The Nashville Banner writes in a recent piece that files unsealed in the case of former Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn show concerns about her final days on the bench. According to the paper, the documents reveal that local attorneys grew increasingly concerned about Blackburn’s ability, at times, to comprehend the most basic legal concepts and to render the most rudimentary decisions in the years after a 2021 stroke. Attorneys who sought to disqualify Blackburn from a 2024 rape trial acknowledged her stature in the legal community and the likely impact of their request. Ultimately, though, they felt that “the gravity of that concern has been weighed and measured against the gravity of the rights of the accused.” The Banner sued to access many of these filings. The Tennessee Supreme Court recently found the records had been improperly sealed. Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton officially unsealed the filings this week.

The ABA Judicial Division will present “Order in the Court: Civility in Action” — a 90-minute webinar on June 12. The program will be the first from the new ABA Center for Civic Engagement, Education and Rule of Law. The session, free for ABA members and offered to others for a nominal cost, will begin at 3 p.m. EDT. “Disagreeing Better” is a nonpartisan initiative designed to model and promote how lawyers, judges and legal professionals can engage in civil, informed and constructive dialogue while disagreeing on important issues. The program will feature real-world examples and a candid discussion on how everyday interactions can strengthen institutional trust. Read more about the program or register here.

The Petitioner, Jacquet Moore, appeals from the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief from his underlying conviction for aggravated rape. On appeal, the Petitioner maintains that he received ineffective assistance of counsel based on trial counsel’s failure to (1) perform adequate investigation in preparation for trial, including seeking funds for investigative services, and (2) effectively impeach the victim on cross-examination. As a preliminary matter, we remanded the case to the post-conviction court for the entry of an amended order to include sufficient findings of fact and conclusions of law on these two issues. After our review of the amended order, as well as the issues presented by the parties and the record on appeal, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

The Appellant, Howard Jefferson Atkins, acting pro se, appeals from the Tipton County Circuit Court’s summary denial of his Rule 36 motion to correct an alleged clerical error in a juvenile transfer order entered in 2000. Having thoroughly reviewed the record, the briefs of the parties, and applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

The 32nd Judicial District court recently held a portrait unveiling and reception for Judge Michael “Mike” E. Spitzer, who retired last year. Judge William K. Lane III, who replaced Spitzer, writes that Spitzer played a critical role in the establishment of the judicial district and was the first judge to be elected in the district, which serves Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties. The district was created to help with a growing caseload in the 21st Judicial District due to Williamson County's rapid growth. Spitzer previously sat as one of five judges in the 21st District. See a photo of Spitzer and his family at the ceremony.

A news item in yesterday's issue of TBA Today about Robertson County Attorney Clyde Richert misstated the length of his legal career and county service, and implied he was retiring from law practice. In an email to TBA, Richert says he has practiced law in Springfield for 49 years and has served as Robertson County attorney for 36 of those years. He is retiring from his role as county attorney effective July 1 but will continue his private law practice for now.

On June 3, the Tennessee Supreme Court transferred the law license of Florida attorney Harvey Randolph Fallin, to disability inactive status. Fallin may not practice law while on disability inactive status. He must comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 28, regarding the obligations and responsibilities of attorneys transferred to disability inactive status.

Blount County lawyer David Arthur Walker was temporarily suspended from the practice of law on June 3. The Tennessee Supreme Court said it took the action after finding that Walker was substantially non-compliant with a Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program monitoring agreement and poses a threat of substantial harm to the public. He is immediately precluded from accepting new cases and he must cease representing existing clients by July 3. The suspension will remain in effect until dissolution or modification by the court.

Knox County lawyer Troy Lee Bowlin was temporarily suspended from the practice of law on June 3. The Tennessee Supreme Court said it took the action after finding that Bowlin misappropriated client funds and posed a threat of substantial harm to the public. Bowlin is immediately precluded from accepting new cases and he must cease representing existing clients by July 3. The suspension will remain in effect until dissolution or modification by the court.

President Donald Trump announced today that he plans to name acting U.S. Attorney General (AG) Todd Blanche as the “permanent attorney general.” According to Bloomberg Law, a video posted by White House adviser Dan Scavino showed Trump making the announcement during a Rose Garden event. Blanche, a former personal lawyer to Trump, has served as acting attorney general since the president dismissed former AG Pam Bondi in early April. Before that, Blanche had been Bondi’s chief deputy.