Tennessee Court of Appeals
Overview
The Tennessee Court of Appeals, established by the General Assembly in 1925, forms a vital part of the Tennessee judiciary system. It is specifically tasked with hearing appeals in civil cases from trial courts and certain state boards, ensuring justice is maintained through rigorous examination of civil law processes. This court operates alongside the Court of Criminal Appeals, which handles criminal cases. Its functionality mirrors the organizational structure of state judicial processes, focusing on civil law justice across Tennessee.
Structure and Operations
The Tennessee Court of Appeals is comprised of 12 judges who are organized into panels of three. These panels convene monthly in three key cities: Jackson, Knoxville, and Nashville. In special circumstances, the court may convene outside these cities, reflecting its flexibility in administering justice across the state as necessary.
The court's primary function is to review cases appealed from lower trial courts, ensuring adherence to legal procedures and the correct application and interpretation of the law. It provides authoritative legal interpretation and resolution, furthering its mission to enhance the administration of justice and promote confidence in the judiciary.
Key Personnel
The leadership of the Tennessee Court of Appeals consists of highly experienced judges, notable for their extensive legal backgrounds and contributions to civil law:
- Kenny Armstrong (Western Section): Appointed on September 1, 2014, he previously served as Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court from 1997 to 2006. Armstrong holds a Juris Doctor from Duke University.
- Andy D. Bennett (Middle Section): Serving since September 18, 2007, Bennett has experience as an Assistant Attorney General and later as Deputy Attorney General, with his current term extending until September 1, 2030.
- Frank G. Clement, Jr. (Middle Section): On the bench since 2003, Judge Clement is the presiding judge of the Middle Section. He has served as past president of the Nashville Bar Association and is a fellow of both the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Foundations.
Mission
The mission of the Tennessee Court of Appeals is to be a trusted resource, fostering the improvement of judicial administration while maintaining public trust in the judiciary. The court achieves this through methodical reviews and judgments in civil cases, providing consistent legal direction and resolute outcomes.
Contact Information
The court's Administrative Office is located at:
- Address: 511 Union Street, Suite 600, Nashville, TN 37219
- Phone: Available through the Tennessee Court System's general contact lines.
Strategic Insights
The court's focus on civil appeals positions it as a pivotal entity within the legal community, leveraging civil law expertise and procedural acumen. Engaging with prominent judges offers insights into Tennessee’s appellate handling of civil matters and may foster opportunities for collaboration in judicial events and workshops centered on civil law precedents.
Recent Developments
The Tennessee Court of Appeals actively engages in the evolution of legal processes, as demonstrated by its role in providing practical guidance on civil law matters and the systematic release of opinions critical for maintaining lower courts' alignment with higher judicial interpretations.
Challenges and Competitor Landscapes
While specific direct competitors are not detailed, operational parallels can be drawn with neighboring appellate courts like Kentucky's Court of Appeals. Such courts share operational similarities, albeit with distinctions in logistical capabilities and the broader scope of legal areas addressed.
Data Access and Public Resources
Transparent access to opinions, judge biographies, procedural rules, and technological services like the Appellate E-Filing system supports the court's dedication to public legal education and judicial transparency. This accessibility strengthens its role as a public service entity, vital for upholding justice within Tennessee's civil appellate domain.
