TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Nov 14, 2025

Shelby County courts have declined extra judges to help with the increased caseload created by the Memphis Safe Task Force. According to the Commercial Appeal, on Oct. 31, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris sent a request to the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) for additional help with what he described as "never-before-seen capacity" in the county's judicial system. On Nov. 12, Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeff Bivins wrote to Harris that Senior Judges Mark Ward and Roy Morgan were available to assist through a standing order that is effective through the end of the year, and which could be extended if necessary. However, Bivins also noted that the county General Sessions Court had declined assistance, telling the AOC that its dockets were under control. According to The Daily Memphian, Bivins wrapped up his communication stating: "the Court is ready to provide additional judicial resources in addition to these senior judges, should the courts of Shelby County advise that such assistance is needed."