TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jul 10, 2025

Former Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice William Muecke "Mickey" Barker, who died in 2023, began his career as a judge in the Hamilton County Circuit Court. On Monday, Circuit Court Judge Alex McVeagh held a special celebration to honor Barker by moving his formal portrait to hang over the jury box. Former TBA President Marcy Eason, who was sworn in to that position in 2007 by then-Chief Justice Barker, said, "It was a poignant and special day in court. Judge McVeagh now rules on the bench that began his mentor and dear friend's judicial path."

From left: Hugh Moore, Justice Barker’s friend and travel partner; Cathy Barker, Justice Barker’s widow; and Judge McVeagh