An item in Thursday’s issue of TBA Today incorrectly identified the first name of Nashville attorney Ana Escobar. Escobar was recently appointed by District Attorney Glenn Funk to lead the DA’s domestic violence unit.

The National Labor Relations Board today ruled 3-2 that companies can be held liable for labor violations committed by franchises and contractors, the Washington Examiner reports. "With more than 2.87 million of the nation's workers employed through temporary agencies in August 2014, the board held that its previous joint employer standard has failed to keep pace with changes in the workplace and economic circumstances," the board said.

Political candidates should not be limited on how much money they can raise, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander said while visiting Nashville Wednesday, but he believes transparency is necessary, Nashville Public Radio reports. His comments come one day after a group of former members of Congress said they will attempt to change rules about anonymous donors. “I don’t think money’s the problem. I think disclosure is the problem,” Alexander said. 

“Donald Trump, Make Nashville Great Again – Please Leave Soon!” is the message on a marquee outside of Ozment Law Offices on Murfreesboro Pike in Nashville, WKRN reports. “I don’t think it has sunk into the minds of America yet that he has called for U.S. citizen children to be deported with their undocumented parents,” immigration lawyer Elliott Ozment said. Presidential hopeful Trump is scheduled to speak at the National Federation of Republican Assemblies this Saturday in Nashville.

In an opinion published in the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, hearing-impaired journalist Brian Mosely asserts the proposed Rule 30 changes, regulating how reporters may use electronic devices in the courtroom, will prevent him from doing his job because he relies on his smart phone to record proceedings. New regulations prohibiting cell phones and the use of any audio or video devices without prior approval from the judge have already taken effect in Sumner County.

Former television judge Joe Brown surrendered to Shelby County deputies Thursday to begin serving a five-day jail term, The Commercial Appeal reports. Brown was charged with contempt after a 2014 outburst in Juvenile Court. Earlier this month, the Tennessee Supreme Court denied Brown’s appeal.

The Tennessee Supreme Court suspended James D. McWilliams of Washington, Georgia, in 2013 after he pleaded guilty to a serious crime. Since then, McWilliams was placed on diversion and successfully completed his probation. No conviction will result from his guilty plea, therefore the Board dismissed the Petition for Discipline on Aug. 25. McWilliams was on inactive status prior to the suspension and resumes inactive status. Read the BPR release.

Attorney Ana Escobar was appointed by District Attorney Glenn Funk to lead the DA’s domestic violence unit in prosecuting cases and assisting victims. Escobar was sworn in as assistant district attorney in March. She previously served as deputy director of the Administrative Office of the Courts. 

Legislators and professionals will share the latest on Tennessee cannabis legislation, including insights on decriminalization and the use of medical marijuana in Tennessee, at the upcoming Cannabis Revolution CLE program. The course is scheduled for Sept. 29 at the Tennessee Bar Center and offers three hours of CLE.

Some judges across the country are pushing for a reassessment of how defendants are punished, adding to the nation’s conversation and debate regarding the criminal-justice system and high prison population. “Judges are moved by the broader public conversation about the need for reforms, and certain ones say, ‘That broader conversation ought to be reflected in the work I do, not just in the work that the political branch does.’” The New York Times highlights cases where United States judges asked for alternative or edited sentences.