JUDICIAL DISTRICT Ray L. Jenkins (Division II) Greene, Hamblen, Hancock & Hawkins counties Mary Beth Leibowitz (Division III)

Chancery Court 7th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Thomas R. Frierson, II Anderson County

Circuit Court Chancery Court John K. Wilson (Part I) William E. Lantrip Thomas J. Wright (Part II) Kindall T. Lawson (Part III) Circuit Court Donald R. Elledge Criminal Court John F. Dugger, Jr. 8th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott & Union 4th JUDICIAL DISTRICT counties Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson & Sevier counties Chancery Court Chancery Court Billy Joe White Telford E. Forgety, Jr. Circuit Court Circuit Court John D. McAfee Ben W. Hooper, II (Part I) Richard Robert Vance (Part II) Criminal Court Rex Henry Ogle (Part III) E. Shayne Sexton O. Duane Slone (Part IV)

13 9th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Circuit Court Loudon, Meigs, Morgan & Roane counties Thomas W. (Rusty) Graham (Part I) J. Curtis Smith (Part II) Chancery Court Buddy D. Perry (Part III) Frank V. Williams, III 13th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Circuit Court Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Russell E. Simmons, Jr. Putnam & White counties

Criminal Court Chancery Court E. Eugene Eblen Ronald Thurman

10th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Circuit Court Bradley, McMinn, Monroe & Polk counties John A. Turnbull (Part I) John J. Maddux, Jr. (Part II) Chancery Court Jerri Bryant Criminal Court Leon C. Burns, Jr. (Division I) Circuit Court David Patterson (Division II) Larry H. Puckett (Part I) John B. Hagler, Jr. (Part II) 14th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Carroll Lee Ross (Part III) Coffee County

Criminal Court Circuit Court Amy F. Reedy L. Craig Johnson (Part I) John W. Rollins (Part II) 11th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Hamilton County 15th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Jackson, Macon, Smith, Trousdale & Wilson counties Chancery Court W. Frank Brown, III (Part I) Chancery Court Howell N. Peoples (Part II) C. K. Smith

Circuit Court Circuit Court Jacqueline E. Schulten (Division I) Clara W. Byrd (Division I) Jeff Hollingsworth (Division II) John D. Wootten, Jr. (Division II) L. Marie Williams (Division III) W. Neil Thomas, III (Division IV) Criminal Court James O. Bond Criminal Court Barry A. Steelman (Division I) Rebecca J. Stern (Division II) Don Wayne Poole (Division III)

12th JUDICIAL DISTRICT “What distinguishes a truly free society from all others is Bledsoe, Franklin, Grundy, Marion, Rhea & an independent judiciary and a free press.” Sequatchie counties Edward R. Murrow Chancery Court Jeffrey F. Stewart

14 16th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Circuit Court Cannon & Rutherford counties Hamilton Gayden, Jr. (Division I) Amanda McClendon (Division II) Chancery Court Barbara N. Haynes (Division III) Robert E. Corlew, III Muriel Robinson (Division IV) Walter C. Kurtz (Division V) Circuit Court Thomas W. Brothers (Division VI) J. Mark Rogers (Part I) David (Randy) Kennedy (Division VII) James K. Clayton, Jr. (Part II) Carol Soloman (Division VIII) Don R. Ash (Part III) Royce Taylor (Part IV) Criminal Court Steve R. Dozier (Division I) 17th JUDICIAL DISTRICT J. Randall Wyatt, Jr. (Division II) Bedford, Lincoln, Marshall & Moore counties Cheryl A. Blackburn (Division III) Seth W. Norman (Division IV) Chancery Court Monte Watkins (Division V) James B. (J. B.) Cox Mark Fishburn (Division VI)

st Circuit Court 21 JUDICIAL DISTRICT Robert Crigler (Part I) Hickman, Lewis, Perry & Williamson counties Lee Russell (Part II) Circuit Court Robbie T. Beal (Division I) 18th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Robert E. Lee Davies (Division II) Sumner County Jeffrey S. Bivins (Division III) Timothy Easter (Division IV) Chancery Court Thomas E. Gray 22nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT Giles, Lawrence, Maury & Wayne counties Circuit Court C. L. (Buck) Rogers Circuit Court Jim T. Hamilton (Part I) Criminal Court Robert Holloway (Part II) Dee David Gay Robert L. (Bob) Jones (Part III) Stella L. Hargrove (Part IV) 19th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Montgomery & Robertson counties 23rd JUDICIAL DISTRICT Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys Chancery Court & Stewart counties Laurence M. (Larry) McMillian, Jr. Circuit Court Circuit Court Robert E. Burch (Division I) Ross H. Hicks (Part I) Larry J. Wallace (Division II) Mike Jones (Part II) George C. Sexton (Division III) John H. Gasaway, III (Part III) 24th JUDICIAL DISTRICT 20th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Benton, Carroll, Decatur, Hardin & Henry counties Davidson County Chancery Court Chancery Court Ron E. Harmon Claudia Bonnyman (Part I) Carol McCoy (Part II) Circuit Court Ellen Hobbs Lyle (Part III) Charles Creed McGinley (Part I) Richard Dinkins (Part IV) Donald E. Parish (Part II)

15 25th JUDICIAL DISTRICT 30th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Fayette, Hardeman, Lauderdale, McNairy & Tipton Shelby County counties Chancery Court Walter L. Evans (Part I) Chancery Court Arnold Goldin (Part II) William C. Cole (Part I) Kenny Armstrong (Part III) Martha B. Brasfield (Part II) Circuit Court Circuit Court John R. McCarroll, Jr. (Division I) J. Weber McCraw (Part I) James F. Russell (Division II) Joseph H. Walker, III (Part II) Karen R. Williams (Division III) Rita L. Stotts (Division IV) 26th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Kay S. Robilio (Division V) Chester, Henderson & Madison counties Jerry Stokes (Division VI) Robert A. Lanier (Division VII) Chancery Court D’Army Bailey (Division VIII) James F. Butler Robert L. Childers (Division IX) Criminal Court Circuit Court Paula L. Skahan (Division I) Roy B. Morgan, Jr. (Division I) W. Otis Higgs, Jr. (Division II) Donald H. Allen (Division II) John P. Colton, Jr. (Division III) Roger A. Page (Division III) Carolyn Wade Blackett (Division IV) James M. Lammey, Jr. (Division V) 27th JUDICIAL DISTRICT W. Fred Axley (Division VI) Obion & Weakley counties Lee V. Coffee (Division VII) Chris Craft (Division VIII) Chancery Court W. Mark Ward (Division IX) W. Michael Maloan James C. Beasley, Jr. (Division X)

Circuit Court Probate Court William B. Acree, Jr. Karen D. Webster Robert Benham

th 28 JUDICIAL DISTRICT 31st JUDICIAL DISTRICT Crockett, Gibson & Haywood counties Van Buren & Warren counties

Chancery Court Circuit & Chancery Court George R. Ellis Larry B. Stanley, Jr.

Circuit Court Clayburn Peeples Senior Judges

th Senior judges are appointed by the Tennessee 29 JUDICIAL DISTRICT Supreme Court and may be assigned on a temporary Dyer & Lake counties basis to any state court.

Chancery Court Jon Kerry Blackwood J. Steven Stafford J.S. “Steve” Daniel Donald P. Harris Circuit Court Jerry Scott Russell Lee Moore, Jr. Allen W. Wallace

16 General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judges By County Anderson County * Cocke County Don A. Layton John A. Bell Ronald N. Murch April Meldrum (Juvenile Court) Coffee County Jere Ledsinger Bedford County Timothy R. Brock Charles L. Rich Crockett County Benton County Paul B. Conley, III Ronald Darby Cumberland County Bledsoe County Larry Warner Howard L. Upchurch Davidson County * Blount County Gale B. Robinson (Division I) Michael A. Gallegos (Division I) Daniel Eisenstein (Division II) William Terry Denton (DivisionII) Angelita Blackshear Dalton (Division III) William R. Brewer, Jr. (Division III) Gloria A. Dumas (Division IV) David R. Duggan (Division IV) Dianne Turner (Division V) Michael F. Mondelli (Division VI) Bradley County William Edward Higgins (Division VII) Sheridan C. Randolph Leon Ruben (Division VIII) Daniel R. Swafford Sue McKnight Evans (Division IX) Casey Moreland (Division X) Campbell County John Aaron Holt (Division XI) Joseph M. Ayers Betty Adams Green (Juvenile Court)

Cannon County Decatur County Susan Melton Ricky L. Wood

Carroll County DeKalb County Larry J. Logan Bratten Hale Cook, III

Carter County Dickson County * John W. Walton Durwood G. Moore A. Andrew Jackson (Juvenile Court) Cheatham County Phillip A. Maxey Dyer County Tony Childress Chester County Larry F. McKenzie Fayette County Mike Whitaker Claiborne County Robert M. Estep Fentress County Todd Burnett Clay County James D. White, Jr.

17 Franklin County Henderson County Thomas C. Faris Robert Stevie Beal

Gibson County * Henry County James Webb Vicki S. Snyder Robert W. Newell (Juvenile Court) Hickman County Giles County Samuel H.Smith John P. Damron Houston County Grainger County William S. Vinson, III Joe Wayne Wolfenbarger Humphreys County * Greene County Dan R. Bradley Kenneth N. Bailey, Jr. Anthony L. Sanders (Juvenile Court)

Grundy County Jackson County William R. (Trey) Anderson, III Tiffany Gentry Gipson

Hamblen County * Jefferson County Janice Snider Alfred B. Strand, Jr. Joyce Mills Ward Mindy Norton Seals (Juvenile Court) Johnson County William Bliss Hawkins Hamilton County * Christie M. Sell (Division I) Knox County * David Bales (Division II) Chuck Cerny, Jr. (Division I) Clarence E Shattuck, Jr. (Division III) Geoffrey P. Emery (Division II) Ronald W. Durby (Division IV) Bobby Ray McGee (Division III) Robert L. Moon, Jr. (Division V) Andrew Jackson, VI (Division IV) Suzanne Bailey (Juvenile Court) Tony W. Stansberry (Division V) Timothy E. Irwin (Juvenile Court) Hancock County Floyd W. (Bill) Rhea Lake County Hardeman County Danny Goodman, Jr. Charles (Chip) Cary Lauderdale County * Hardin County Janice C. Craig Daniel L. Smith Rachel Anthony (Juvenile Court)

Hawkins County * Lawrence County David L. Brand Patricia McGuire James F. (Jay) Taylor (Juvenile Court) Lewis County Haywood County Billy W. Townsend J. Roland Reid Lincoln County N. Andy Myrick, Jr.

18 Loudon County Overton County William H. Russell John R. Officer

Macon County Perry County Ken Witcher, Jr. Clovis Parnell

Madison County Pickett County Christy R. Little Ronnie Zachary Hugh H. Harvey, Jr. Polk County Marion County * Billy D. Baliles Marshall A. (Mark) Raines, Jr. Ronnie J. Blevins, II (Juvenile Court) Putnam County John P. Hudson Marshall County Nolan R. Goolsby Steve Bowden Rhea County Maury County James W. McKenzie George Logan Lovell J. Lee Bailey, III Roane County Bobby Sands Dennis W. Humphrey Jeffery H. Wicks McMinn County James F. Watson Robertson County Burton D. Glover McNairy County Van. D. McMahan Rutherford County * Ben Hall McFarlin, Jr. Meigs County David Loughry Jayne Crowley Larry Douglas Brandon Donna Scott Davenport (Juvenile Court) Monroe County J. Reed Dixon Scott County James L. Cotton, Jr. Montgomery County Jack Hestle Sequatchie County Ray Grimes L. Thomas Austin Wayne C. Shelton Sevier County Moore County Dwight E. Stokes Terry Gregory Jeff D. Rader

Morgan County Shelby County * Michael A. Davis Lynn Cobb (Division I) Phyllis B. Gardner (Division II) Obion County * John A. Donald (Division III) Raymond Morris Deborah Means Henderson (Division IV) Sam C. Nailling, Jr. (Juvenile Court) Betty Thomas Moore (Division V)

19 Lonnie Thompson (Division VI) Unicoi County Ann Lucas Pugh (Division VII) David R. Shults Tim James Dwyer (Division VIII) Joyce Broffitt (Division IX) Union County Anthony Johnson (Division X) Darryl W. Edmondson Karen Lynne Massey (Division XI) Gwen Rooks (Division XII) Warren County Louis J. Montesi, Jr. (Division XIII) Larry G. Ross Larry E. Potter (Division XIV) Loyce Lambert Ryan (Division XVI) Washington County * Curtis Person, Jr. (Juvenile Court) Robert Lincoln Sharon Green (Johnson City Juvenile Court) Smith County David Bass Wayne County James Yeiser Ross, Sr. Stewart County Gueary Andrew Brigham Weakley County * Thomas L. Moore, Jr. Sullivan County * James H. Bradberry (Juvenile Court) J. Klyne Lauderback (Division I) Mark Toohey (Division II) White & Van Buren Counties Duane S. Snodgrass (Division III) Sam Benningfield W.A. (Bill) Watson (Division IV) Paul R. Wohlford (Bristol City Juvenile Court) Williamson County Alfred L. Nations Sumner County E. Denise Andre Barry R. Brown James Hunter Wilson County Barry Tatum (Division I) Tipton County Robert P. Hamilton (Division II) William A. Peeler

Trousdale County Kenny Linville

* Generally, general sessions judges exercise juvenile jurisdiction. However, in counties noted with an asterisk (*), a special juvenile court has been created by a private act of the legislature. General sessions courts do not exercise juvenile jurisdiction in these counties.

20 Appellate and Trial Court Clerks

way to file and view appellate pleadings on-line on the internet. The appellate record transmitted from the trial court will remain in paper copy form during the pilot project.

Also, during this last fiscal year, the Office of Appellate Court Clerk enhanced its presence on the internet by making the following information available at its website: public case history listing all filing events in appeals, posting of oral argument dockets for all the appellate courts, posting of various forms and manuals helpful during the appeals process including a Pro Se Litigant Filing Guide. The website address is http:// www.tncourts.gov/geninfo/AppellClerk/ AppellateClerksWeb.htm

Trial court clerks across the state also are responsible for maintaining dockets and records and handling administrative matters in their courts. In addition, the clerks serve as judicial system goodwill The three appellate court clerk’s offices in Knoxville, Nashville ambassadors since they have day-to-day interaction and Jackson process more than 25,000 filings each year. These with the public. include motions, briefs, orders and appellate court opinions. In addition the staff is responsible for sending thousands of notices Circuit Court clerks, elected in each county for to parties involved in the cases. four-year terms, also serve as General Sessions Court The Office of the Appellate Court Clerk has 34 clerks in counties without designated General Sessions employees with offices in the three Supreme Court Court clerks. Clerks also are elected in counties with buildings in Nashville, Knoxville and Jackson. The office Probate and Criminal Courts. Each Chancery Court is is responsible for filing and processing all briefs, motions served by a clerk and master who is appointed by the and other documents filed by litigants appealing cases to Chancery Court judge for a six-year term. the Tennessee appellate courts; scheduling oral arguments for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals; filing all orders and opinions of the Michael Catalano appellate courts; and filing all pleadings and orders before Appellate Court Clerk the Supreme Court involving the Court of the Judiciary, the Board of Professional Responsibility and the Board Janice Rawls of Law Examiners. Chief Deputy Clerk 401 7th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37219-1407 During 2005-06, the major initiative of the Office of the Appellate Court Clerk was obtaining approval of Susan Turner Supreme Court Rule 46 authorizing the Electronic Filing Chief Deputy Clerk Pilot Project for the appellate courts of Tennessee. This P.O. Box 909 Jackson, TN 38302-0909 pilot project, which permits but does not require attorneys to e-file briefs, motions and other pleadings Frankie Holt with the appellate courts, will be implemented during Chief Deputy Clerk the coming fiscal year. Electronic filing will provide the P. O. Box 444 appellate judiciary and appellate bar with a more efficient Knoxville, TN 37901-0444

21 Court Clerks by County Anderson County Carroll County Crockett County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Barry Pelizzari Bertha Taylor Kim Kail Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Steve Queener Kenneth Todd Betty Johnson

Bedford County Carter County Cumberland County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Thomas A. Smith John Paul Mathis Larry Sherrill Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Patricia Finney Melissa Moreland Sue Tollett

Benton County Cheatham County Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit/Probate Court Clerk Terry Hudson Julie Womack Richard R. Rooker Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Tim Burrus Pamela Jenkins Cristi Scott Criminal Court Clerk Bledsoe County Chester County David Torrence Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Juvenile Court Clerk Jamey Roberson Keith Frye Vic Lineweaver Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Greg Forgey Cornelia Hall Decatur County Circuit Court Clerk Blount County Claiborne County Danny Tanner Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Tom Hatcher Billy Ray Cheek Elizabeth J. Carpenter Clerk and Master Clerk and Master James A. Carroll Frances Cardwell DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk Bradley County Clay County Katherine Pack Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Gayla Miller Susan Birdwell Debra Malone Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Carl Shrewsbury Corrinne McLerran Dickson County Circuit Court Clerk Campbell County Cocke County Pam Myatt Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Bobby Vann Peggy Lane Nancy Miller Clerk and Master Clerk and Master General Sessions Court Clerk Bill Archer Craig Wild Barbara Spann General Sessions Court Clerk Juvenile Court Clerk Cannon County Frankie Cody Judy G. Wilson Circuit Court Clerk Juvenile Court Clerk Robert Davenport Joy Large Dyer County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Harold Patrick Coffee County Tom T. J. Jones Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Heather Duncan John H. Hoff Clerk and Master Charlotte V. Broyles

22 Fayette County Hamblen County Henry County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Connie Doyle Kathy Mullins Rondall Myers Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Vip Lewis Kathy Jones-Terry Mary Burns

Fentress County Hamilton County Hickman County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk W. Frank Smith Paula Thompson Dana Nicholson Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Kathryn T. Robbins S. Lee Akers Sue Smith Criminal Court Clerk Franklin County Gwen Tidwell Houston County Circuit Court Clerk Juvenile Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Nancy Silvertooth Ron Swafford Sharon Tomlinson Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Brenda Clark Hancock County Patsy Brooks Circuit Court Clerk Gibson County Bill McMurray Humphreys County Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Janice Jones Judith H. Trent Elaine Choate Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Amanda Brown Hardeman County Mike Bullion Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Lois Lockhart Linda K. Fulghum Jackson County Juvenile Court Clerk Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Lee Hayes Janice Bodiford Aaron P. Thomas Clerk and Master Giles County Hardin County Sherrie Pippin Osborne Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Crystal Greene Diane B. Polk Jefferson County Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Merry B. Sigmon Martha Smith Penny Murphy Clerk and Master Grainger County Hawkins County Nancy C. Humbard Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Rhonda Reagan Holly H. Jaynes Johnson County Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Vickie B. Greenlee Shirley Graham Carolyn Wilson Hawkins Clerk and Master Greene County Haywood County Linda Morefield Circuit Court Clerk Gail Jeffers Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Elma Pirtle Knox County Kay Armstrong Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Judy Hardister Catherine F. Quist Grundy County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Henderson County Howard G. Hogan Marcia Bess Circuit Court Clerk Criminal Court Clerk Clerk and Master Kenny Cavness Martha Phillips Phyllis Dent Clerk and Master Juvenile Court Clerk Leigh Milam Jimmy Rogers Juvenile Court Clerk Sheila Todd

23 Lake County Marshall County Obion County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Debbie Beasley Elinor Foster Harry Johnson Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Nanette Cook Tommy Higdon Paula Rice

Lauderdale County Maury County Overton County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Richard Jennings Kathy Kelley Johnny Brown Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Sandra Burnham Clerk and Master Cheryl Church Dorothy Stanton Lawrence County McMinn County Circuit Court Clerk Perry County Debbie Riddle Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Rhonda J. Cooley Peggy Smotherman Kristi Gang Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Patty Gaines Joyce Marshall Lewis County Circuit Court Clerk McNairy County Pickett County Donna Couch Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Ronnie Brooks Larry Brown Janet Williams Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Kim Harrison Sue Whited Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk Meigs County Polk County Gail Corder Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Darrell Davis Connie H. Clark Rebecca N. Bartlett Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Jim Mercer Kimberly A. Ingram Loudon County Circuit Court Clerk Monroe County Putnam County Lisa Niles Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Martha Cook Marcia Borys Fred Chaney Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Robert J. Pennington Linda F. Reeder Macon County Circuit Court Clerk Probate Court Clerk Montgomery County Wayne Nabors Rick Gann Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Cheryl J. Castle Gwen Linville Rhea County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Madison County Ted Crozier, Jr. Regina Metts Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Judy Barnhill Moore County John Fine Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Pam Carter Trixie Harrison Roane County Juvenile Court Clerk Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Bart Swift Tammy Roberts Angela Randolph Clerk and Master Marion County Morgan County Shannon Conley Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Juvenile Court Clerk Evelyn Griffith Pam Lively Margaret Hutchinson Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Levoy Gudger Angela Anderson

24 Robertson County Stewart County Warren County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Lisa Cavender Jason Wallace Bernie Morris Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Kenneth Hudgens Jane C. Link Trenena Wilcher

Rutherford County Sullivan County Washington County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Eloise Gaither Tommy Kerns Karen Guinn Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master John A. W. Bratcher Sara Housewright Brenda Sneyd Juvenile Court Clerk (Division IV) Juvenile Court Clerk Scott County Gay K. Hillman Peggy Cannon Circuit Court Clerk Janice Vaughn (Kingsport) Donnie Phillips Teresa Morrell (Bristol) Wayne County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Jane A. Lloyd Sumner County Billy G. Crews Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Sequatchie County Mahailiah Hughes Carolyn Mathis Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Karen Milsaps Brenda M. Page Weakley County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Thomas Goins Tipton County Pam Belew Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Sevier County Mike Forbess Susan Collins Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Rita D. Ellison Judy Billings White County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Carolyn McMahan Trousdale County Beverly Templeton General Sessions Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Kim Taylor Connie Holt Linda McCoy Clerk and Master Shelly Jones Shelby County Williamson County Circuit Court Clerk Unicoi County Circuit Court Clerk Jimmy Moore Debbie McMillan Barrett Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Christy Howard Clerk and Master Dewun Settle Clerk and Master Elaine Beeler Criminal Court Clerk Teresa W. Simerly Juvenile Court Clerk William R. Key Brenda Hyden General Sessions Court Clerk Union County Chris Turner Circuit Court Clerk Probate Court Clerk Wilson County Barbara J.Williams Chris Thomas Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Juvenile Court Clerk Linda Neal Doris Seymour Steve Stamson Clerk and Master Barbara Webb Van Buren County Smith County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Teresa Simmons-DeLong Myra Hardcastle Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Dianna Dillehay Tina Shockley

25 Court-Related Boards & Commissions Board of Professional Responsibility Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program The Board of Professional Responsibility investigates Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program (TLAP) complaints against attorneys and disciplines those who is a free confidential assistance program, providing violate professional rules. The program also publishes ethics consultation, referral, intervention, peer support and opinions, operates an ethics hotline, conducts seminars and advocacy for lawyers, judges, bar applicants and law oversees an attorney trust fund program. students with physical, mental and emotional health In fiscal year 2005-2006, there were 991 complaints issues. The program provides assistance for issues such filed, an increase of less than 1 percent. as substance abuse, dependency, stress, anxiety, Tennessee attorneys have contributed $28.4 professional burnout, family problems, depression, million in annual court assessments to finance the board’s gambling or other compulsive disorders and sexual programs, with no contributions from other sources. identity issues. Since it was created by the Tennessee Supreme Court in 1999, TLAP has received more than Tennessee Court of the Judiciary 1,500 inquiries and referrals and has made presentations The 16-member Court of the Judiciary investigates to more than 4,000 members of the legal community. complaints of judicial misconduct against Tennessee judges and disciplines those who are found in violation Tennessee Judicial Selection Commission of the Code of Judicial Conduct. In FY 2005-2006, the The 17-member commission accepts and reviews court received 309 complaints. All complaints are applications to fill unexpired judicial terms, interviews reviewed and, when appropriate, prosecuted by the applicants, conducts a public hearing and recommends court’s disciplinary counsel. three names to the governor. When the vacancy is for a trial court position, the governor must select one of Continuing Legal Education & Specialization the three applicants recommended by the commission. The commission evaluates CLE courses nationwide When the vacancy is an appellate court position, the and records attendance at approved courses for more governor may ask for a second list of names from which than 15,500 Tennessee attorneys. The commission also to appoint a new judge. The commission met eight times makes sure all Tennessee attorneys either meet in calendar year 2006, including two special called requirements of 12 hours of general and three hours of meetings. ethics/professionalism CLE each year or are eligible for exemption. The commission oversees certification of Judicial Evaluation Commission attorneys as specialists in 14 areas of the law. In 1994, the General Assembly changed the method of electing state appellate judges by adopting Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection the . Under the plan, every appellate TLFCP manages a fund of almost $2 million from judge who seeks election to fill either an unexpired or a which it reimburses clients whose attorneys have full eight year term must be evaluated by the Judicial misappropriated funds.The fund is administered by the Evaluation Commission prior to a scheduled August same staff as the Tennessee Commission on Continuing election. The purpose of the evaluation process is to Legal Education & Specialization. assist the public in evaluating the performance of incumbent appellate judges and to promote self- Tennessee Board of Law Examiners improvement among judges. The Board of Law Examiners governs the The 12-member commission includes lawyers, non- examination and admission of attorneys applying to lawyers and state court judges. In 2006, the commission practice law in Tennessee. The board, with a staff of released a report containing evaluation results and four, admits qualified attorneys previously licensed in retention recommendations for all appellate judges other jurisdictions and administers the two-day bar standing for retention election in August 2006. The examination in February and July to law school commission conducted a formal interview with each graduates. During fiscal year 2005-2006, 1,000 law judge to discuss judicial performance issues as part of school graduates took the exam and 74.6 percent passed. the evaluation process.

26 Notes

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