TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Dec 4, 2023

A special report looking at the state of the Shelby County Criminal Court has found a significant decline in the number of annual trials and an increase in the length of time it takes for cases to come to trial. The Commercial Appeal looks at the findings of former Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Bobby Carter, who was asked to conduct the investigation by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. Carter found that fewer than 40 trials occurred this year compared to years past when some 200 trials took place. Carter also found that the length of time it takes cases to reach trial has made plea deals less attractive to defendants, amplifying the backlog of cases. Read the full report and Carter’s recommendations for addressing these challenges.