Gov. Bill Lee has declined to review the case of Gary Sutton, a death row inmate convicted of a double murder in 1992. According to Fox Chattanooga News, friends and family of Sutton held a press conference at the state capitol to demand a review of the conviction. Despite evidence and appeals from family, friends and local officials questioning Sutton's guilt, the governor has stated he will not consider any death penalty case until the state finalizes a new death penalty protocol.

A group of Chattanooga high school students recently participated in a unique summer camp focused on the Ed Johnson lynching case. The program, offered by the Tennessee Supreme Court Historical Society, provided students with an immersive experience exploring the case’s legal and historical significance. Through site visits, expert lectures and hands-on projects, participants gained a deep understanding of the case and its impact on the American justice system. The program aims to inspire future generations of legal professionals and promote civic engagement. The Hamilton County Herald has the story.

A state law barring local governments from forcing police departments to adopt policies limiting their ability to conduct traffic stops might not actually impact Memphis' pretextual stop policy, according to a legal opinion sent to Memphis Mayor Paul Young by a top attorney of the NAACP's Legal Defense Fund. The letter, dated July 31 and shared with The Commercial Appeal, argues that the state law passed in March is preventative, but does not work retroactively. Though disputing the interpretation, the group does acknowledge that the Tennessee Attorney's General office issued an opinion on July 17 that affirmed the ordinance in Memphis, and the subsequent policy change enacted, violates the state law.

Vanderbilt Law School's Stanton Foundation First Amendment Clinic has welcomed Ryan Riedmueller as a clinical legal fellow. A former clerk for District Judge Anne R. Traum in the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada, Riedmueller will collaborate with students on cases defending First Amendment rights. “Ryan’s impressive background and passion for First Amendment advocacy make him ideally suited for this role,” said Clinic Director Jennifer Safstrom. The First Amendment Clinic protects the rights to free speech, press, assembly and petition while training law students to become experts in these areas.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, along with a coalition of 14 other state attorneys general led by Kansas, have filed a federal lawsuit to halt the Biden administration's plan to extend Affordable Care Act benefits to undocumented immigrants, includin 100,000 so-called "Dreamers," who were brought into the country as children. The final rule, scheduled to go into effect on Nov. 1, would grant taxpayer-subsidized health plans to more than 200,000 immigrants, including thousands in Tennessee. The suit argues that the plan violates the provisions of the law, which limit eligibility to U.S. citizens, nationals and individuals "lawfully present" in the country. Read more in a release. 

The Tennessee Supreme Court has referred the case of Jefferson County attorney James Richard Scroggins to the Board of Professional Responsibility for “whatever action” it “may deem warranted.” The court took the action after Scroggins “pled guilty to and was adjudged guilty of Driving Under the Influence, a Class A misdemeanor, in violation of T.C.A. § 55-10-401” in the Jefferson County General Sessions Court.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has imposed a one-year suspension on Connecticut lawyer Jason Russell Buckley based on imposition of the same discipline by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in September 2023. Maine took the action after Buckley requested CLE credit for two webcast seminars that occurred simultaneously. On April 8, the Tennessee court asked Buckley to file an answer as to why it should not apply the same discipline. Buckley filed a response on May 6, arguing that identical discipline should not be imposed in Tennessee based on Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 9, § 25.4. The Board of Professional Responsibility reviewed the claim and found that none of the elements in the rule apply to this case. The court agreed and imposed the suspension retroactive to Sept. 7, 2023.

A $1 million gift made on behalf of Chattanooga-based law firm Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers will support students and faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Law. The school reports that the gift will fund scholarships for students interested in pursuing legal careers in advocacy as well as support for the College of Law Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, Legal Clinic and Douglas A. Blaze Leadership Scholarship. The gift continues Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers longstanding support of the law school and students who intend to focus on advocacy, the school said in a release. Firm founder Jerry H. Summers, a 1966 graduate of the law school, also co-founded the school’s Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution.

Stephen Hatchett, who won a three-way race for district attorney for the 10th Judicial District in March, is asking the local chancery court to rule on whether he can occupy the office immediately. Hatchett says he should be allowed to do so since the March 5 primary election has been certified, Chattanoogan.com reports. Hatchett did not face Democratic opposition in the August election. Shari L. Tayloe, who was named to the post by Gov. Bill Lee after Steve Crump left, says she is not leaving until her term expires on Aug. 31. The district includes Bradley, McMinn, Monroe and Polk counties.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) will hold its annual Bench & Bar Celebration on Sept. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. EDT at the Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St., 37902. The program will begin at 6:15 p.m. EDT. The event will honor local members of the judiciary and justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court, and include a special welcome to the Tennessee Supreme Court’s newest justice, Mary L. Wagner. Get details and a link to register on the KBA website.