A pilot program allowing language interpreters to provide services remotely through internet connection was launched this week in Sumner County General Session Judge James Hunter’s courtroom. The first remote session was held for five cases this week. The interpreters worked via laptop using a video and audio feed of the court proceedings. The interpreter can see and hear the courtroom activities, while those in the courtroom can see and hear the interpreter. The Administrative Office of the Courts received funding from the Office of Criminal Justice Programs to launch the one-year pilot project.

Adam W. Parrish of Lebanon was publicly censured by the Tennessee Supreme Court on Sept. 23 for charging a fee for his services representing an indigent criminal defendant to whom he was appointed. Parrish was not entitled to charge a fee for his services following the first tier appeal without moving to withdraw during the 14-day period in which an attorney is entitled to withdraw from the appointed representation. Download the BPR notice.

Knoxville lawyer Raymond Andrew Shirley was suspended for one year for failing to diligently prosecute a case on behalf of his clients, comply with court-ordered discovery and settle a pending lawsuit as requested by his clients. As a result of his inactions in the matter, the case was dismissed by the trial court, of which Shirley failed to notify his clients. Download the BPR notice.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) has taken on the case of a disabled resident who is challenging a Chattanooga Housing Authority eviction, WRCB Channel 3 reports. Jeffrey Henson suffers from cerebliar degeneration and gets around with the help of an electric wheelchair that has scratched doors, dented doorframes and scuffed the walls of his apartment. Wednesday, a judge granted a restraining order blocking the eviction until the case is heard in court next month, or a settlement is reached. "He's being evicted essentially for being disabled," LAET attorney Emily O'Donnell said, "and that's a violation of state and federal fair housing law."

Retired Hamilton County General Sessions Judge Ronald Durby laughed and shared stories with friends, former colleagues and others in a standing-room-only courtroom during his portrait unveiling ceremony yesterday. Durby was elected as a General Session Court judge in 1996 after serving 10 years as clerk and master of Chancery Court. A line of well-wishers shook hands and had their photographs taken with the retired judge next to his portrait, which will be displayed in his old courtroom. The Chattanooga Times Free Press has more.

The John R. Justice Loan Repayment Program application deadline has been extended to 4:30 p.m. Central time on Dec. 20. Any qualifying District Attorney or state or federal public defender may apply for the award. Those who have previously received an award are given priority consideration, but they must submit a new application to the Tennessee Student Assistance Corp. They are not guaranteed funding.

Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper and 39 other state attorney generals have asked the Food and Drug Administration to regulate electronic cigarettes like tobacco. In a letter to the FDA, the attorney generals outlined a need for more oversight on the advertising of such products, potential sales to minors and ingredients used. Knoxnew has the story.

Attorney Keith Boykins will speak at Tennessee State University as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series on Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. in Kean Hall. Boykins is a CNBC contributor, MSNBC commentator and New York Times bestselling author. He was the highest-ranking openly gay person in the Clinton White House and participated in the nation’s first meeting between a sitting president and leaders of the LGBT community. For more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at (615) 963-5621.

The Tennessee Department of Correction and the nonprofit victim advocacy organization You Have the Power will host the “Walk Off Crime for No More Victims,”a 5K walk this Saturday to celebrate 20 years of serving the community. Founded in 1993 by former Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte, the organization's mission is to advocate, educate and empower victims and communities impacted by violent crime. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Metro Courthouse steps in downtown Nashville. For more information, contact Melissa Cross at (615) 292-7027.

Hamilton County Circuit Court Judge Jacqueline Schulten Bolton announced today that she will not seek re-election next year, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports. "I leave the bench with profound appreciation and respect for my colleagues on the bench and my fellow lawyers," she wrote in a letter to the newspaper.