The Tennessee Supreme Court has ordered the Memphis Police Department (MPD) to pause the demotion of second lieutenants. MPD created this new rank two years ago. According to the Commercial Appeal, the Memphis police union challenged the move, saying it violates its agreement with the city. As of this week, 125 second lieutenants are on the police force. An arbitrator previously ordered the city to demote the lieutenants and lower courts upheld that move. The city argues that demoting the officers would create "chaos" within the department.

The TBA will host a webcast, “Tax Law 2025: Divorce & Taxes,” this Friday from noon to 1 p.m. CDT. The program will explore federal and state tax issues that can arise before, during and after divorce, offering practical insights for family law attorneys. Topics include potential tax pitfalls and strategies to better serve clients navigating divorce. For more information and to register visit the TBA website.

The Tennessee Supreme Court is soliciting comments on proposed amendments to the Rules of Appellate Procedure and the Rules of Criminal Procedure. The Advisory Commission on the Rules of Practice & Procedure recommended these changes after its June 27 meeting. Written comments should be submitted by Nov. 20 and sent by email to appellatecourtclerk@tncourts.gov or by mail to Clerk James Hivner, Re: 2026 Rules Package, 100 Supreme Court Building, 401 7th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37219. The docket number No. ADM2025-01108 also should be included in the communication. Read the order and see the proposed changes, which would amend Rules 20B and 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure and Rule 41 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Lawrenceburg attorney Randy Hillhouse died Aug. 23 at age 71. Hillhouse earned his law degree from the University of Knoxville in 1977. He was the owner of Randy Hillhouse, Attorney at Law and a member of the Tennessee Bar Association. Funeral services were held Aug. 25 in Lawrenceburg. Interment followed at Fall River Cemetery in Leoma. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bo's Blessings. Call 931-244-0590 for donation information.

The Defendant, Patrick Plunk, appeals from the order of the trial court revoking his probation. He argues that the trial court abused its discretion by failing to properly apply the two-step process required for probation revocation. In addition, the Defendant contends the record contains no reliable evidence to support revocation and no findings regarding the appropriate consequence, rendering the record insufficiently developed for appellate review. The State responds that the record contains substantial evidence supporting the revocation. After review, we affirm the trial court’s revocation of the Defendant’s probation but remand for the trial court to make findings concerning the consequence imposed for the revocation.

Petitioner, Rhonda Kay Davis, appeals the denial of her petition for post-conviction relief, arguing that the post-conviction court erred in finding that trial counsel provided effective assistance of counsel and that her plea was knowingly and voluntarily entered. Upon review of the entire record, the briefs and oral arguments of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

On December 13, 2022, David Johnson was struck by a vehicle driven by Dylan Clark. Dylan Clark’s automobile insurance carrier was Appellee, Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. Appellee negotiated a settlement and paid $50,000.00 on Mr. Clark’s behalf for his role in the accident. The $50,000.00 check was made payable to both Appellant Beverly Johnson and Medicare. On May 1, 2024, Appellants filed suit. Appellees moved to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim pursuant to Rule 12.02(6) of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, and the trial court granted the motion. Appellants appeal the dismissal of their lawsuit. Discerning no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

The Tennessee Attorney General’s (AG) Office has announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has closed a matter in which it alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners (TBLE) and the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP). DOJ opened an investigation in 2023 after TBLE referred two bar applicants with histories of concerning conduct to TLAP, which required those applicants to comply with reasonable medical assessments and monitoring as conditions for practicing law in Tennessee. The office called the investigation a "baseless overreach" in a press release announcing DOJ's decision. The TBLE oversees attorney admissions, ensuring candidates meet required standards of character and fitness. TLAP provides confidential support to attorneys facing substance abuse, mental health and related challenges. Both organizations operate under the authority of the Tennessee Supreme Court, which has long promoted policies ensuring fair treatment for all applicants.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) recently announced that it has received a generous gift to establish the James T. McCoin II Memorial Scholarship Endowment, which will support undergraduate students who intend to pursue law school following graduation. To qualify for this scholarship, students must hold at least 75 credits toward degree completion, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better and be enrolled full-time. McCoin was an APSU graduate and lawyer who advocated for youth and community-focused clients. "This scholarship honors James's legacy as someone who dedicated his career to advocating for youth and creating positive environments across Tennessee," said endowment funder Angie McCoin. "By supporting future law students, we hope to continue the important community-focused work that was so central to James's professional life."

Nashville General Sessions Court officials are moving forward with a plan to add six judicial assistants to help night court judges set and enforce bond conditions, aiming to close gaps in criminal history checks and ensure defendants sign off on bond terms. Supporters, including Judge Jim Todd, say the changes will improve public safety and enforcement, especially with a new law making bond violations an arrestable offense. Public Defender Martesha Johnson, by contrast, warned the process could pressure defendants into self-incrimination and compromise judicial neutrality, since many arrestees will not yet have access to legal counsel when questioned. Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson Don Aaron said the goal is for a patrol officer who pulls someone over for a traffic violation to be able to see if the person is violating a current bond condition, information that is not immediately accessible now. The Nashville Banner has the story.