The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved a bill that would make three or more convictions for simple possession or casual exchange of marijuana a misdemeanor rather than a felony, The Tennessean reports. The Republican-sponsored bill’s fiscal note says the changes to prosecution are expected to decrease the state’s incarceration costs by as much as $2 million. The changes are part of a bill package that includes enhancing Tennessee’s DUI laws.

Bruce McMullen will deliver the keynote address at the annual Julian Blackshear Jr. Scholarship Gala on Feb. 12, 6 p.m., at the Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park, 525 Henley Street in Knoxville. McMullen is a University of Tennessee College of Law graduate and shareholder at Baker Donelson. The gala, now in its 16th year, celebrates students and alumni who have positively impacted UT Law through their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Tickets are $50 or $25 for current UT Law students and must be purchased by Feb. 8 via email or by calling 865-974-6691.

Delaware Superior Court President Judge Jan Jurden announced Monday that all capital cases will be put on hold while the state supreme court discusses if the state’s capital punishment structure is constitutional. The decision follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision in January that struck down a Florida death-penalty sentencing law similar to Delaware’s. Read more from the ABA Journal.

Presenting a CLE program is a rewarding experience and great way to grow your practice and professional reputation. The TBA CLE Committee recently created a list of resources and tools for faculty members that includes teaching styles, public speaking advice and tips for moderating and presenting on panels. Access to technology tools is also available. View the TBA CLE faculty page to view your favorite speaker’s upcoming presentations. 

A Pennsylvania judge is getting national attention for the dress code posted in lobby of his courtroom: “Pajamas are not appropriate attire for district court." "We have a growing problem of people not dressing appropriately for court,” Magisterial District Judge Craig Long said. "Just like if you're going to church, you should dress appropriately.” Read more from WITI.

The state Supreme Court is seeking public comments from judges, lawyers and bar associations on the proposed addition of Tennessee Supreme Court rule 9, section 22.7, regarding the discipline of attorneys convicted or acknowledging guilt of crimes. The addition will clarify discipline measures when an attorney receives judicial diversion for a criminal offense. The deadline for submitting written comments is April 1.

Thirteen lawyers from Austin, Texas, bankruptcy and civil litigation boutique firm Taube Summers Harrison Taylor Meinzer Brown joined the Austin office of Waller, Nashville Post reports. "These are battle-tested trial attorneys who have earned reputations for getting results in high-stakes and high-pressure litigation,” said Waller Chairman Matt Burnstein. The firm now has 225 attorneys in offices in Nashville, Memphis, Birmingham and Austin.

A Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputy and jailer accused in the videotaped beating of a mentally ill inmate are demanding sanctions against the attorney who filed a $5 million civil-rights lawsuit, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports. The lawmen accuse attorney Lance Baker of violating federal court rules in interviews he granted with media regarding his client, Louis Flack Jr. They also accuse Baker of seeking publicity and putting his interests ahead of his client's.

The Tennessean reports Metro Nashville Councilman Loniel Greene resigned last Friday following allegations that he lied in court. “This was a difficult decision, but I believe it is the correct course,” Greene said in a statement. His resignation comes less than five months on the job.

The court date for three teens charged in the assault of an Ooltewah student is set for March 15, WTVC reports. The students were charged in Sevier County for an incident that occurred in Gatlinburg during a basketball tournament. It is unclear if Sevier County prosecutors will charge the teens as adults. Three Ooltewah school staff members have also been charged in the incident for failing to report abuse.