TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Oct 14, 2024

The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct has issued a reprimand to Putnam County General Sessions Judge Steven Randolph for actions taken in a case involving an unlicensed driver who damaged his vehicle. The board found that Randolph should not have heard the case since he had an interest in its outcome, including the payment of restitution. Randolph argued that the defendant had waived any recusal challenges, that the amount of restitution to be paid was “miniscule” and any violation was “technical, not substantive,” but nonetheless acknowledged he should not have heard the case. His actions were determined to violate Rules of Judicial Conduct 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. Access the letter of reprimand here or on the Administrative Office of the Courts' website.