TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Nov 10, 2023

After a public reprimand from the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct for failing to abide by the terms of an earlier suspension order, Shelby County Criminal Court Division 9 Judge Melissa Boyd has admitted to possessing and using illegal drugs since her August 2022 election. The Daily Memphian reports that information was revealed in a letter from the board officially referring Boyd to the Tennessee General Assembly for “further action,” including potential removal. The letter acknowledges the seriousness of referring Boyd to the General Assembly, the only body that has the power to remove a sitting judge. State law requires the board to notify the General Assembly after a judge has received a second public reprimand while on the bench. Boyd received a reprimand in May and again in October of this year.