The separation of powers is one of the defining principles of American government and a key safeguard of individual liberty. Born out of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the U.S. Constitution established three branches of government, each with distinct responsibilities and the power to check the others.

In this episode, Dean William Koch of the Nashville School of Law and Judge Usman from the Tennessee Court of Appeals sit down for a thoughtful discussion exploring the founders' vision for the separation of powers, the meaning and purpose of checks and balances, and how the judicial branch has evolved over the past 250 years. Together, they examine why this constitutional framework remains essential to preserving the rule of law and maintaining the balance of power in a modern democracy.

This episode continues our conversation from Part 1 with Judge John Campbell, Judge Tom Greenholtz, and Judge Steven Sword to discuss the legal standards and lasting impact of post-conviction proceedings in Tennessee.

This episode explores what happens after a criminal conviction in Tennessee, focusing on post-conviction relief and its critical role in reviewing claims that may have been missed at trial.

This discussion explains how cases reach the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, what it takes to prove issues like ineffective assistance of counsel, and how convictions can be challenged after the trial is over.

Host Nick Morgan is joined by Judges John Campbell, Tom Greenholtz, and Steven Sword to discuss the legal standards and lasting impact of post-conviction proceedings in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) serves as an intermediary between trial courts and the Tennessee Supreme Court. The CCA hears cases in Jackson, Nashville, and Knoxville in panels of three judges from across the state, ensuring diverse perspectives in the judicial process.

 This episode continues the conversation from Part 1 with Judge Robert Wedemeyer, Judge Ross Dyer, Judge Camille McMullen and Judge Jill Bartee Ayers. 

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) serves as a vital intermediary between trial courts and the Tennessee Supreme Court. The CCA hears cases in Jackson, Nashville, and Knoxville in panels of judges from across the state, ensuring diverse perspective in the judicial process.

In this episode we explore the history and key milestones that have shaped the Tennessee CCA into what it is today through the voices of four of its twelve members: Judge Robert Wedemeyer, Judge Ross Dyer, Judge Camille McMullen and Judge Jill Bartee Ayers. 

Judge David Veile (21st District Circuit Court) brings a unique perspective to the bench as both a former police officer and criminal defense attorney. In this episode of TN Court Talk, Judge Veile takes us along for his career journey and why he thinks his experience in law enforcement helps him as a judge. 

A former prison annex on Roan Mountain in Carter County, Tennessee is now the home of unique drug court recovery program. Through the combined efforts of local and state officials, the Northeast Tennessee Regional Recovery Center is transforming lives in a region ravaged by opioid addiction. Judges Lisa Rice, Jim Goodwin, and Stacy Street tell us how the program started and the key to its success.

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has welcomed Jim Holcomb as its new Judicial Safety Program Manager. 

In this role, Holcomb has begun leading a coordinated, proactive strategy to protect the people who serve Tennessee’s justice system. He is the primary safety liaison across state and local law enforcement, courts, and state agencies. 

In this episode, Holcomb tells us about his years serving as a Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Secret Service and what he hopes to accomplish in this new position. 

We are looking at the latest threats, hacks and risks during Cybersecurity Awareness month. As technology is constantly changing so does our need to adapt in areas of cybersecurity. We are joined on this episode of TN Court Talk by the AOC’s Chief Technology Officer Brandon Bowers and Chris Gill, Security Administrator with the AOC.

In this episode, host Joette Giroux sits down with Judge Mike Spitzer of the 32nd Judicial District Circuit Court and Judge Woody Woodruff of the 21st Judicial District Circuit Court to explore the various forms of depression judges may face throughout their careers. They also discuss the resources available to support judges in managing their mental health and navigating the challenges of the profession. 

Tennessee is in the process of modernizing the technology used in the state’s court system. This may not seem like a big deal- we all go through technology upgrades from time to time. But it is nothing short of transformational in the state. Why? Because Tennessee’s court system is non-consolidated. That means we have a fragmented court system across the state. It makes case management, data collection and overall access to justice much more challenging.

Tennessee Senator John Stevens, a member of the judiciary committee, joins us for a look at what’s ahead and why it’s so important.

As college football season kicks off, we welcome Judge Tim Irwin on the podcast. A former NFL offensive lineman with 14 seasons under his belt, Judge Irwin shares how his journey from the gridiron led to a second career in law, where he's now making a lasting impact on the lives of children in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Before The Bench is a new series from Tennessee Court Talk, spotlighting judges from across the state as they share personal stories, professional challenges, and the defining moments that shaped their path to the bench.

One hundred years ago, the small town of Dayton, Tennessee became the epicenter of the national debate over evolution and creationism. In the sweltering summer heat of 1925, the Scopes Monkey Trial became one of the most sensational cases of the twentieth century as famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow faced off against three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan.

Visit www.rheaheritage.com for more information about the 100th Year Scopes Trial Festival.

Joe Byrd is joined in this episode of Appointed Counsel by Laura Hood, a long time team member of the AOC, starting with the Fiscal Services Division and now with Experts and Investigators. Their discussion in this episode is centered around how attorneys can get experts and investigators assigned to their cases. 

In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk we sit down with Tennessee State Trooper Tara Lee, one of the friendly faces you might see when entering the Nashville Supreme Court Building. Trooper Lee has a special story as she shares her journey of becoming a State Trooper, providing judicial security and her story of perseverance in overcoming a personal health battle. 

Lead Attorney, Joe Byrd interviews First Review Auditors, Alyssa Hudson and Kendall Leslie to discuss issues related to dependency & neglect, termination of parental rights, and non-capital criminal court claims. Additionally, Alyssa discusses supplier information issues. The discussion offers tips for attorneys arising from common problems auditors observe when processing claims.

On this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, we explore a little-known but important process used in Tennessee’s appellate courts: the Order to Show Cause. Often misunderstood, this procedure serves as a form of contempt hearing specifically for attorneys, requiring them to appear in person before the appellate court to explain their conduct—or lack thereof—in cases they are handling.

Joining the conversation are two respected judges from the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals:

• Judge Ross Dyer, who brings valuable insight from his prior work in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office before his appointment to the appellate bench in 2016.
• Judge Tom Greenholtz, who shares his perspective shaped by years on the trial bench in Hamilton County before his appointment to the appellate bench in 2022.

This episode sheds light on the purpose and process of Orders to Show Cause, highlighting their role in maintaining accountability and ethical standards in the legal profession.

On this month's episode of Appointed Counsel, the Caitlin Clark of the Indigent Representation team joins Joe Byrd to discuss criminal court claims. Gene Vestal not only has a unique job at the Administrative Office of the Courts as the first line auditor for criminal claims, but also an interesting background. He and Joe Byrd not only go down memory lane, but discuss what he looks for in criminal claims and steps attorneys can take for a smooth process. 

History is filled with stories passed down through the generations. In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, we sit down with Knox County General Sessions Court Judge Andrew Jackson IV. Judge Jackson shares insights into the workings of General Sessions Court, his personal journey, legal career, and captivating tales from his remarkable heritage. 

In this episode of Appointed Counsel, Joe Byrd is joined by Jasper Beard, a compliance officer on the AOC's Indigent Services team. Joe and Jasper's discussion is all about attorneys submitting activities that exceed 24 hours of work in the same day. Learn when overclaims are flagged, how to fix an overclaim status as an attorney and Jaspers approach to correcting over claim status's with attorneys across the state. 

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to streamline tasks within the courts, increasing efficiency and allowing staff to work on higher level tasks.  But like any technology, AI is not infallible or without risks. In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, we speak with Michael Navin, Principal Court Management Consultant in the Technology, Architecture Planning and Security Division at the National Center for State Courts about how AI is impacting court systems in this new technological era. 

In this episode of Appointed Counsel, Joe Byrd invites special guest Debra Sandlin of the AOC's Legal Services Division. The bulk of this conversation revolves around Deborah's role in the billing cycle of appointed counsel and advice she gives concerning billable hours to law schools throughout Tennessee. 

The Clerk of the Appellate Courts in Tennessee is an appointed position – one you may not be aware of.

Very few people ever see an appellate court clerk at work, but their role is crucial in keeping the courts open, well-organized, and transparent. 

On this episode of Tennessee Court Talk we get to know Jim Hivner, who has served as Clerk of the Appellate Courts for ten years. He talks to Nick Morgan about the role of e-filing, what his job entails in and out of the courtroom, and even his favorite casserole. Listen to learn more the Appellate Court Clerk of Tennessee. 

The indigent services team relies on several other departments to accomplish its goal of getting attorneys paid for their services, but in this episode, Joe Byrd sits down with two of the most important people in the process. The fiscal department of the Administrative Office of the Courts join Appointed Counsel to discuss best practices in filing a claim for expenses and the different terms used to define the services of an attorney in indigent representation. 

In this episode, host Joe Byrd explains a specific process that must occur before any proposed expert or investigator begins to work. A process that involves both the trial court and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Joe also gives tips for those claims to not only be approved by the authoritative bodies, but also how to get a claim moved through the process and paid more effectively. 

This episode is for attorneys. 

The guardian ad litem (GAL) in Tennessee plays a crucial role in family court, acting as a voice for the child. As a legal representative of the child, they meet the child where they are in a case and advocate for the child's best interests and ensure their protection until the completion of the matter.

On this episode, Nick Morgan welcomes Judge Robert Philyaw of Hamilton County Juvenile Court and Attorney Chris Stiles of Chattanooga to discuss the topic of GAL's, give more insight in the role of a GAL both in practice and from behind the bench and talk about the importance in the relationship between the Guardian Ad Litem and the judge in the matter. 

This episode is for all audiences. 

In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, Samantha Fisher leads Chief Justice Holly Kirby, Justice Sarah Campbell, Justice Dwight Tarwater and Justice Mary Wagner  down memory lane. The discussion focuses on traditions the justices had during the Thanksgiving holiday as children and the traditions that have created with their own families they celebrate with today. 

This episode is for all audiences. 

Attorneys are permitted to bill for travel time and expenses, and there are specific guidelines under Rule 13 that determine what is and is not compensable regarding  travel time and reimbursable expenses. In this quick episode, host Joe Byrd explains everything you need to know about these guidelines. This podcast is intended for attorneys. 

With election season in full swing, Tennessee voters had the chance to vote on the retention of an appellate court judge and a Supreme Court Justice in August 2024. Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Matthew Wilson was one of those judges. In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, Nick Morgan sits down with Judge Wilson in Jackson, TN to discuss the purpose of retention elections, why they are so different and three words his best friend would use to describe him. This episode is for all audiences. 

Produced and Edited by Nick Morgan, Administrative Office of the Courts

In this episode, Chancellor Jim Ripley and Judge Carter Moore of Tennessee's fourth judicial district sit down with host and Communications Director, Samantha Fisher to discuss the moments leading up to the storm striking East Tennessee. Judge Moore explains the effects on inmates in Cocke County and Chancellor Jim Ripley details the plans for his temporary courtroom. This episode also features information for litigants and lawyers in East Tennessee that may be helpful for future filings. 

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

By day, Knox County Clerk Mike Hammond files, maintains, records, and preserves the records of the Knox County Criminal, General Sessions – Criminal, and Fourth Circuit Courts.  However, there is a lot to know about this interesting man that lies just under the surface. He is a superhero of sorts. He uses his powers during the day to help the people of Knox County, while holding one of the coolest side jobs in Knoxville at night. He’s also a member of the Country Radio Hall of Fame. Join host Dave Stripling as he sits down with Clerk Hammond to discuss not only how he’s able to help citizens leap tall obstacles, but also his memories of Lady Vols Basketball legend Pat Summitt, and how his 46 years in radio helped shape and inform what he does for the citizens of Knox County today.  This podcast is intended for all audiences.

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Section 6 of Rule 13 states that "counsel will be held to a high degree of care in keeping of contemporaneous time records, and that failure to provide sufficient specificity…may constitute grounds for denial of the claim for compensation or reimbursement." Nobody likes returned claims on either side, neither the attorneys nor the people processing the claims.  Here to help guide you through these specifics are host Joe Byrd, and two of the people who process these claims, Wyatt Jordan – Senior Auditor over criminal claims, and Jada Herndon – Senior Auditor over civil child welfare claims. This podcast is intended for attorneys.

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Medical debt is an unwelcome burden with lasting repercussions for many Tennesseans each year. The Hamilton County General Sessions Court is at the forefront of a pilot program that began in 2021 that gives those with unpaid medical bills to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga the opportunity to negotiate a better outcome for themselves without ever having to enter a courtroom.

On this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, host Samantha Fisher sits down with AOC Program Manager Dana Schmidt, Erlanger Hospital Associate General Counsel, Revenue Cycle, Cherie Knotts and the judicial sponsor of this program, Judge Alex McVeagh discuss the path that the ODR program has been on since 2021 and what lies ahead for the ODR program moving forward. 

This podcast was recorded over Zoom and is intended for all audiences. 

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

A step back from our normal style of episode to bring our audience a complete audio version of Judge Mary Wagner's investiture to the Tennessee Supreme Court. Justice Wagner received a warm welcome to the appellate bench as family, friends, colleagues, elected officials, and the judiciary joined her in Germantown for a ceremonial investiture by Governor Bill Lee.

For an interview with Justice Wagner and to get to know her on a more personal level, check out Ep. 36 of Tennessee Court Talk. 

Edited by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

On this episode, the newest member of the Tennessee Supreme Court, Mary Wagner sits down with host Nick Morgan to discuss her transition from the trial bench to the appellate bench. Justice Wagner also discusses growing up in a family of lawyers and her favorite music to listen to on the road. 
This episode is for all audiences. 

An audio only version Justice Wagner's investiture ceremony can be found as Episode 37 of Tennessee Court Talk.  

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

This episode covers the new amendments to Rule 13, including redactions that are no longer required, policies relating to mistrials, and deadlines for the 180 day rule. Host Joe Byrd explains the changes you will see moving forward, in a podcast intended for attorneys. 

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Roger Page is a man of two careers. After 25 years of service to the Tennessee judiciary, he is hanging up his robe for a life of travel and home improvement. On this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, Justice Page sits down with host, Nick Morgan, to discuss growing up on a farm in Chester County, his love for the San Francisco Giants  and how a boy who didn’t want to be a farmer, grew up to serve as the Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court. This episode is for all audiences. 

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Understanding what happens in a courtroom can be difficult. Even more so when English is a litigant’s second language. There are services in Tennessee to ensure that every litigant has the access to understand their day in court. In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, host Nick Morgan sits down with Ryan Mouser, the Language Access Program Manager at the Administrative Office of the Courts. Ryan discusses how interpreters are certified and assigned as well as the need for unique language interpreters in Tennessee. 

This episode is for all audiences. 

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Attorneys, investigators, and experts are not only entitled to a reasonable fee, but they are also entitled to be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses. Section 4 of Tennessee Supreme Court, Rule 13 gives guidelines for what is covered. In this episode of Appointed Counsel, host Joe Byrd explains this guidance in detail; covering filing fees, travel, and other necessary expenses, as well as what is not covered under Rule 13. This podcast is for attorneys, court reporters, investigators, and experts.

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Baseball is full of surprises. You never know when you walk into a ballpark if you might see a perfect game, a runner caught in a pickle, a measuring-tape home run…or an historic legal precedent! On August 20th, 1955, Earl Averill, Jr of the Nashville Vols punched Lyle Luttrell of the Chattanooga Lookouts in an on-field skirmish. Luttrell ended up with a broken jaw, Averill ended up with a lawsuit, and both wound up in the history books for setting a legal precedent that shocked both sports and the courts, and shaped both sports and employment law for decades to come. Join host Dave Stripling of Tennessee Court Talk, and guests Judge Andy Bennett of the Tennessee Court of Appeals and Randy Averill for the star-studded tale of “The Hit Heard Round The State!”

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts




MUSIC ATTRIBUTION:

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Happy Bee Surf by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300015

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Last Kiss Goodnight by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100611

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In this very short episode, host Joe Byrd explains the compensation rate increase for indigent attorneys in Tennessee, and how it has been implemented as of July 1st of 2024. There has also been an increase in the cap, based on hours worked. This podcast is intended for attorneys.

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

The simple explanation of the role of an appellate court judge is to determine whether or not the law was applied correctly in the trial court. However, everyone in an appellate courtroom is human and judges strive to understand the situations of the parties in front of them. Some of those situations can be very personal, especially for self-represented litigants. In this episode, host Nick Morgan, Digital Media Lead for the Administrative Office of the Courts sits down with Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge Steve Stafford to discuss the difference between being impartial and understanding tough situations. 

This episode is for all audiences. 

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

In this episode of Appointed Counsel,  host Joe Byrd speaks with Lisa Angel, Court Reporter Manager for the AOC, as they discuss the importance of court reporters, the processes of invoicing, and exactly how attorneys should work with court reporters to prepare transcripts. This episode is intended for attorneys and court reporters. 

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

There are many members of a court staff that make a courtroom work efficiently and effectively.  In Tennessee, circuit court judges may have three to four county courtrooms to manage with different staff members in each courtroom. In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, AOC Communications Director Samantha Fisher sits down with Chancellor J.B. Cox of the 17th Judicial District in Tennessee to discuss relationships in the courtroom and the amount of communication it takes for each staff to work with a judge during a court proceeding. This episode was recorded at the 2024 Spring Tennessee Judicial Conference. 

This episode is intended for judges and other members of the legal community.   

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, AOC Communications Director Samantha Fisher discusses misconceptions in the courtroom with Tennessee Senior Judge, Don Ash.  Find out why Judge Ash considers presiding over court a lot like umpiring a baseball game and the rules that judges in Tennessee follow in order to rule  from the bench. Recorded at the Spring 2024 TJC conference in Murfreesboro, TN.

This episode is for all audiences.

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Almost half of all claims that come into the AOC are related to Juvenile Court. In this episode, host Joe Byrd welcomes Stacy Lynch, Director of the Court Improvement Program, who has a lifetime of experience with Juvenile Courts. Here, Stacy and Joe give insight into how attorneys can navigate the system effectively, including discussion of Rule 13, Rule 40, and necessary information regarding guardian ad litems, CASA volunteers, Safe Baby Court, court findings of potential dependency and neglect, and more. This podcast is intended for attorneys.

Produced by David Stripling, Administrative Office of the Courts

Appellate courts can be a mystery. In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, judges of the Tennessee Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals pull back the curtain. Judges Jill Ayers, Frank Clement, Tom Greenholtz, and Steve Stafford explore a wide variety of topics ranging from arguing cases before appellate courts to the issuance of opinions. Judge Jeffrey Usman hosts their discussion as these judges attempt to make Tennessee’s appellate courts less mysterious. 

This episode is intended for all audiences.

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

Technology is changing at a rapid pace, and judicial systems here in Tennessee and around the U.S. are finding innovative ways to keep up, from positive uses of AI, to civic education, to improved access to justice, data access, and more. In this episode--recorded at the 2024 Conference of Chief Justices in Nashville, Tennessee--Justice Sarah Campbell interviews Chief Justice Mary R. Russell of Missouri, Chief Justice Elissa Cadish of Nevada, Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement of Michigan, and Chief Justice Ann Timmer of Arizona about how new technologies have been implemented in their respective states. 

This episode is for all audiences.

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts 

This episode of Appointed Counsel deals with how to get paid when a case in General Sessions court is bound over to the grand jury.   As an attorney appointed to represent a defendant in one of these cases, one may question whether or not they may be compensated for the extra time.  The short answer is yes, and Joe Byrd is here to explain the details. This podcast is intended for attorneys.

Produced by David Stripling, Administrative Office of the Courts

April is Help4TN month! 

In this episode, the hosts of Lady Justice: Women of the court take over Tennessee Court Talk to discuss the Tennessee Justice Bus. Justice Elizabeth D. Walker of West Virginia and Justice Rhonda K. Wood of Arkansas sit down with Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Jeff Bivins and Anne-Lousie Wirthlin, Director of Access to Justice and Strategic Development for the Administrative Office of the Tennessee Courts sit down for a discussion on the Tennessee Justice Bus, the legal law office bringing legal help to rural communities in Tennessee. Justice Bivins and Anne-Louise answer how the justice bus came to be, how it brings lawyers to rural communities and how to schedule a Justice Bus visit. 

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts 

Public trust and confidence in the courts is becoming a major concern in the media and among the public, as surveys conducted by the National Center for State Courts have shown declines in public trust over the last decade. Here to discuss this issue--and what can be done about it--are your host, Judge Neal McBrayer of the Tennessee Court of Appeals, and special guests Chief Justice Elizabeth Walker of West Virginia, Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby of the District of Columbia Courts, and Chief Justice Loretta Rush of Indiana. This episode was recorded at the Conference of Chief Justices in Nashville, TN and podcast is intended for all audiences.

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts 

Occasionally Joe Byrd is asked by attorneys how to make sure their claims are processed as quickly as possible. The simple answer is to file everything correctly to avoid having the claim returned by AOC staff.  In this episode of Appointed Counsel, host Joe Byrd invites AOC Senior Auditor Jada Herndon to discuss the top 10 most common reasons claims are returned. This episode is intended for attorneys.

Produced by David Stripling, Administrative Office of the Courts

This episode will highlight indigent representation and review how several states meet their constitutional obligations to provide attorneys for indigent, or poor, defendants.  The host for this episode is Appointed Counsel's own Joe Byrd, who is the lead attorney managing Tennessee’s indigent representation fund. He is joined by Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter of Kentucky, Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill of Maine and Chief Justice Marla Luckert of Kansas. This episode was recorded at the Conferences of Chief Justices in Nashville. 

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

From the time he was four years old, John McClarty desired of becoming a lawyer. Even in a time when the civil rights movement was evolving and significant Supreme Court decisions were changing the world of education in which he was determined to practice law. In this episode, host Nick Morgan sits down with Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge John McClarty to discuss his autobiography, The Dreamer: John W. McClarty, Judge. Their conversation is filled with stories from Chattanooga in the 1950’s to a lifetime spanning two careers, as a lawyer and an appellate judge. 

This episode is for all audiences. 

Produced by Nick Morgan, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

At the end of the judicial process, a judge is tasked with sentencing the convicted person to a penalty or sanction. The process of sentencing can be complex and have many layers that a judge must work through and research before making a decision on final punishment. In this episode, Judge Steve Sword of the sixth judicial district, Judge Jim Goodwin of the second judicial district and Judge Zack Walden of the eighth judicial district in Tennessee. 

Barbara Peck is the host and this episode is intended for all audiences. 
 
Produced by Nick Morgan

What is a contemporaneous time record and why is it important? According to Rule 13 6(a)(6), attorneys are held to a high degree of care in the keeping of time records supporting claims. In this episode, host Joe Byrd answers questions about the importance of timely recording as appointed counsel in Tennessee. This podcast is primarily for attorneys.

Produced by David Stripling, Administrative Office of the Courts

The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts receives between 80,000 and 100,000 compensation claims per year from 95 counties across the state of Tennessee. In Appointed Counsel's premiere episode, host Joe Byrd sets out to explain the most efficient way to be paid, scenarios that cause delay and  walks listeners through the Indigent Services review process. 

Produced by David Stripling, Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

In this episode, host Dave Stripling introduces a new instructional series for attorneys called Appointed Counsel, Dave sits down with its host Joe Byrd, Lead Attorney for the Indigent Services Team. If someone cannot afford an attorney in the U.S. they still have a right to one, and thus our American system and our Constitution ensure an attorney is appointed to them. Here, Joe answers questions about how counsel is appointed in Tennessee, how the appointed attorneys get paid, how someone is determined as "indigent," Rules 13 and 42, and what appointed attorneys will learn from his new instructional series, Appointed Counsel. This episode is intended for all audiences.  

Produced by David Stripling

Prisons are filled with non-violent offenders who normally spend most of their lives incarcerated and have high rates of recidivism, often due to addiction. Recovery courts are opportunities for qualified inmates to overcome adversity through rehabilitative alternatives to prison. Circuit Court Judge Tammy Herrington of the 5th Judicial District, Criminal Court Judge Jim Goodwin of the 2nd Judicial District, Circuit Court Judge Beth Boniface of the 3rd Judicial District  and Circuit Court Judge Mike Pemberton of the 9th Judicial District sit down  to discuss these programs offered in Tennessee.

This podcast is for all audiences and Barbara Peck is your host. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

In this episode, Court of Appeals Judge Frank Clement Jr., Chancellor Anne Martin of Davidson County Chancery Court, Part II, Chief Deputy Clerk Lisa Marsh and Ian Dinkins remember Judge Richard Dinkins for his integrity, fairness, and humbleness while becoming a luminary in the law community. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

Jury duty is one way citizens can participate in the judicial process and it's vitally important for a number of reasons. Here to explain why you should actively take part in your jury summons are Judge Lee Davies of Williamson County, Judge Stacy Street of Carter County, Judge Valerie Smith of Memphis, and Judge Wyatt Burk of Bedford County. This is a podcast for all audiences, and Barbara Peck is your host. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

 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.

Edited by Nick Morgan 

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. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

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. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

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.

Produced by Nick Morgan

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. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

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. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

In this episode, we discuss self represented litigation in Tennessee and across the United States by exploring the meaning and definition of a pro se litigant as well as provide advice on how pro se litigants can use state resources to gain more access to the court system and seek free legal advice. Guests include Justice Connie Clark of the Tennessee Supreme Court, Buck Lewis is the founder of Free Legal Answers,  Professor Cat Moon is the Director of Innovation Design at Vanderbilt University Law School and Judge Fern Fisher who is now a professor at Hofstra University School of Law. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

In this episode, we take a deep dive into chancery courts in Tennessee. Find out the origins of chancery court, what types of cases chancery court can hear and tips for attorneys entering chancery court for the first time.  Guests include Chancellor J.B. Cox of the 17th Judicial District, Chancellor Pam Fleenor of the 11th Judicial District, Chancellor John Rambo of the 1st Judicial District, Chancellor Micheal Moyers of the 6th Judicial District and Chancellor Tony Childress of the 29th Judicial District. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

Episodes 9 and 10 feature two panel discussions we recently attended at Lipscomb University with the three former and the three current female justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court. The conversation was enlightening and lively and it stands for itself. The recording featured in this episode is from the evening panel featured during the 2020 Fred D. Gray Dinner and features the justices mentors, being the one and only woman, what the justices do in their downtime and more. Thank you to Lipscomb University and Professor Randy Spivey for allowing us to record it.

Produced by Nick Morgan

Episodes 9 and 10 feature two panel discussions we recently attended at Lipscomb University with the three former and the three current female justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court. The conversation was enlightening and lively and it stands for itself. The recording featured in this episode is from the afternoon panel for students and features the justices journeys to a career in law, changes they have witnessed and advice to students. Thank you to Lipscomb University and Professor Randy Spivey for allowing us to record it.

Produced by Nick Morgan

About 25 percent of state judges in Tennessee are female, which places Tennessee 45th out of 50 states for women in the judiciary. In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Connie Clark, Court of Appeal Judge Carma Dennis McGee, Chancellor Jerri Bryant and Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton to discuss the importance of diversity on the bench, why they decided to run, and how they balance campaigns and work with family and other obligations. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

We turn our attention to discuss the criminal side of jury instruction. Judge Chris Craft of Shelby County, Judge Dee David Gay of Sumner County and Judge Mark Ward of Shelby County, all members of the Tennessee Judicial Conference Pattern Jury Instructions Criminal Committee, discuss the importance of jury instructions and how critical they can be to the outcome of a criminal case, the evolution of the committee, and advice to judges and attorneys on giving instructions to a jury. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

In this episode, Judge Ana Escobar of Nashville, Judge Robert Philyaw of Chattanooga, Assistant Disctrict Attorney Sarah Wolfson of Nashville and Jerry Redman, executive director of Street Grace in Chattanooga, TN  discuss how human trafficking and domestic violence intertwine and the steps both the court system, outside organizations and communities are taking in order to help recognize and solve human trafficking in Tennessee. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

Living in an environment with drugs can have devastating consequences for children. In this episode, we learn about the work of the Tennessee Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children from Tabatha Curtis with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations and Amy Coble, State Director of Investigations for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services.
Judge Tim Brock, who presides over the state's only family drug court and one of the state's first safe baby courts, explores how agencies and the courts work together to protect children when a caregiver is struggling with addiction.

Produced by Nick Morgan

In this episode, Judge Duane Slone, Judge Tim Brock and Mr. Jeff Smith, the Project Director for the eighth judicial district of New York discuss the court’s response to the opioid addiction epidemic beyond implementing traditional drug courts. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

In July 2019, the Centers for Disease Control released the most recent opioid overdose mortality rates, which showed a decrease for the first time in a decade at the national level. Unfortunately, that trend did not hold true for Tennessee, where overdose rates rose a modest 4.8 percent. In this episode, Special Agent Tommy Farmer from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Dangerous Drug Task Force and Dr. Robert Pack, Professor of Community and Behavior Health at East Tennessee State University, discuss the most recent statistics, where the state is showing improvements as well as new trends like the increase of heroin and fentanyl and the resurgence of meth.

Produced by Nick Morgan 

Episode 2 focuses on appellate practice in Tennessee from start to finish. Guests include Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Tim Easter, Court of Appeals Judge Neil McBrayer, and Clerk of the Appellate Courts Jim Hivner. Topics include everything from tips on filing a notice to appeal to brief writing to preparing for oral argument. 

Produced by Nick Morgan

In Tennessee Court Talk's premier episode, Judge Butch Childers (Ret.) and Nashville Attorney John Day, two members of the Tennessee Judicial Conference Pattern Jury Instructions Civil Committee, discuss the importance of jury instructions and how critical they can be to the outcome of a case, the evolution of the committee and advice to judges on giving instructions to a jury. 

Produced by Nick Morgan