TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on May 6, 2026

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission has received four applications for a vacancy in the 1st Judicial District following the appointment of Judge Stacy Street to the Court of Criminal Appeals. The applicants for the criminal court vacancy are: Elizabethton Assistant Public Defender Mark A. Fulks, Blountville Assistant Public Defender Tessa Nichole Lunceford, Unicoi County General Sessions Judge Robert Mitchell Manuel and Jonesborough Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Scott Shults. The public hearing for this position will be held June 4 at 9 a.m. EDT at the George P. Jaynes Justice Center, 108 West Jackson Blvd., Jonesborough 37659. Any member of the public may attend the public hearing and can express, orally or in writing, objections concerning applicant(s) for the judicial vacancy. Contact Assistant General Counsel John Jefferson at the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) at John.Jefferson@tncourts.gov or 615-741-2687 with questions. Read more in a press release from the AOC. The 1st Judicial District covers Carter, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties.