TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Oct 29, 2025

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by state Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, that alleged Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and other legislative leaders violated his First and 14th Amendment rights, WSMV reports. The lawsuit centered on Jones’ expulsion, reinstatement and treatment as a lawmaker after he and two other representatives joined gun reform protests on the House floor following the Covenant School shooting in Nashville. The group, known as “The Tennessee Three,” drew national attention as lawmakers debated whether their actions were protected speech or disruptive conduct. In a 52-page opinion filed last week, U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson dismissed the case in its entirety, ruling that Jones lacked standing. The decision follows multiple motions to dismiss filed by Sexton and the other defendants.