The Board of Judicial Conduct suspended Sullivan County Circuit Court Judge William K. Rogers for 30 days last Wednesday. The suspension will run from March 13-31 and April 20-30. The board took the action after Rogers was arrested for and plead guilty to driving under the influence. The board reports that Williams underwent an evaluation for substance abuse but the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program did not find that he required treatment for a substance abuse problem. After conducting a full investigation, the board determined that these actions violated Rules of Judicial Conduct 1.1, 1.2, 3.1(A) and 3.1(C).

The Board of Judicial Conduct has released details about a public reprimand it imposed on Shelby County Judge Paula L. Skahan last week. The reprimand addressed two matters. The first involved "injudicious" comments Skahan made about the county’s formal district attorney and a trial judge. The second involved an ex parte conversation Skahan had about a case with the Shelby County District Attorney's office. The board found that the conversation suggested Skahan had predetermined the outcome of the case and directed the actions of the parties to reach a certain result.

The Board of Judicial Conduct on Tuesday issued a public reprimand to Shelby County General Sessions Judge Bill Anderson Jr. The reprimand addresses two matters, the first that Anderson raised his voice and was sarcastic to a Memphis police sergeant who appeared in court for a bond hearing at the judge's request. The board pointed out that "a party who is the subject of overly harsh or intemperate words may reasonably perceive that the judge is biased." The second matter concerned Anderson's statements made in a September Shelby County Commission meeting during which he stated that he "detest[s] the bail bond system in Shelby County. I detest it across the state." The board expressed concern that the statements could "undermine public perception and confidence" that a judge would approach cases "fairly and impartially, as well as undermine public confidence in the judiciary." The court noted that Anderson cooperated with its review and took full responsibility for his actions.

The Board of Judicial Conduct issued a public reprimand for Rutherford County Judge Toby Gilley on Jan. 4. The board found that Gilley violated Rule of Judicial Conduct 2.9(C) when he used an online calculator to determine the value of property at issue in a case before him, and used the information to question a witness. The rule prohibits judges from independently investigating facts. The board noted that Gilley accepted the reprimand, took full responsibility and acknowledged that resorting to extrajudicial information is inconsistent with the proper role of a judge. Read the reprimand here.

The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct ordered that Shelby County Criminal Court Judge A. Melissa Boyd is suspended effective Dec. 14. During this suspension, Boyd is prohibited from exercising any judicial power or authority. This suspension will remain effective until further order from the court.

The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct has issued a public reprimand to Knoxville Municipal Judge John R. Rosson. The letter from the board states that Rosson breached the Code of Judicial Conduct when he held a campaign event in his courtroom on Oct. 11, 2023. The board also said that Rosson took election-related questions from the press during the event, and asked those who would see the press conference to vote for him. The board found that Rosson violated Rules of Judicial Conduct 1.2, 1.3 and 3.1(E). Rosson, who has no history of disciplinary issues, accepted the reprimand and took full responsibility for his actions according to the board.

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.

The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct issued Shelby County Criminal Court Division 9 Judge A. Melissa Boyd a public reprimand today for failing to abide by the terms of an earlier suspension order, reports the Daily Memphian. The board said it was referring her to the Tennessee General Assembly “for further action” after Boyd failed to complete certain conditions set forth in the suspension order, including a physical, mental health, and/or substance abuse or addiction evaluation by a provider approved by the Tennessee Lawyers’ Assistance Program (TLAP). Boyd has been off the bench since May. She earlier told the Daily Memphian that she didn't plan to have the evaluation because of its high cost – which she estimates at $6,000 – and an ultimate belief it would be unnecessary. 

The Board of Judicial Conduct has issued a public reprimand for Putnam Country Judge R. Steven Randolph related to comments made in a video posted to the Putnam County School's Instagram page. Read the reprimand here.

The Board of Judicial Conduct today issued an interim suspension for Hawkins County Juvenile Judge Daniel Boyd. In its order, the board says it took the action after Boyd was indicted on three counts of forgery. It also notes that Boyd was charged with one count of criminal simulation and one count of bribing a witness. Tennessee law allows for the immediate interim suspension of judges upon the filing of an indictment. The board said it determined that it was in the public interest and proper administration of justice to take that action. While suspended, Boyd may not exercise any judicial power or authority.