The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Tennessee, along with Holland & Associates, filed a petition Monday in Davidson County Chancery Court challenging the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s continued implementation of a policy that bars transgender people from updating their driver’s licenses to reflect their gender identities. According to The Tennessean, the petition asks the court to review the legality of the policy and block its implementation while a suit filed in 2024 proceeds. In April 2024, the group sued on behalf of a Monroe County woman seeking to halt a 2023 state law requiring all Tennessee residents to carry identification that reflects their biological sex. The ACLU alleges the policy violates the state constitution.

The 2025 Tennessee State High School Mock Trial Competition Champion, Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA), traveled to Phoenix this month and captured its first national championship. The team bested 47 other state champions who competed for the top prize. Team member Kavneer Majhail also was named an outstanding attorney of the competition. The final round was held in the historic Maricopa County Old Courthouse, which is most well known for hosting the first trial of Ernesto Miranda, which ultimately led to Miranda v. Arizona and the present-day Miranda rights. The courtroom also was used by the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. The team is coached by Wade Cowan, Tracy Hancock and Marisa Combs Smith. See photos from the event.

A state audit revealed that Tennessee State University (TSU) made repeated financial errors in fiscal year 2023, including overstating cash by $5.7 million and undercharging graduate students by $1.5 million. The report detailed 15 findings related to poor oversight, billing issues and mishandling of federal COVID-19 relief funds, which could require TSU to repay at least $85,000. The Nashville Post reports that TSU management acknowledged the seriousness of the audit and pledged to improve financial governance and staff training. The findings come amid long-standing underfunding of the university and a legislative overhaul of its board of trustees, with TSU proposing a financial stability plan that may include budget cuts and reduced scholarships.

The Tennessee Supreme Court on April 30 directed Anderson County lawyer Robert Mike Sain to satisfy outstanding obligations with the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education by June 16 or face dismissal of his petition for reinstatement. Sain petitioned the court for reinstatement on April 7.

The Tennessee Supreme Court transferred the law license of Sullivan County lawyer John Sidney McLellan III to disability inactive status on May 13. McLellan may not practice law while on inactive status but may seek reinstatement by showing that the disability has been removed.

The Tennessee Supreme Court transferred the law license of Sumner County lawyer Loretta Madeline Calvert to disability inactive status on May 13. Calvert may not practice law while on inactive status but may seek reinstatement by showing that the disability has been removed.

The U.S. Judicial Conference's Advisory Committee on Evidence Rules on May 2 advanced a proposal to regulate evidence generated by artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to ensure it meets the same reliability standards as expert witness testimony. Reuters reports that the draft rule would require non-expert-generated AI evidence to be scrutinized under Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, while exempting basic scientific instruments. Some committee members expressed uncertainty about adopting the rule, but all emphasized the need to act quickly as AI technology evolves. The panel also voted 8-1 to seek public feedback. The proposal now moves to the conference's Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, which will decide in June whether to publish the proposal for public comment.

Tennessee Attorney General (AG) Jonathan Skrmetti on Monday released a statement warning Knoxville-area residents to guard against scammers exploiting the May 10 earthquake that impacted the region. “Unscrupulous scammers find every opportunity to target vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly,” Skrmetti said. "Always be sure to thoroughly research contractors who offer to work on your home, get multiple quotes and only hire reputable professionals." For guidance on avoiding scams, visit the AG's Consumer Protection website.

Tennessee death row inmates are urging a Davidson County court to compel the state Department of Correction to disclose the sources of its lethal injection drugs, according to News Channel 5. The group argues the drugs pose serious safety risks, stating, "Every manufacturer of pentobarbital has put in place strict distribution controls to prevent its drugs from being sold to departments of correction for use in executions." Oscar Franklin Smith is scheduled for execution on May 22. The inmates also are seeking a halt to executions until a March 2026 trial on the constitutionality of the state's protocol is held.

A federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled that President Donald Trump can invoke the Alien Enemies Act to deport members of Tren de Aragua, a group he labeled a foreign terrorist organization, but must provide proper notice before doing so. The Hill reports that the decision from Judge Stephanie Haines diverges from other rulings — including from a Texas-based federal judge — that have found the law may be used only during formal invasions or wartime. The ACLU is urging the Supreme Court to intervene and resolve the conflict. Haines lifted a previous block on deportations in Western Pennsylvania, allowing the administration to proceed with a 21-day notice in both English and Spanish.