The 2004-2005 Annual Report

of the

Tennessee Judiciary

is dedicated to

Frank F. Drowota, III,

in appreciation for

his 35 years of service

to the

administration of justice

Table of Contents

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

Retired Chief Justice Frank F. Drowota, III ------4

A Year of Change ------6

Judicial Department Budget ------7

Year in Review ------8

Court System Chart ------10

Tennessee Supreme Court ------11

Intermediate Appellate Courts ------12

Message from the TJC President ------13

Trial Court Judges by Judicial District ------14

General Sessions & Juvenile Court Judges by County------18

Municipal Court Judges & Clerks by City ------22

Appellate and Trial Court Clerks ------29

Court of the Judiciary ------34

Board of Professional Responsibility ------34

Tennessee Board of Law Examiners ------34

Commission on Continuing Legal Education & Specialization ------34

Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection ------34

Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program ------34

2 A Special Message from the Chief Justice and State Court Administrator

Dear Fellow Tennesseans,

When we started planning the Annual Report of the Tennessee Judiciary for fiscal year 2004-2005, there was no question that it would be dedicated to a very special individual – a man whose legacy will include a remarkable role in the administration of justice.

Frank F. Drowota, III, devoted 35 years of his life to public service in theTennessee judiciary, including a quarter-century on the state Supreme Court. His retirement on September 2, 2005, was a day those of us who remain in the judicial branch had faced with trepidation. Few of us had experienced a judicial Chief Justice system without his wisdom and presence. William M. Barker Justice Drowota is a humble man who values his family, church and service to community above all else. His legions of friends have been privileged to enjoy his warmth, graciousness and a legal mind that always made us marvel. Opinions written by the former chief justice will endure and guide the state’s system of justice into the future.

Although he would say he is undeserving of this token of our respect and admiration, we disagree. We would like to take this opportunity to say, “thank you” to Frank F. Drowota, III, for his long and distinguished career in the judiciary. It is our sincere hope that his well-deserved retirement is a satisfying one.

Sincerely,

William M. Barker Chief Justice

Interim Director Elizabeth Sykes Elizabeth Sykes Interim Director

3 Frank F. Drowota, III, Ends Distinguished Judicial Career

When young Frank F. Drowota, III, was appointed to the Chancery Court bench in 1970, many of the issues with which he would later grapple as a judge were unimaginable. During his 35 years of service, including a quarter-century on the Tennessee Supreme Court, the judicial system was confronted with new complex legal issues brought about by societal and technological changes. As The Tennessean newspaper said in an editorial when he announced his retirement, “In the 25 years he’s been on the Tennessee Supreme Court, Chief Justice Frank Drowota, III, has had a front-row seat on Tennessee history in the making. A good bit of that history he has written himself.” Drowota wrote or participated in decisions dealing with a myriad of emerging important and controversial issues ranging from the constitutionality of drugs used in lethal injections to a custody dispute over frozen embryos. His personal pick as the most broadly significant opinion he wrote was McIntyre v. Balentine, a 1992 decision that overhauled tort law in Tennessee. Until his retirement on September 2, 2005, Drowota was the longest-serving active state judge, This portrait of retired Chief Justice Frank F. Drowota, III, by outranking 182 others in terms of years on the bench. artist Michael Shane Neal will hang in the Nashville Supreme Only one Supreme Court justice, Grafton Green, who Court Building. The portrait was privately commissioned by a sat from 1910-1947, served longer on the state’s long-time friend of Drowota’s, Dr. Thomas Frist, Jr. highest court. The end of his remarkable echoed in the legal community Drowota, who served two terms career sparked newspaper editorials across the state. thanking him for his service. The as chief justice, participated in more than 4,500 appellate court Drowota described his years Knoxville News Sentinel wrote, “For decisions, authored at least 1,000 in the judiciary as “an extraordinarily all of the grousing and complaining majority opinions and wrote rewarding experience” and said he Americans like to do about judges more than 100 dissenting and was grateful to Tennesseans for concurring opinions. and the decisions they make ... it is allowing him to be part of the system. our justice system that keeps our society civilized. He began his judicial career at age 31 when he And for this, we owe a debt to Drowota and to all of was appointed by Governor Buford Ellington to the the judges who serve the greater good.” Chancery Court of Davidson County. In 1974, He also received the thanks of Governor Phil Governor Winfield Dunn appointed him to the state Bredesen, who said, “We all owe a debt of gratitude Court of Appeals where he remained until his first to Justice Frank Drowota for his long judicial service. election to the state Supreme Court in 1980. He has made a lasting and important contribution Drowota, who served two terms as chief justice, not just to the Tennessee Supreme Court but to the participated in more than 4,500 appellate court entire judicial branch.” Similar sentiments were

4 decisions, authored at least 1,000 majority opinions and more than 100 dissenting and concurring opinions. On September 19, 2005, Cornelia Clark was appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to succeed Drowota on the “To be sure, Chief Justice Drowota’s opinions, Tennessee Supreme Court. Clark, a former Circuit Court both civil and criminal, have served to update judge, served as administrative director of the state court Tennessee law and bring it in line with much of the system until her appointment. William M. Barker was rest of the country,” staff attorney Marshall Davidson elected by the court to succeed Drowota as chief justice. and Drowota’s law clerk Lisa Rippy wrote in an article honoring their mentor. “He has written in a direct and concise style with a common-sense focus on making the law clear to judges, lawyers and the public. A Drowota opinion, forged from practical “In the 25 years he’s realities, tells readers been on the Tennessee what they need to know. Supreme Court, Chief Direct and to the point, Justice Frank Drowota, the opinions speak with III, has had a front-row strength and clarity. They seat on Tennessee history in the making. A good are promptly issued too. Claire Drowota congratulates her bit of that history he has Chief Justice Drowota is husband on his appointment to written himself.” keenly aware that few Chancery Court in 1972 things cause litigants The Tennessean and their lawyers more June 8, 2005 frustration, and the judiciary more criticism, than the failure of courts to decide cases on a reasonably prompt basis.” Drowota, who often describes himself as a “p.k. – a preacher’s kid,” was born in Kentucky, but moved to Nashville in 1943 when his father was asked to be minister of a new church. He was a popular student at Montgomery Bell Academy, participating in sports and being voted “Most Friendly” by his classmates. Chief Justice Drowota administers the oath of office The future judge graduated from Vanderbilt to Governor Phil Bredesen. University, where he played football. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he joined the Navy and was an officer aboard an aircraft carrier. Chief Justice Drowota answers When he completed active duty in the Navy, reporters’ questions. Drowota earned a law degree at Vanderbilt and also continued his military service as a member of the Naval Reserve. He and his wife of 42 years, Claire, have two children and five grandchildren. They, he said, were the impetus for his decision to retire. Court of Appeals Judge He wanted more time to 1974 spend with them.

5 A Year of Change in the Administrative Office of the Courts

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) implementing a complex court automation system took on additional significant responsibilities in – TnCIS (Tennessee Court Information System). fiscal year 2004-2005 as the office began providing an array of services to municipal and juvenile court Data used in trying to project and meet judicial judges and municipal court clerks. system needs is collected and compiled by the AOC. The office processes approximately 575,000 With enactment by the General Assembly of records annually and compiles statistics from courts the Municipal Court Reform Act of 2004, effective across the state. March 1, 2005, the AOC was charged with providing services to the state’s municipal court judges and The list of approved mediators for court- their organization, the Tennessee Municipal Judges annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution is Conference. The conference, formerly the maintained by the AOC, as are rosters of qualified Tennessee Municipal Judges Association, is the capital case attorneys and credentialed foreign legislatively created official organization for 250 language court interpreters. The office also trains municipal court judges statewide. judges, lawyers, Foster Care Review Boards and others who deal with abused and neglected children Education for municipal court judges and clerks in state custody. is among mandated services the AOC now provides. Under the act, judges and clerks are to A critical and time consuming responsibility is receive three hours of continuing education through administration of the state’s indigent defense fund. the AOC each year. Each year, staff members individually review more than 66,000 claims filed by attorneys and experts A month later, on April 1, 2005, an agreement before payments are made. In FY 2004-2005, was signed designating the director of the AOC as expenditures from the indigent defense fund totaled executive director for the Tennessee Council of $17,434,503. Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Court reporter contracts are managed by the Under that agreement, the AOC is providing AOC, which also is responsible for oversight of all staff to meet the council’s needs, including statistical leases for Supreme Court buildings and individual collection and reporting as required by law; offices for judges statewide. conducting two educational conferences each year; providing legal and technical assistance to juvenile Support services include providing judges and courts; providing legislative updates; maintaining their staffs with supplies and equipment; maintaining a roster of judges and staff; conducting staff training; law libraries; collecting local rules of practice; and maintaining a web presence for the council. processing requests for judge designations; and administering the senior judge program. The office While assuming these new duties, the AOC also staffs and supports dozens of boards and continues to provide assistance to state trial and commissions. appellate courts and the general sessions courts. The AOC routinely handles a number of other The office’s duties are far-ranging, including tasks, such as producing court-related publications preparing the judicial system budget (see page 7), and reports, maintaining and updating the court handling payroll and benefits for judicial branch system website and providing information, as employees across the state, providing computer requested or needed, to judges, legislators, the training and support and developing and public and the media.

6 Court System: 0.38 Percent of Total State Budget

The Judicial Department budget for fiscal year Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program, the 2004-2005 was $94,953,500, with total Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal expenditures of $93,238,113. The budget for Education and the Lawyers Fund for Client Protection. courts and related services was 0.38 percent of the total state budget (see graph below). Nearly Expenditures from the indigent defense fund: half of judicial branch expenditures - $45,955,709 Fiscal Year 2004-2005 $17,434,503 - was for appellate and trial courts across the state. Fiscal Year 2003-2004 $17,896,454 The second largest single expenditure was Fiscal Year 2002-2003 $16,897,986 $17,434,503 for criminal indigent defense, Fiscal Year 2001-2002 $14,987,665 including $2,541,961 for capital cases. The budget Fiscal Year 2000-2001 $12,877,960 also provided funds for Supreme Court buildings, child support referees, guardians ad litem, the civil Expenditures from the indigent defense fund for legal representation fund, transcripts, law libraries, capital cases: educational conferences for judges and clerks, the Fiscal Year 2004-2005 $2,541,961 Administrative Office of the Courts, judicial Fiscal Year 2003-2004 $2,826,388 programs commissions, the Appellate Court Fiscal Year 2002-2003 $3,649,471 Clerks’ Offices, the Board of Law Examiners, the Fiscal Year 2001-2002 $3,014,000 Board of Professional Responsibility, the Fiscal Year 2000-2001 $2,719,636

Total State Budget Fiscal Year 2004-05

60.0%

Court System 0.38% Higher Education 10.07% 50.0% Law, Safety & Correction 4.47% 48.08% Transportation, Business & Economic Development 8.66% General Government 3.59% K-12 Education 15.94% 40.0% Resources/Regulations 2.78% Health & Social Services 48.08% Debt Service 1.04% 30.0% Capital Outlay/Facilities Revolving Fund 2.21% Counties & Cities 2.79%

20.0% 15.94%

10.07% 10.0% 8.66%

4.47% 3.59% 2.78% 2.21% 2.79% 0.38% 1.04% 0.0%

7 The Year In Review: A Sampling of Significant Events Access to Justice effect Jan. 1, 2006. The new law equalizing most Tennessee was in the national spotlight court costs and litigation taxes statewide was as 2004 began with the U.S. Supreme Court recommended by the Judicial Council . hearing oral arguments in a high-profile case involving access to courthouses. Blount County Circuit Court Clerk Tom Hatcher, a member of a study committee appointed by the The issue in the case was whether a state – Judicial Council, said the change means court costs Tennessee – may be held liable for money damages no longer will vary widely from county to county and under the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act also will increase revenues by having the fees paid (ADA), which since 1992 also applies to state and “up front” when a suit is filed or a fine is imposed. local governments. Clerks no longer have to spend time trying to track down court users who have unpaid fees. The case, Lane v. Tennessee, started in 1998 when one of the plaintiffs, George Lane, filed a In 2004, the General Assembly asked the lawsuit against the State of Tennessee and 25 Judicial Council to appoint a committee to look into counties for failure to comply with the ADA. Lane’s court costs across the state. Hatcher said they found lawsuit stemmed from his inability to access a 26 different state laws dealing with court costs. The courtroom without assistance because he was in a new law sets flat fees and applies to most counties. wheelchair. The suit claimed that 25 courthouses in the state did not have ADA-compliant access for the Criminal Sentencing disabled. In response to a 2004 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Blakely v. Washington, the Tennessee General The Supreme Court heard arguments in January Assembly enacted legislation, effective June 7, and ruled in May that a state government may be 2005, designed to ensure that Tennessee’s criminal held liable for money damages under the act. When sentencing procedures are not declared the case returned to federal district court, the state unconstitutional. and all but one county reached settlement. The Blakely decision invalidated Washington Plaintiffs in the case received monetary State’s sentencing system, which was similar to settlements from counties and also relief that Tennessee’s. In Blakely, the U.S. Supreme Court required counties to bring courthouses into said defendants’ Sixth Amendment rights are compliance. The state paid expert and attorney fees violated when judges, rather than juries, use and adopted an ADA policy setting out procedures aggravating factors to enhance criminal sentences. to make judicial programs readily accessible. The Administrative Office of the Courts is conducting Although the Tennessee Supreme Court said ADA training statewide and also has worked with in a 3-2 decision following Blakely that Tennessee’s local court officials to appoint an ADA coordinator criminal sentencing laws do not violate the Sixth in each county. Amendment guarantee of a jury trial, Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed a judicial task force to study Court accessibility information can be found on the federal court ruling’s possible impact on the court system website at www.tncourts.gov. Tennessee. The new law was based on recommendations of the task force. Uniform Court Costs “It was obvious to me that something needed A law implementing what a Blount County court to be done to preserve as much of this system as clerk described as “one of the most monumental possible so that punishments would continue not only changes in the judicial system in the last 25 years” to fit the crime, but the criminal as well,” the governor was enacted by legislators in May 2005 and takes said in a written statement.

8 Under the new law, the governor said judges Law School for Journalists will have the discretion “to make the time fit the More than 100 print and broadcast reporters crime.” and editors from across the state gathered in A link to the Tennessee law, the task force Nashville on June 6, 2005, to attend a Law School recommendations and the Blakely decision can be for Journalists, co-sponsored by the Tennessee found at www.tncourts.gov. Supreme Court and the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University. Senior Judges The number of senior judges in Tennessee The day-long educational program featured increased from five to seven during the fiscal year seminars to help journalists understand the legal with the appointment by the Supreme Court of system and legal proceedings. Participants also Judges Jon Kerry Blackwood and Donald P. Harris. received copies of “A Media Guide to Tennessee’s Blackwood previously served as a Circuit Court Legal System,” a book providing information for judge in the 25th Judicial District and Harris was a reporters covering courts. A reception sponsored by Circuit Court judge in the 21st Judicial District. Other the Tennessee Trial Lawyer’s Association followed senior judges are James L. Weatherford, Allen Wallace, the program. William Inman, J.S. (Steve) Daniel and Jerry Scott. The Supreme Court and First Amendment Senior judges are former trial and appellate Center had partnered in 2001 to present the first court judges who may be assigned on a temporary Law School for Journalists, which also was attended basis to any state court. by about 100 journalists.

Milestones

The Administrative Office of the Courts’ web site (www.tncourts.gov) set a new record this past year averaging over 7,100 visitors per day.

In addition to the Administrative Office of the Courts’ site, the office is also now maintaining web sites for the Municipal Judges Conference (www.tsc.state.tn.us/geninfo/Courts/MunicipalJudges/ MuniIndex.htm), the Tennessee Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (www.tennessee.gov/ tcjfcj) as well as the Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program (www.tlap.org).

The Supreme Court’s SCALES Project passed the 15,000 students mark in 2004-2005. Since the program started in 1995 as a Supreme Court initiative to educate young Tennesseans about the judicial system, 15,029 students from 337 schools across the state have participated, including 1,625 students from 29 schools during the 12 month period.

SCALES - an acronym for the Supreme Court Advancing Legal Education for Students - brings the Supreme Court to communities where high school students are invited to hear oral arguments in actual cases. Participating teachers attend professional development training prior to SCALES to learn about the cases their students will hear and are provided with materials to use in their classrooms. Local judges and attorneys visit the classes to discuss the court system and issues in the Supreme Court cases.

The number of languages in which court interpreters are registered or certified continues to increase. Interpreters are available in Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian, Bulgarian, French, German, Haitian Creole, Laotian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Thai. More than 100 interpreters have met requirements to become registered or certified in the languages. Interpreters are credentialed by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

9 10 Supreme CourtCourts

As required by the state Constitution, the five members of the Tennessee Supreme Court normally hear cases in Nashville, Jackson and Knoxville. Pictured are (from left) Justice Janice M. Holder of Memphis; Justice E. Riley Anderson of Knoxville; Chief Justice William M. Barker of Chattanooga; Justice Adolpho A. Birch, Jr., of Nashville; and Justice Cornelia A. Clark of Franklin. THE SUPREME COURT is the state’s highest review attorneys’ briefs and the records in cases court and may accept appeals of civil and criminal before them and issue written opinions, or rulings. cases from lower state courts. The five justices also Only opinions on federal constitutional issues can interpret the laws and Constitutions of Tennessee be appealed to the federal courts, which may or may and the United States. not agree to consider them.

The Supreme Court “For we cherish justice and The Supreme Court has may assume jurisdiction profess knowledge of what is administrative responsibilities over undecided cases in relating to the entire court equitable and just.” the Court of Appeals or system and adopts rules to Court of Criminal Appeals Justinian’s Digest, Book I ensure that the judicial branch when there is special need functions efficiently and fairly. for a speedy decision. The court also has appellate Rules of the court can be found on the court system jurisdiction in cases involving state taxes, the right website at www.tncourts.gov. to hold public office and issues of constitutional law. Appeals to the Supreme Court are discretionary Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals except in death penalty cases. The court is required and Court of Criminal Appeals are elected on a “yes- by law to review those cases on direct appeal. no” ballot every eight years. When a vacancy occurs the 17-member Judicial Selection Commission Attorneys may present oral arguments before interviews applicants and recommends three the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and the candidates to the governor, who appoints a new Court of Criminal Appeals. The appellate courts also judge to serve until the next August general election.

11 Intermediate Appellate Courts

The COURT OF APPEALS, created by the General Assembly in 1925, hears appeals in civil - or non-criminal - cases from trial courts and certain state boards and commissions. Members of the Court of Appeals are appointed and elected under the same system as the Tennessee Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals. The method of judicial selection is legislatively established for all three appellate courts.

The COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, created by the General Assembly in 1967, hears trial court appeals in felony and misdemeanor cases, as well as post-conviction petitions. State law requires the Court of Criminal Appeals to review all death sentences. If a capital case conviction and sentence are affirmed by the Court of Criminal Appeals, there is an automatic review by the state Supreme Court.

All other Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals decisions may be appealed, by permission, to the state Supreme Court. Each of the intermediate appellate courts has 12 members, who normally sit in panels of three in Jackson, Knoxville and Nashville. They may also meet in other places as necessary.

Court of Appeals judges are (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 are (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.

12 Message from the Tennessee Judicial Conference President

Criminal Court Judge Arthur T. Bennett of Shelby County took office as president of the Tennessee Judicial Conference in June 2005 for a one-year term. The conference is made up of the state’s trial and appellate court judges.

As president of the Tennessee Judicial Conference, I wrote to each member of the state Legislature commending them for the good job they do for the people of Tennessee. I also indicated that the Judicial Conference would like to work with them in improving conditions for citizens of this state. I am happy to have received a number of favorable responses from the various legislators. Tennessee Judicial Conference President Judge Arthur The entire Judicial Conference was very Bennett presents a gavel to Supreme Court Justice happy and honored to have Governor Phil Bredesen Cornelia Clark at the October TJC educational and business meeting at Fall Creek Falls State Park. once again deliver the keynote speech at our luncheon in Knoxville this past June. We are fortunate The Security Committee of the Tennessee to have a governor who will take the time to attend Judicial Conference under the chairmanship of our conference and relay helpful information. We also Chancellor George R. Ellis is doing an outstanding sincerely thank the governor for his insightful job in improving security in courtrooms. The appointment of judges who are well qualified. committee’s mission is “to set up and maintain procedures for the safety of citizens, judges, court We are proud of the job our Supreme Court personnel in the courtroom, as well as, in and around is doing to improve the image of the judiciary and the courthouse building as set out in (T.C.A.) Section educate Tennesseans regarding the roles of judges 16-2-505 (d)(2)(E); to maintain up-to-date metal and lawyers in our constitutional form of government. detectors for the courthouse entrance, as well as, The SCALES Project and other educational entrance to the courtroom; have ample security programs are exceptional. personnel based on the volume of traffic in the courthouse and courtroom; monitoring of courtroom The Tennessee Judicial Family Institute, and courthouse procedures throughout the state headed by Chancellor Thomas R. (Skip) Frierson, each year with emphasis on improving security in II, has now been made a permanent part of our each courthouse.” Judicial Conference program. This institute will be a tremendous aid to judges and their families. In this day and time, security is of utmost importance for the safety of our judicial family. Security in the courtroom has received high priority in the wake of the Chicago and Atlanta The people of Tennessee can be extremely murders involving judges, court staff, and/or proud of their judges and the job that they are doing members of their families.The incident that to administer justice. happened here in East Tennessee concerning a prisoner and a state employee who aided the I am extremely blessed and honored to have prisoner’s escape also causes great concern. A been chosen as the second African-American lack of adequate security personnel in some districts president in the history of the Tennessee Judicial is a problem that must be addressed. Conference.

13 Trial Court Judges by Judicial District

1st JUDICIAL DISTRICT CIRCUIT COURT Carter, Johnson, Unicoi & Washington counties Ben W. Hooper, II (Part I) Richard Robert Vance (Part II) CHANCERY COURT Rex Henry Ogle (Part III) G. Richard Johnson O. Duane Slone (Part IV)

CIRCUIT COURT 5th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Thomas J. Seeley, Jr. (Part I) Blount County Jean A. Stanley (Part II) CHANCERY COURT CRIMINAL COURT Telford E. Forgety, Jr. Lynn W. Brown Robert E. Cupp CIRCUIT COURT W. Dale Young (Part I) 2nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT D. Kelly Thomas, Jr. (Part II) Sullivan County 6th JUDICIAL DISTRICT CHANCERY COURT Knox County Richard E. Ladd CHANCERY COURT CIRCUIT COURT John F. Weaver (Part I) John S. McLellan, III (Part I) Daryl R. Fansler (Part II) R. Jerry Beck (Part II) Sharon J. Bell (Part III)

CRIMINAL COURT CIRCUIT COURT Phyllis H. Miller Dale Workman (Division I) Harold Wimberly, Jr. (Division II) 3rd JUDICIAL DISTRICT Wheeler A. Rosenbalm (Division III) Greene, Hamblen, Hancock & Hawkins counties Bill Swann (Division IV)

CHANCERY COURT CRIMINAL COURT Thomas R. Frierson, II Richard R. Baumgartner (Division I) Ray L. Jenkins (Division II) CIRCUIT COURT Mary Beth Leibowitz (Division III) John K. Wilson (Part I) Ben K. Wexler (Part II) 7th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Kindall T. Lawson (Part III) Anderson County

CRIMINAL COURT CHANCERY COURT James E. Beckner William E. Lantrip

4th JUDICIAL DISTRICT CIRCUIT COURT Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson & Sevier counties James B. Scott, Jr. (retired 9-2-05) Donald R. Elledge (appointed 9-6-05) CHANCERY COURT Telford E. Forgety, Jr.

14 8th JUDICIAL DISTRICT CRIMINAL COURT Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott & Union counties Douglas A. Meyer (Division I) Rebecca J. Stern (Division II) CHANCERY COURT Stephen M. Bevil (Division III) (Died 11-17-05) Billy Joe White 12th JUDICIAL DISTRICT CIRCUIT COURT Bledsoe, Franklin, Grundy, Marion, Rhea & John D. McAfee Sequatchie counties

CRIMINAL COURT CHANCERY COURT E. Shayne Sexton Jeffrey F. Stewart

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 Vernon Neal

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 Lillie Ann Sells (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 Robert Steven Bebb L. Craig Johnson (Part I) John W. Rollins (Part II) 11th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Hamilton County 15th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Jackson, Macon, Smith, Trousdale & Wilson CHANCERY COURT counties W. Frank Brown, III (Part I) Howell N. Peoples (Part II) CHANCERY COURT C. K. Smith CIRCUIT COURT Jacqueline E. Schulten (Division I) Samuel H. Payne (Division II) CIRCUIT COURT L. Marie Williams (Division III) Clara W. Byrd (Division I) W. Neil Thomas, III (Division IV) John D. Wootten, Jr. (Division II) CRIMINAL COURT James O. Bond

15 16th JUDICIAL DISTRICT CIRCUIT COURT Cannon & Rutherford counties Hamilton Gayden, Jr. (Division I) Marietta M. Shipley (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)

CIRCUIT COURT 21st JUDICIAL DISTRICT Robert Crigler (Part I) (appointed 2-1-05) Hickman, Lewis, Perry & Williamson counties Lee Russell (Part II) CIRCUIT COURT 18th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Russ Heldman (Division I) Sumner County Robert E. Lee Davies (Division II) Jeffrey S. Bivins (Division III) (appointed 3-1-05) CHANCERY COURT Timothy Easter (Division IV) 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) Jane W. Wheatcraft 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 (appointed 12-31-04) CIRCUIT COURT Robert E. Burch (Division I) CIRCUIT COURT Leonard M. Martin (Division II) Ross H. Hicks (Part I) George C. Sexton Mike Jones (Part II) John H. Gasaway, III (Part III) 24th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Benton, Carroll, Decatur, Hardin & Henry 20th JUDICIAL DISTRICT 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) Julian P. Guinn (Part II)

16 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) Dewey C. Whitenton (Part I) D. J. Alissandratos (Part III) Martha B. Brasfield (Part II) CIRCUIT COURT CIRCUIT COURT John R. McCarroll, Jr. (Division I) J. Weber McCraw (Part I) (appointed 2-1-05) 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 George H. Brown, Jr. (Division VI) (retired 2-18-05) Jerry Stokes (appointed 4-27-05) CHANCERY COURT Donna M. Fields (Division VII) James F. Butler D’Army Bailey (Division VIII) Robert L. Childers (Division IX) CIRCUIT COURT CRIMINAL COURT Roy B. Morgan, Jr. (Division I) Paula L. Skahan (Division I) Donald H. Allen (Division II) W. Otis Higgs, Jr. (Division II) Roger A. Page (Division III) John P. Colton, Jr. (Division III) Carolyn Wade Blackett (Division IV) 27th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Joseph B. Dailey (Division V) Obion & Weakley counties W. Fred Axley (Division VI) Arthur T. Bennett (Division VII) CHANCERY COURT Chris Craft (Division VIII) W. Michael Maloan W. Mark Ward (Division IX) James C. Beasley, Jr. (Division X) CIRCUIT COURT William B. Acree, Jr. PROBATE COURT Donn Southern Robert Benham 28th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Crockett, Gibson & Haywood counties 31st JUDICIAL DISTRICT Van Buren & Warren counties CHANCERY COURT George R. Ellis CIRCUIT COURT & CHANCELLOR Larry B. Stanley, Jr. CIRCUIT COURT Senior Judges Clayburn Peeples Senior judges are appointed by the th 29 JUDICIAL DISTRICT Tennessee Supreme Court and may be assigned Dyer & Lake counties on a temporary basis to any state court. Allen Wallace CHANCERY COURT William H. Inman J. Steven Stafford (Part I) James L. Weatherford J.S. (Steve) Daniel CIRCUIT COURT Jerry Scott Donald P. Harris Russell Lee Moore, Jr. (Part I) Jon Kerry Blackwood

17 General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judges By County Anderson County * Cocke County Don A. Layton John A. Bell Ronald N. Murch Patricia R. Hess (Juvenile Court) Coffee County Jere Ledsinger Bedford County Timothy R. Brock Charles L. Rich Crockett County Benton County Shannon A. Jones Clyde W. Watson Cumberland County Bledsoe County Steven C. Douglas Howard L. Upchurch Davidson County * Blount County Gale B. Robinson (Division I) Hugh E. Delozier, Jr. (Division 1) Daniel Eisenstein (Division II) William Terry Denton (Division 2) William Joseph Faimon (Division III) William R. Brewer, Jr. (Division 3) Gloria A. Dumas (Division IV) David R. Duggan (Division 4) John P. Brown (Division V) Michael F. Mondelli (Division VI) Bradley County William Edward Higgins (Division VII) Andrew F. Bennett, Jr. Leon Ruben (Division VIII) Carrell Van Deacon, Jr. 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 Charles V. Moore Chester County Larry F. McKenzie Fayette County William S. (Bill) Rhea Claiborne County Robert M. Estep Fentress County Paul Crouch Clay County James D. White, Jr.

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

Gibson County * Henry County James Webb Hansel J. McCadams Robert W. Newell (Juvenile Court) Hickman County Giles County Samuel H.Smith John P. Damron Houston County Grainger County Sidney Vinson Joe Wayne Wolfenbarger Humphreys County * Greene County Dan R. Bradley Thomas J. Wright Anthony L. Sanders (Juvenile Court)

Grundy County Jackson County Earlene Y. Speer Steven Cassetty

Hamblen County * Jefferson County Herbert M. Bacon Alfred B.Strand, Jr. Joyce Mills Ward Mindy Norton Seals (Juvenile Court) Johnson County William Bliss Hawkins Hamilton County * Richard Holcomb(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) Brenda J. Waggoner (Division IV) Suzanne Bailey (Juvenile Court) Tony W. Stansberry (Division V) Carey E. Garrett (Juvenile Court) (Died 12-01-2005) Hancock County Floyd W. (Bill) Rhea Lake County Danny Goodman, Jr. Hardeman County Charles (Chip) Cary Lauderdale County * Janice C. Craig Hardin County Rachel Anthony (Juvenile Court) Daniel L. Smith Lawrence County Hawkins County * Patricia McGuire David L. Brand Herbert Holcomb (Juvenile Court) Lewis County Billy W. Townsend Haywood County J. Roland Reid Lincoln County Charles Crawford

19 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 J. Clifford Layne Charles Jenkins, Sr. (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 Thomas A. Austin McMinn County James F. Watson Robertson County Max D. Fagan McNairy County Bob G. Gray Rutherford County * Ben Hall McFarlin, Jr. Meigs County David Loughry Jayne Johnston-Crowley Donna Scott (Juvenile Court)

Monroe County Scott County Reed Dixon James L. Cotton, Jr.

Montgomery County Sequatchie County Jack Hestle L. Thomas Austin Ray Grimes Wayne C. Shelton Sevier County Dwight E. Stokes Moore County Jeff D. Rader Terry Gregory Shelby County * Morgan County Lynn Cobb (Division 1) Michael A. Davis Phyllis B. Gardner (Division 2) John A. Donald (Division 3) Obion County * Russell Sugarmon, Jr. (Division 4) Raymond Morris Betty Thomas Moore (Division 5) Sam C. Nailling, Jr. (Juvenile Court) Lonnie Thompson (Division 6)

20 Ann Lucas Pugh (Division 7) Unicoi County Tim James Dwyer (Division 8) David R. Shults Joyce Broffitt (Division 9) Anthony Johnson (Division 10) Union County Mischelle Alexander-Best (Division 11) Darryl W. Edmondson Gwen Rooks (Division 12) Louis J. Montesi, Jr. (Division 13) Warren County Larry E. Potter (Division 14) Larry G. Ross Loyce Lambert Ryan (Division15) Kenneth Turner (Juvenile Court) Washington County * John L. Kiener Smith County Robert Lincoln Mose Jackie Preston Sharon Green (Johnson City Juvenile Court)

Stewart County Wayne County Gueary Andrew Brigham James Yeiser Ross

Sullivan County * Weakley County * J. Klyne Lauderback (Division 1) Thomas L. Moore, Jr. Steven Hal Jones (Division 2) James H. Bradberry (Juvenile Court) Duane S. Snodgrass (Division 3) W.A. (Bill) Watson (Division 4) White & Van Buren Counties Paul R. Wohlford (Bristol City Juvenile Court) Sam Benningfield

Sumner County Williamson County Barry R. Brown Alfred L. Nations James Hunter Lonnie R. Hoover

Tipton County Wilson County William A. Peeler Barry Tatum (Division 1) Robert P. Hamilton (Division 2) Trousdale County Kenny Linville

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

21 Municipal Court Judges and Clerks By City Adamsville Bean Station Brighton Bob G. Gray, Judge Robert C. Edwards, Judge Elizabeth B. Ziarko, Judge Linda Walker, Clerk Barbara S. Wolfe, Clerk Bonnie Barker, Clerk

Alamo Belle Meade Bristol Robert G. McLean, Judge Richard B. Hart, Judge Shelton B. Hillman, Jr., Judge Cindy Coneley, Clerk Diane Borum, Clerk April Strong, Clerk

Alcoa Bells Brownsville H. Allen Bray, Judge Harold C. Craig, Judge J. Roland Reid, Judge Melanie Water, Clerk Elizabeth Harber, Clerk Jerry Taylor, Clerk

Alexandria Benton Bruceton Brody N. Kane, Judge Frances Stephens, Judge Dewayne D. Maddox, III, Judge Shelly Tatrow, Clerk Jan Martin, Clerk Holly Watts, Clerk

Ardmore Berry Hill Bulls Gap Joseph F. Fowlkes, Judge Larry D. Cantrell, Judge Lorraine Heck, Clerk Mary Prier, Clerk Cheri Thompson, Clerk Burns Ashland City Bethel Springs David B. Brogdon, Judge James W. Stinnet, Jr., Judge Ken Seaton, Judge Jaine Grove, Clerk Anita Justice, Clerk Denny Whitley, Clerk Calhoun Athens Big Sandy Robert Sherwood, Judge Donald B. Reid, Judge Ronald E. Darby, Judge Roxanna Carman, Clerk Amy Arnwine, Clerk Debbie Wright, Clerk Camden Atoka Blaine Ronald E. Durby, Judge David L. Douglas, Judge Robert C. Edwards, Judge Bobby Melton, Clerk Shonda Burress, Clerk Bluff City Carthage Baileytown Michael E. Large, Judge Randell D. Wakefield, Judge Linda Thomas-Woolsey, Judge Judy A. Dulaney, Clerk Richard M. Brooks, Judge Barbara Tilson, Clerk Faye Cosby, Clerk Bolivar Baneberry Catherine Hornsby, Judge Caryville Rebecca D. Slone, Judge Paula Whilhite, Clerk Jeffery L. Hall, Judge Patricia Lunsford, Clerk Cheryl Ivey, Clerk Bradford Bartlett Jimmy Merrell, Judge Celina Freeman C. Marr, Judge Sherry Featherson, Clerk William Hershel Lacy, Judge George D. McCrary, Judge Donna Hamilton, Clerk Helen Moser, Clerk Brentwood Thomas W. Schlater, Judge Centerville Baxter Carl Odom, Clerk Samuel H. Smith, Judge David Craig Bush, Judge Susan H. Griggs, Clerk Stacey Austin, Clerk

22 Chapel Hill Cookeville Decaturville William “Bill” M. Haywood, Judge David W. Ledbetter, Judge Ricky Woods, Judge Dawn Lovins, Clerk Cheryl Chambers, Clerk Tara Anglin, Clerk

Charleston Coopertown Decherd Robert B. Wilson, III, Judge Earl J. Porter, Jr., Judge Raymond Ferguson, Judge Janet Newport, Clerk Cacie Reynolds, Clerk Raymond Ferguson, Clerk

Chattanooga Cornersville Dickson Sherry Paty, Judge Ron Bailey, Judge David Wolfe, Judge Russell J. Bean, Judge Jackie Boatright, Clerk JoAnn L. Brown, Clerk Edward Hammonds, Clerk Covington Dover Church Hill Elizabeth B. Ziarko, Judge Marlin L. Blane, Judge Allen J. Coup, Judge Renee Harper, Clerk Tammy Fielder, Clerk Joyce Tunnell, Clerk Cowan Dresden Clarksburg Becky Sherman, Judge Thomas L. Moore, Jr., Judge Dewayne D. Maddox, III, Judge Becky Sherman, Clerk Jennifer McAlpin, Clerk Terry McCoy, Clerk Cross Plains Dunlap Clarksville Chip Hellman, Judge M. Keith Davis, Judge Charles W. Smith, Judge Tammy Covington, Clerk Amy Layne, Clerk Paulette Redmon, Clerk Crossville Dyer Cleveland Thomas L. Bean, Judge J. Mark Johnson, Judge Bill B. Moss, Judge Wendy Davis, Clerk Kenneth W. McEwen, Clerk Kristi Powers, Clerk Crump Dyersburg Clifton William Reynolds, Judge Lyman E. Ingram, Judge James Yeiser Ross, Judge Pamela Hardy, Clerk Diane Williamson, Clerk Miranda Burcham, Clerk Cumberland City Eagleville Clinton W. Sidney Vinson, III, Judge Andrew L. Messick, Judge Leslie Richard Hunt, Judge Cheryl Milliken, Clerk Michelle Bennett, Clerk Patricia Johnson, Clerk Cumberland Gap East Ridge Collegedale David Ray, Judge Arvin H. Reingold, Judge Kevin B. Wilson, Judge Linda Moyers, Clerk Mary Lou Whaley, Clerk Robin Shannon, Clerk Dandridge Elizabethton Collierville Rebecca D. Slone, Judge Lewis Merryman, Judge William Craig Hall, Judge Jean Murray, Clerk Mary Anderson, Clerk Rae Dowdy, Clerk Dayton Elkton Collinwood William G. McPheeters, Judge M. Andrew Hoover, Judge James Yeiser Ross, Judge VIcki Massengill, Clerk Laurel Newton, Clerk Sherry Gallien, Clerk Decatur Englewood Columbia William B. McKenzie, Judge Donald B. Reid, Judge Thomas DuBois, Jr., Judge Carris Davis, Clerk Jamie Moses, Clerk Molly Benderman, Clerk

23 Erin Gates Harriman Roland Roby, Judge D. Michael Dunavant, Judge Charles J. Crass, Judge Paula Horn, Clerk Shirley Dansby, Clerk Henderson Erwin Gatlinburg Charles E. Patterson, Judge Randy Trivette, Judge Jerry H. McCarter, Judge Jim Garland, Clerk Randy Trivette, Clerk Susan Brandburg, Clerk Hendersonville Estill Springs Germantown Curtis M. Lincoln, Judge Trudy Edwards, Judge Raymond S. Clift, Jr., Judge Brenda Monroe-Linzy, Clerk Kay L. Young, Clerk Robert Mark Brannon, Jr., Judge Janet Donnell, Clerk Henning Ethridge Herman Reviere, Judge Christopher V. Sockwell, Judge Gibson Carolyn Nichols, Clerk Julie Yokley, Clerk James Waddell, Judge Sidney Hill, Clerk Henry Etowah Vicki H. Hoover, Judge E. L. Parker, III, Judge Gleason Michael L. Ainley, Judge Jacky Cornell, Clerk Susan B. Collins, Judge Cheri Townes, Clerk Donna Crawford, Clerk Fairview Hickory Valley Murray Thomas Taylor, Jr., Judge Goodlettsville Charles M. Cary, Judge Diane Trevett, Clerk Robert G. Wheeler, Jr., Judge Rosemary Bishop, Clerk Linda Jackson, Clerk Farragut Hohenwald Timothy A. Priest, Judge Gordonsville Billy W. Townsend, Judge Alexis J. Crawford, Clerk Richard M. Brooks, Judge Joy Brown, Clerk Sandy Gibbs, Clerk Fayetteville Hollow Rock J. Rhea Thompson, Judge Grand Junction Laura A. Keeton, Judge Marilyn Hendal, Clerk Russell X. Thompson, Judge Pat Gallimore, Clerk Vera Downing, Clerk Finger Hornbeak Ann Baggett, Clerk Graysville H. Allen Nohsey, Judge Darren Gibson, Judge Betty M. Walley, Clerk Franklin Karen Beene, Clerk Murray Thomas Taylor, Jr., Judge Hornsby Greenbrier Harriet Sue Thompson, Judge Gadsden William Robert Underhill, Judge Helen Coffman, Clerk Tommy A. Smith, Judge Lisa White, Clerk Humboldt Gainesboro Greeneville Harold R. Gunn, Judge Lee G. Richardson, Judge Linda Thomas-Woolsey, Judge Ella Abbott, Clerk Karen Head, Clerk Phyllis Smith, Clerk Huntingdon Gallatin Greenfield Donald E. Parish, Judge Connie W. Kittrell, Judge Susan B. Collins, Judge Lorine Dunn, Clerk Conniw W. Kittrell, Clerk Tabi Essary, Clerk Huntland Gallaway Halls Marie Stovall, Clerk R. Price Harris, Judge Marianna Williams, Judge M. Francis Cantrell, Clerk Tammy Lewis, Clerk

24 Jacksboro Knoxville Linden Robert R. Asbury, Judge John R. Rosson, Jr., Judge Donald W. Schwendimann, Judge Emma Caldwell, Clerk Phyllis Baker, Clerk Linda Jones, Clerk

Jackson La Grange Livingston Blake J. Anderson, Judge Russell X. Thompson, Judge Kelly R. Williams, Judge Darryl Hubbard, Clerk Vera Downen, Clerk Melissa Barnes, Clerk

Jamestown Lafayette Lookout Mountain Sarah Ann Threet, Judge James Chamberlain, Judge W. B. “Brad” Weeks, Judge Sarah Ann Threet, Clerk Deneshia Hesson, Clerk Pat Lane Fricks, Clerk

Jasper LaFollette Loretto J. Clifford Layne, Judge Wesley Lynn Hatmaker, Judge W. Charles Doerflinger, Judge Linda Bash, Clerk Linda Miller, Clerk Kathy Wathers, Clerk

Jefferson City Lake City Loudon W. Keith Repass, Judge Leslie Richard Hunt, Judge Russell Johnson, Judge Cindy Prater, Clerk Vergie Sue Ealy, Clerk Carol Hart, Clerk

Jellico Lakesite Luttrell Thomas E. Barclay, Judge Arnold A. Stolce, Jr., Judge Betty Satterfield, Clerk Jackie Ricardson, Clerk Roberta Thomas, Clerk Lynnville Johnson City Lakewood Christopher Williams, Judge William Mooney, Judge Dan R. Alexander, Judge Faye Wheeler, Clerk James A. Nidiffer, Judge Jeanette Childers, Clerk Donna Little, Clerk Madisonville LaVergne Ted Cagle, Judge Jonesborough Guy Dotson, Jr., Judge Ashley Cook, Clerk John Rambo, Judge Donna Ruch, Clerk Abbey Miller, Clerk Manchester Lawrenceburg Gerald L. Ewell, Jr., Judge Kenton Ben Boston, Judge Edna Givens, Clerk Charles Crouson, Judge Melanie Wisdom, Clerk Camilla Cunningham, Clerk Martin Lebanon Langdon S. Unger, Jr., Judge Kimball James H. Flood, Judge Cathy Lawrence, Clerk William L. Gouger, Judge Beth Hayward, Clerk Peggy Thomas, Clerk Maryville Lenoir City William D. Yarborough, Judge Kingsport Terry Vann, Judge Jennifer Cunningham, Clerk J. Robert Boatright, Judge Debbie Cook, Clerk Mason Hope Lewis, Clerk David L. Douglas, Judge Lewisburg Arnita Mitchell, Clerk Kingston Roger E. Brandon, Judge Brenda Y. Hall, Judge Kathy A. Ingram, Clerk Maury City Brenda Tipton, Clerk Rayce Castello, Judge Lexington Stacy Williams, Clerk Kingston Springs Mary Jowers, Judge Phillp A. Maxey, Judge Tobi Little, Clerk Maynardsville Rita Cathey, Clerk William Bruce, Judge Hazel Gillenwater, Clerk

25 McEwen Morristown New Tazewell Dan R. Bradley, Judge Janice H. Snider, Judge James Hershel Beeler, Judge Vicky Moran, Clerk Page Vaughn, Clerk Linda Stillson, Clerk

McKenzie Moscow Newbern Matthew M. Maddox, Judge Arthur Druien, Jr., Judge Stephen D. Scofield, Judge Charlie Beal, Clerk Joel A. Pace, Judge Steve Anderson, Clerk Tisa Tulgetske, Clerk McMinnville Newport Timothy L. Reed, Judge Mount Carmel J. William “Bill” Myers, Judge Shirley Rackley, Clerk Terry Risner, Juge Jack Shephard, Clerk Marian Sandidge, Clerk Medina Niota Jerry Spore, Judge Mount Juliet Donald B. Reid, Judge Patsy Moore, Clerk John T. Gwin, Judge Sandra Lowry, Clerk Carrie Paris, Clerk Memphis Nolensville Earnestine Hunt Dorse, Judge Mount Pleasant James D. Petersen, Judge Tarik B. Sugarmon, Judge Barton E. Kelley, Judge Cathi Little, Clerk Jayne R. Chandler, Judge Sue English, Clerk Thomas Long, Clerk Norris Mountain City Bradley H. Hodge, Judge Middleton Terry Reece, Judge Darlene Buckner, Clerk Charles M. Cary, Judge Terry Reece, Clerk Jerry Mills, Clerk Oak Ridge Munford Robert A. McNees, Judge Milan David L. Douglas, Judge Karen Hendrix, Clerk W. Collin Bonds, Judge Marilyn Bond, Clerk Patsy Bradley, Clerk Oakland Murfreesboro James P. Gallagher, Judge Millersville Ewing Sellers, Judge Gail Reid, Clerk John H. Lowe, Judge Wanda Wrather, Clerk Carolyn F. Dorris, Clerk Obion Nashville Sam C. Nailling, Jr., Judge Millington John P. Brown, Judge Royce Aker, Clerk Vicki L. Green, Judge Gloria A. Dumas, Judge Diane Landsee, Clerk Daniel Eisenstein, Judge Oliver Springs Sue McKnight Evans, Judge Joseph H. Van Hook, Judge Minor Hill William Joseph Faimon, Judge Ramona Walker, Clerk Samuel B. Garner, Jr., Judge William Edward Higgins, Judge Mabel Thornton, Clerk John Aaron Holt, Judge Oneida Michael F. Mondelli, Judge Harold G. Jeffers, Judge Casey Moreland, Judge Melissa Bowling, Clerk Monteagle Gale B. Robinson, Judge Dorothy Buck, Judge Leon Ruben, Judge Paris Wanda McDaniel, Clerk Marilyn Swing, Clerk David F. Hessing, Judge Carolyn Crouch, Clerk Monterey New Johnsonville Henry Fincher, Judge Joseph Hornick, Judge Parkers Cross Roads Pam Phillips, Clerk Emily Houston, Clerk Jack C. Hinson, Judge

Morrison New Market Parsons John D. Partin, Judge Max Stiner, Judge J. Michael Ivey, Judge Judy Rogers, Clerk Judy Daugherty, Clerk

26 Pegram Red Boiling Springs Savannah Gregory D. Smith, Judge Channie Newberry, Judge Carma McGee, Judge Paulette Pippin, Clerk Dyna Franks, Clerk Petersburg Quinn Brandon, Judge Ridgely Scotts Hill Dawn Forlines, Clerk Billy Gray, Judge Don Buckingham, Judge Jan Platt, Clerk Marilyn Kelly, Clerk Pigeon Forge David W. Webb, Judge Ridgetop Selmer Darlene Sipoas, Clerk G. Wayne Detring, Judge Bill W. Webb, Judge Kelly Rider, Clerk Lisa Blankenship, Clerk Pikeville Edward L. Boring, Judge Ripley Sevierville Debra Barnett, Clerk Herman Reviere, Judge Lanning P. Wynn, Judge Omega Woodard, Clerk Kim Graves, Clerk Piperton James P. Gallagher, Judge Rockford Sharon Elizabeth A. McCommon, Clerk Norman Newton, Judge Langdon S. Unger, Jr., Judge Terry Willett, Clerk Tabi Essary, Clerk Pittman Center A. Randolph Sykes, Judge Rockwood Shelbyville Jan Huskey, Clerk Greg Leffew, Judge John T. Bobo, Judge Susan Thomas, Clerk Kim Nash, Clerk Plainview Byron Bryant, Judge Rogersville Signal Mountain William H. Lyons, Judge Mark G. Rothberger, Judge Pleasant View Linda Wingar, Clerk Roxie Thornton, Clerk Gregory D. Smith, Judge Lisa Parker, Clerk Rossville Smithville William Craig Hall, Judge J. Hilton Conger, Judge Portland Becky Feathers, Clerk Angela Banks, Clerk Steven F. Glaser, Judge Sherri Cousin, Clerk Rutherford Smyrna Pamela H. Flowers, Judge Christopher D. Coats, Judge Pulaski Ann Tidwell, Clerk Terry Davenport, Clerk Roger N. Hays, Judge Henry Vernon, Clerk Rutledge Sneedville Robert M. Burts, Judge Patricia Johnson, Judge Puryear Lisa Loveday, Clerk Paul D. Hessing, Judge Soddy-Daisy Verla Smith, Clerk Saint Joseph David W. Norton, Judge Paul Plant, Judge Sylvia Lovelady, Clerk Ramer Jean Hill, Clerk Brian Jackson, Judge Somerville Matt Clifton, Clerk Samburg William S. Rhea, Judge Sam C. Nailling, Jr., Judge Cheryl Mason, Clerk Red Bank Carrie Hogg, Clerk Gary M. Disheroon, Judge South Carthage Donna Rogers, Clerk Debra Willar, Clerk

27 South Fulton Tracy City Waverly Heard Critchlow, Judge Mark Raines, Jr., Judge Dan R. Bradley, Judge Debbie Beadles, Clerk Helen Dykes, Clerk Debbie Warren, Clerk

South Pittsburg Trenton Waynesboro William L. Gouger, Judge J. Mark Johnson, Judge Robert C. Turman, Judge Leland Dodson, Clerk Sammy Dickey, Clerk Sherry Wilson, Clerk

Sparta Trezevant Westmoreland William D. Mitchell, Judge Matthew M. Maddox, Judge Jade Rogers Maberry, Judge Lori Spivey, Clerk Rhonda Cunningham, Clerk Judith J. McClure, Clerk

Spring City Trimble White Bluff Darren Gibson, Judge Mollie Williams, Judge William R. Hamilton, Judge Aaron Loden, Clerk Jimmy Ring, Clerk Carol Harmon, Clerk

Spring Hill Troy White House Huntly Gordon, Judge Sam C. Nailling, Jr., Judge Susan Kay Johnson, Judge Melissa Beard, Clerk Cheryl Cranford, Clerk Sharon Jessee, Clerk

Springfield Tullahoma White Pine Charlotte Fleming, Judge James Conley, Judge Sandra K. Smith, Judge Martha Benton, Clerk Rosemary Jernigan, Clerk Sandra Smith, Clerk

Surgoinsville Tusculum Whiteville C. Christopher Raines, Jr., Judge Linda Thomas-Woolsey, Judge Charles M. Cary, Judge Sherry Minor, Clerk Patricia Randolph, Clerk Union City Sweetwater H. Allen Nohsey, Judge Whitwell John W. Cleveland, Judge Mike George, Clerk Mark Raines, Jr., Judge Shannon Crossman, Clerk Bill Harris, Clerk Vonore Tazewell Thomas B. Moser, Judge Winchester Douglas Harbin, Judge Angela Shaffer, Clerk Trudy Edwards, Judge Judy Buchanan, Clerk Beth Rhoton, Clerk Walden Tellico Plains Herbert Thornbury, Judge Winfield Clifford WIlson, Judge Fern Lockhart, Clerk Margaret Hunt, Clerk Leif E. Jeffers, Judge Teresa Buttram, Clerk Tennessee Ridge Wartrace Woodrow J. Adams, Judge Ginger Bobo Shofner, Judge Woodbury Nancy Cobb, Clerk Lora Gentry, Clerk Richard A. Northcutt, Judge Ann Alsup, Clerk Tiptonville Watauga Danny Cook, Judge Richard Norris, Judge Yorkville Fran Hearn, Clerk Shirley Fair, Clerk Jonathan Murray, Judge Glen Allmon, Clerk Townsend Watertown Christopher R. Ralls, Judge Robert Evans Lee, Judge Gwen Jordan, Clerk Cody Jenkins, Clerk

28 Tennessee’s Appellate Court Clerk

Mike Catalano was appointed by the Supreme Court two years ago to serve as Tennessee’s appellate court clerk. For more than two decades prior to his appointment, he had been with the Office of the Attorney General. As clerk, he oversees offices and staffs in Nashville, Knoxville and Jackson where the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals hear cases. His offices handle dockets, appellate court filings and administrative matters. Catalano graduated Summa Cum Laude from Memphis State University and earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Michael Catalano Appellate Court Clerk

Appellate and Trial Court Clerks

Appellate and trial court clerks are responsible where matters before the Court of the Judiciary, for maintaining dockets and records and handling Board of Law Examiners, Board of Professional administrative matters in their courts. The clerks also Responsibility and certified questions of law from serve as judicial system goodwill ambassadors federal courts are heard. Also, any petition for public since they have day-to-day interaction with the public. response altering or amending the rules is filed in the Middle Division. Circuit Court clerks, elected in each county for four-year terms, also serve as General Sessions The clerk of the appellate courts is appointed Court clerks in counties without designated General by the Supreme Court for a six-year term and is Sessions Court clerks. Clerks also are elected in based in Nashville, the Middle Division. counties with Probate and Criminal Courts. Each Chancery Court is served by a clerk and master who Michael Catalano is appointed by the Chancery Court judge for a six- Appellate Court Clerk year term. Janice Rawls Chief Deputy Clerk The Office of the Appellate Court Clerk is 401 7th Avenue North responsible for filing appellate papers submitted by Nashville, TN 37219-1407 the parties with cases on appeal. The division where a case originates controls where the parties file their Susan Turner Chief Deputy Clerk appeals. In capital cases in which all appeals have P.O. Box 909 been exhausted and the execution date has been Jackson, TN 38302-0909 set, all papers submitted to the Supreme Court are filed in the Middle Division. Frankie Holt Chief Deputy Clerk P. O. Box 444 In addition to cases on appeal, the Middle Knoxville, TN 37901-0444 Division is where all Rules of Court are filed, and

29 Court Clerks by County Anderson County Carroll County Crockett County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Barry Pelizzari Paul Newmon 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 Charlotte McKeehan 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 Pam D. Mull Peggy Ballard 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 Cannon County Frankie Cody Dyer County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Robert Davenport Coffee County Tom T. J. Jones Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Harold Patrick Heather Duncan John H. Hoff Clerk and Master Charlotte V. Broyles

30 Fayette County Hamblen County Henry County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Jimmie German Kathy Mullins Rondall Myers Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Barbara Walls 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 Swaford Cora Sue McMillan Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Brenda Clark Hancock County Patsy Brooks Circuit Court Clerk Gibson County Bill McMurray Humphreys County Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Amanda Brown Scott Collins Elaine Choate Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Janice Jones 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 Garry W. Jones 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 Kathy Bunch Carpenter 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 Circuit Court Clerk Gail Jeffers Joe Moore Knox County Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Kay Armstrong Judy Hardister Catherine F. Quist Clerk and Master Grundy County Henderson County Howard G. Hogan Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Criminal Court Clerk Marcia Bess Kenny Cavness Martha Phillips Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Phyllis Dent Leigh Milam

31 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 Clerk and Master Sandra Burnham Cheryl Church Dorothy Stanton Lawrence County McMinn County Perry County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Leon Clanton Clerk and Master Norma Corn White Robert O’Guin 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 Fairy R. Hunter Sue Whited Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk Meigs County Polk County Gail Corder Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Debbie Smith Connie H. Clark Rebecca N. Bartlett Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Jim Mercer Kim 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 Montgomery County Rhea County Jennifer Hudson Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Cheryl J. Castle Regina Metts Gwen Linville Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Madison County Ted Crozier, Jr. John Fine Circuit Court Clerk Judy Barnhill Moore County Roane County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Pam Carter Trixie Harrison Angela Randolph Juvenile Court Clerk Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Lacy Bond Tammy Roberts Shannon Conley

Marion County Morgan County Robertson County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Evelyn Griffith Rachel Smith Lisa Cavender Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Levoy Gudger Angela Anderson Kenneth Hudgens

32 Rutherford County Sullivan County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Eloise Gaither Raymond Winters Clerk and Master Clerk and Master John A. W. Bratcher Sara Housewright

Scott County Sumner County Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Verda “Buddy” Cope Mahailiah Hughes Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Washington County Jane A. Lloyd Brenda Page Circuit Court Clerk Karen Guinn Sequatchie County Tipton County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Brenda Sneyd Karen Milsaps Mike Forbess Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Wayne County Thomas Goins Judy Billings Circuit Court Clerk Billy G. Crews Sevier County Trousdale County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Carolyn Mathis Janette Ballard Kim Taylor Clerk and Master Clerk and Master Weakley County Carolyn McMahan Shelly Jones Circuit Court Clerk General Sessions Clerk Pam Belew Connie Holt Unicoi County Clerk and Master Circuit Court Clerk Patricia Taylor Shelby County Christy Howard Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master White County Jimmy Moore Teresa W. Simerly Circuit Court Clerk Clerk and Master Henry E. Foster Kenny W. Armstrong Union County Clerk and Master Criminal Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Linda McCoy William R. Key Barbara Williams General Sessions Court Clerk Clerk and Master Williamson County Chris Turner Doris Seymour Circuit Court Clerk Probate Court Clerk Debbie McMillan Barrett Chris Thomas Van Buren County Clerk and Master Juvenile Court Clerk Circuit Court Clerk Steve Stamson Elaine Beeler Teresa Simmons-DeLong Juvenile Court Clerk Smith County Clerk and Master Brenda Hyden Circuit Court Clerk Tina Shockley Myra Hardcastle Wilson County Clerk and Master Warren County Circuit Court Clerk Dianna Dillehay Circuit Court Clerk Linda Neal Bernie Morris Clerk and Master Stewart County Clerk and Master Barbara Webb Circuit Court Clerk Richard McGregor Barbara Wallace Clerk and Master Jane Link

33 Board of Professional Responsibility attorneys either meet requirements of 12 hours of 1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 730 general and three hours of ethics/professionalism Nashville, TN 37217 CLE each year or are eligible for exemption. The 615-361-7500 commission oversees certification of attorneys as www.tbpr.org. specialists in 11 areas of the law. The Board of Professional Responsibility investigates complaints against attorneys and Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client disciplines those who violate professional rules. The Protection program also publishes ethics opinions, operates 615-741-3097 an ethics hotline, conducts seminars and oversees TLFCP manages a fund of more than $1 million an attorney trust fund program. from which it reimburses clients whose attorneys In fiscal year 2004-2005, there were 982 have misappropriated funds.The fund is administered complaints filed, an increase of 6 percent. The board by the same staff as the Tennessee Commission has received 35,625 complaints during the past 29 on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization. years resulting in155 disbarments, 381 suspensions, 436 public censures and 2,695 private reprimands Tennessee Board of Law Examiners or admonitions. 706 Church Street, Suite 100 The Consumer Assistance Program addressed Nashville, TN 37243-0740 4,820 concerns during the fiscal year. Informal 615-741-3234 mediation for concerns not rising to the level of www.tennessee.gov/lawexaminers serious ethical violations occurred in 3,285 The Board of Law Examiners governs the instances. examination and admission of attorneys applying to Tennessee attorneys have contributed $26.4 practice law in Tennessee. The board, with a staff of million in annual court assessments to finance the three, admits qualified attorneys previously licensed board’s programs, with no contributions from other in other jurisdictions and administers the two-day sources. bar examination in February and July to law school graduates. During fiscal year 2004-2005, 875 law Tennessee Court of the Judiciary school graduates took the exam and 75.4 percent 731-264-5671 passed. The 16-member Court of the Judiciary investigates complaints of judicial misconduct Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program against Tennessee judges and disciplines those 200 Fourth Ave. North, Suite 810 who are found in violation of the Code of Judicial 1-877-424-8527 Conduct. In FY 2004-2005, the court received 345 email: [email protected] complaints. All complaints are reviewed and, when www.tlap.org appropriate, prosecuted by the court’s disciplinary Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program counsel. (TLAP) is a free confidential assistance program, providing consultation, referral, intervention, peer Commission on Continuing Legal Education support and advocacy for lawyers, judges, bar & Specialization applicants and law students with physical, mental 221 Fourth Avenue North and emotional health issues. The program provides Nashville, TN 37219 assistance for issues such as substance abuse, 615-741-3096 dependency, stress, anxiety, professional burnout, www.cletn.org family problems, depression, gambling or other The commission evaluates CLE courses compulsive disorders, old age/senility and physical nationwide and records attendance at approved handicaps. Since it was created by the Tennessee courses for more than 15,000 Tennessee attorneys. Supreme Court in 1999, TLAP has received more The commission also makes sure all Tennessee than 1,322 inquiries and referrals.

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