Hamilton D.A. to Retire

Hamilton County District Attorney Bill Cox announced yesterday he will not seek re-election in next year's voting, Chattanoogan.com reports. "I love this job," he said, but cited his age as the primary factor in the decision. Cox has nearly 40 years experience in the criminal justice system. In 1972, he joined the Chattanooga Police Department and obtained his undergraduate and law degrees while working there. He then joined the district attorney’s office after graduating from the Nashville School of Law. Cox cited his office's success in reducing crime as a great achievement, but also advocated for two reforms: requiring equal discovery rules for both the prosecution and defense, and allowing prosecutors to show a photo of the victim to the jury, which he said some courts have ruled against.