TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Mar 8, 2021

A statewide coalition of concerned citizens has formed the Committee for an Independent Judiciary in response to a legislative effort "to unseat a prominent Tennessee judge and change the balance of power in the state." The effort is being coordinated by Nashville attorneys Bob Boston, Aubrey Harwell and Billye Sanders; Chattanooga attorney Roger Dickson; Memphis attorney Lucian Pera; and Knoxville attorney Wayne Ritchie. According to a press release issued Friday, the committee is dedicated to educating the public and elected leaders about the perils of the HR23, which would swiftly deconstruct the state’s system of justice by allowing the legislature to influence the decisions of Tennessee judges. The group also has drafted a sample op ed and is inviting any concerned Tennessean to support the effort by learning more and signing an online petition. In related news, on Friday the Memphis Bar Association joined other legal organizations in issuing a statement “strongly condemning” the resolution. Last week, the Tennessee Bar Association issued a statement, as did the Nashville and Knoxville bar associations and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.