Tennessee Court Talk Tennessee Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts

 In this episode we take you to the investiture ceremony of Justice Dwight E. Tarwater to the Tennessee Supreme Court at the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville on September 5, 2023.

General Sessions courts are often referred to as “the court of first resort,” “the people’s court,” or “small claims court.” In Tennessee, General Sessions courts have broad jurisdiction over civil claims and play a key role in almost every criminal prosecution in the state. Join Judges Lee Bussart (Marshall County), Lynda Jones (Davidson County), Alex McVeagh (Hamilton County) and Kee Bryant-McCormick (Sumner County) as they discuss the role of general sessions courts in the Tennessee judicial system. 

Wellness is critical for both judges and attorneys, who can struggle with demanding careers and lifestyles. Court of Criminal Appeals Judges Tim Easter and Jill Ayers join Chancellor Jerri Bryant and Tennessee Lawyer Assistance Program Executive Director Buddy Stockwell as they discuss wellness strategies and tips. 

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 13 and court-appointed work. Our guests Lacy Wilber, Assistant General Counsel, and Amy Park, Support Analyst, for the Administrative Office of the Courts, discuss the ins and outs of filing fee claims. Lacy reviews specific rules surrounding expenses and experts, and Amy details the process of filing for reimbursement. This episode is intended for attorneys.

The pandemic has created stresses across the court system like never before. Supreme Court Justice Roger Page, former Chief Justice Janice Holder, Judge Russ Parkes and Judge Mary Wagner discuss how to use data and technology as well as alternative dispute resolution strategies to keep courts open and dockets moving. 

On this episode, Judge Vicki Snyder of Henry County, Judge Dan Michael of Shelby County, Judge Tim Irwin of Knox County, and Judge Christy Little of Madison County discuss the mission of juvenile courts in Tennessee and the various dockets that they see every day. From rehabilitation, to reuniting families and keeping children safe, the judges also discuss privacy within juvenile court and advice to new lawyers entering a juvenile courtroom.