US Lawyer Database

§ 17-5-101. Intent of Chapter

The regulation of judicial conduct is critical to preserving the integrity of the judiciary and enhancing public confidence in the judicial system. This chapter is intended to provide an orderly and efficient method for making inquiry into the physical, mental, and moral fitness of any Tennessee judge; the judge’s manner of performance of duty; and […]

§ 17-4-103. Legislative Vote on Confirmation

If the general assembly is in its annual legislative session when the appointment is made, then the vote, if any, on confirmation of the governor’s appointee shall occur within sixty (60) consecutive calendar days immediately following the appointment. If the general assembly is not in its annual legislative session when the appointment is made, then […]

§ 17-4-104. Commencement of Service

A supreme court, court of appeals, or court of criminal appeals judge confirmed in accordance with this part shall commence service in the office to which the judge was confirmed: Upon confirmation, if the judge is confirmed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term; September 1, if the judge is confirmed to a full […]

§ 17-4-105. Retention Elections

A judge, who has been appointed and confirmed for a full eight-year term on the supreme court, the court of appeals, or the court of criminal appeals and who takes office on September 1 at the beginning of the eight-year term or in accordance with § 17-4-104(a)(3), shall face a retention election at the next […]

§ 17-4-106. Written Declaration of Candidacy Required

An incumbent judge of the supreme court, the court of appeals, or the court of criminal appeals who seeks to be retained in the office to which the incumbent judge was appointed and confirmed must qualify by filing with the state election commission a written declaration of candidacy to be retained for a full term […]

§ 17-4-301. Establishment — Composition of Commission — Information

There is established as a part of the judicial branch of the state a trial court vacancy commission, referred to in this part as “the commission,” that shall have jurisdiction over all trial court vacancies occurring on or after February 1, 2016. For purposes of making the initial appointments to the commission, the speaker of […]

§ 17-4-302. Membership Requirements

Each member of the commission shall be a citizen of the United States, shall be at least thirty (30) years of age, and shall have been a citizen of this state for at least five (5) years immediately prior to appointment. Each attorney member shall be duly licensed to practice by the Tennessee supreme court.

§ 17-4-303. Exclusions From Membership on Commission

No member of the commission shall be a salaried office holder of this state or the United States, nor shall any member of the commission hold any office in any political party or political organization; provided, that members of the national guard and members of any armed forces reserve organization, any district attorney general or […]