TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jan 5, 2026

Several high-profile court cases affecting Memphis are expected to be considered in 2026. These include ongoing federal litigation stemming from the death of Tyré Nichols, a lawsuit challenging Gov. Bill Lee’s authority to deploy the National Guard, and a legal battle between the city and the Memphis Police Association. While major criminal cases involving the murder of Eliza Fletcher and Young Dolph concluded in 2025, aspects of the Nichols case remain unresolved in federal court as does a civil lawsuit seeking more than $500 million in damages. Separately, officials are appealing a ruling over the legality of the National Guard’s deployment in Memphis, a case that could set precedent on executive power in Tennessee. And the city’s dispute with the police association over union authority and contract issues continues to move through the courts. The Commercial Appeal looks at next steps in these cases.