Tennessee Court Talk

Appointed Counsel Vol. 4: Pending Grand Jury Claims

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.

The Tennessee Justice Bus - Hosted by Lady Justice: Women of the Court

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 ...

Ep. 26 Public Trust and Confidence in 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 ...

Appointed Counsel Vol. 3 - Tips On Getting Paid Faster

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.

Ep. 25 Indigent Services by State

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 Con...

Ep. 24 Black History Month: A Conversation with The Dreamer, Judge John McClarty

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’...

Ep. 23 Criminal Sentencing

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 episod...

Appointed Counsel Vol. 2 - Contemporaneous Time Records

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.

Appointed Counsel Vol. 1 - How a Claim is Paid

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 premier 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. 

Ep. 22 Introducing Appointed Counsel, A Tennessee Court Talk Series

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 i...

Ep. 21 Recovery Courts

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 Ju...

Ep. 20 Remembering Judge Richard Dinkins

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. 

Ep. 20: Remembering Judge Richard Dinkins

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. 

Ep. 19 The Importance of Jury Duty

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. 

The Importance of Jury Duty

Ep. 18 The Investiture of Justice Dwight E. Tarwater

 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.

The Investiture of Justice Dwight E. Tarwater

 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.

Ep. 17 General Sessions

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 judic...

Ep. 16 Judicial Wellness

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. 

Ep. 15 Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 13

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.

Ep. 14 Pandemic Court Proceedings in Tennessee

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. 

Ep. 13 Juvenile Courts in Tennessee

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. 

Ep. 12: Self Represented Litigants

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 Univers...

Ep. 12 Self Represented Litigants

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 Univers...

Ep. 11: Chancery Court in Tennessee

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 Morse of the 6th Judicial District and Chancellor Tony Childress of the 29th Judi...

Ep. 11 Chancery Court in Tennessee

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 Morse of the 6th Judicial District and Chancellor Tony Childress of the 29th Judi...

Ep. 10: Women of the Tennessee Supreme Court - Fred D. Gray Panel

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 Lips...

Ep. 10 Women of the Tennessee Supreme Court - Fred D. Gray Panel

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 Lips...

Ep. 9 Women of the Tennessee Supreme Court - Afternoon Panel

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 S...

Ep. 9: Women of the Tennessee Supreme Court - Afternoon Panel

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 S...

Ep 9: Women of the Tennessee Supreme Court - Afternoon Panel

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 S...

Ep 10: Women of the Tennessee Supreme Court - Fred D. Gray Panel

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 Lips...

Ep. 8: Women in the Judiciary

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. 

Ep. 8 Women in the Judiciary

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. 

Ep 8: Women in the Judiciary

Today 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. 

Ep. 7 Criminal Pattern Jury Instruction

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. 

Ep. 7: Criminal Pattern Jury Instruction

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. 

Ep 7: Criminal Pattern Jury Instruction

In episode 7 of Tennessee Court Talk, 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 gi...

Ep. 6: Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking in Tennessee

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. 

Ep. 6 Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking in Tennessee

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. 

Ep: 5 Alliance For Drug-Endangered Children

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 cour...

Ep. 5: Alliance For Drug-Endangered Children

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 cour...

Ep. 5 Alliance For Drug-Endangered Children

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 cour...

Ep. 4 Court Innovations

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. 

Ep. 4: Court Innovations

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. 

Ep: 4 Court Innovations

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. 

Ep. 3 Drug Trends Across Tennessee

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 Univer...

Ep. 3: Drug Trends Across Tennessee

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 Univer...

Ep. 2: The Appellate Court Process in Tennessee

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. 

Ep. 2 The Appellate Court Process in Tennessee

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.