Charles Rogers Martin of Kingsport died last week at the age of 84. Martin received his law degree from University of Oklahoma with a focus in intellectual property law and worked as a patent attorney for Eastman Chemical Company for 30 years. Martin served as president of Kingsport Bar Association and was also a member of the Oklahoma, Tennessee and Kingsport Bar associations. A memorial service celebrating his life will take place Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. EST at Carter Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga St., Kingsport 37660.

The Nashville mayor’s office and the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) are making a push to secure the city council’s support for Fusus, a surveillance footage centralization system that would allow police to access private surveillance cameras to aid in investigations. According to the Nashville Banner, at the council’s most recent meeting, two dozen residents spoke about the contract, many in opposition to the idea. An amendment to address concerns includes provisions to terminate the contract if federal or state law enforcement misuses the system, prohibit facial recognition or AI, and ensure that the company cannot change its terms unilaterally. If approved, MNPD could use Fusus to access private surveillance footage from camera owners who volunteer for the program. Police could review the footage in prescribed scenarios, including in response to higher-level calls for service. The council will reconsider the issue Tuesday night.

The TBA will host a “Post-Election Tax and Economic Forecasting” CLE webcast on Dec. 5. The session, running from noon to 1 p.m. CST, will explore the potential impacts of the recent federal election on federal taxes and the economy. Topics will include the future of individual and corporate tax rates, itemized deductions, the Qualified Business Income deduction, and estate and gift tax exemptions, as well as the economics of tariffs, trade protections, debt, deficit and inflation. For more information and to register, visit TBA’s website.

The most recent installment of TBA's Indigent Representation Primer is now available. The post looks at the right to counsel for indigent parties in criminal cases, including factors that courts may consider in determining to appoint an attorney for a defendant. Read more about Tennessee's system of indigent defense and see past primer posts here.

Atlanta lawyer Ollie M. Harton died May 5. A Tennessee-licensed attorney and TBA member, Harton earned his law degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and a master of laws from Emory University School of Law. He started his career as a judicial law clerk in the Tennessee Court of Appeals and served as a trial lawyer in the Tennessee Attorney General's Office. Harton joined Hawkins Parnell & Young in Atlanta 1988 and served there as a long-time shareholder. At the firm, Harton was key in expanding the footprint beyond Georgia and turning the Toxic Tort Litigation Group into a national presence. He personally tried over 90 toxic tort cases nationwide and was a giant in the defense of asbestos litigation. The firm has more on his career.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has suspended Sumner County lawyer Jocelyn Doria Mims from the practice of law until further order of the court. The court took the action after Mims was adjudged guilty of two felony counts of tampering with evidence, one count of making false report, and three counts of Intentional failure to report child sexual abuse. The matter has been referred to the Board of Professional Responsibility to determine the extent of final discipline to be imposed.

The Tennessee Supreme Court temporarily suspended Hamilton County lawyer Patrick Bryant Hawley yesterday after finding that he poses a threat of substantial harm to the public. Hawley is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and must cease representing existing clients by Dec. 26. Previous reporting indicated that Hawley had been charged with s several federal crimes, including sexual exploitation of children and possession and distribution of child pornography.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case looking at whether judges improperly sealed files critical of Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn’s performance on the bench. The Nashville Banner, which is bringing the suit, says that defense attorneys and prosecutors have long been concerned about Blackburn’s performance following a stroke she had in 2021. According to the Banner, Blackburn stumbled over her words, misspoke and appeared to fall asleep multiple times during a recent case. When the news outlet attempted to unseal a motion allegedly making specific claims about Blackburn’s competency, the motion was denied. The Tennessee Court of Appeals later narrowly upheld that ruling. The high court now will consider the request. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government and the Tennessee Press Association have filed a brief supporting the Banner’s motion to unseal the documents.

Wayne County General Sessions & Juvenile Court Judge James Y. Ross received the Sharon G. Lee Award of Excellence at the 2024 Annual Tennessee Municipal Court Judges Conference. Ross was elected as Wayne County general sessions and Clifton city judge in 1998. He also has served as Collinwood city judge since 2000. Prior to joining the bench, Ross served as Wayne County Attorney for 10 years and as a solo practitioner. The award, named for former Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee, recognizes a judge who has made a significant contribution to the Municipal Judges Conference. The Administrative Office of the Courts has more on Ross’ career.

The Administrative Office of the Courts regularly highlights judges who have a compelling life story or career path. A recent profile of 21st District Circuit Court Judge David Veile looks at the long but persistent journey Veile took to pursue his dream of becoming a Tennessee judge. Veile was elected in August to fill the seat of retired Judge Michael Binkley after applying several times for appointments to the bench. “I think I may hold the title of most nominated. I’m four out of four for nominations and the least appointed with zero out of four,” he says. Veile’s prior experience as a Metro Nashville Police Officer and criminal defense lawyer gives him perspective on both sides of cases. With two months on the job, Veile says he feels a different level of responsibility and is embracing the preparation needed for cases, calling it his “absolute dream job.”