TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jun 23, 2021

The Tennessee Supreme Court has lifted almost all restrictions on in-person hearings, but it appears some civil court judges in Shelby County are holding court only a few days a week, Local Memphis reports. The news source says fewer cases are being heard and it's backing up dockets, taking months for some cases to get court dates. John Campbell, 30th District presiding judge, said it is his impression that the Supreme Court intended for courts to “get back and get your work done.” He said criminal court operations are basically back to normal but did not know what was happening in the civil courts. Civil court judges who spoke to the paper said they believe they still need to operate under a year-old reopening plan. A spokesperson for the Supreme Court said judges may fully open for business and may amend their plans at any time without approval. The only restriction still in place is a three-foot social distancing rule.