University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Assistant Dean for Law Admissions, Recruitment and Scholarships Dr. Sue Ann McClellan has announced her retirement, effective June 30. “Sue Ann’s vast experience and wealth of knowledge far exceeds that of so many peers,” said former law school Dean Katharine Schaffzin. “As a faculty member on the Admissions Committee or as dean, I have always deferred to her assessment in informing admissions decisions and recruitment strategies. Sue Ann’s kindness and humanity shine when she interacts with prospective students." In commenting on her career, McClellan stated, “It has been a privilege and an honor to open the door to the legal profession for every single one of these students." Read this tribute to McClellan from the law school.

Tennesseans will vote on three constitutional amendments on the November 2026 gubernatorial ballot after the state House approved the measures on Monday. The Senate had approved the resolutions in March. Sponsored by Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, one amendment would take away the right to bail for people charged with certain crimes such as acts of terrorism, second degree murder, aggravated rape, grave torture, vehicular homicide and carjacking. A second amendment, sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, would would prohibit the state from instating a state property tax in the future. Finally, Marsy’s Law, sponsored by Sen. John Stevens, R-Huntingdon, would expand the rights of victims of crimes, including the right to be present and heard at all public criminal proceedings involving the accused, the right to be free from harassment or intimidation by the accused, and the right to be notified of the release, transfer or escape of the accused. The Nashville Post has more on all three proposed amendments.

The TBA YLD has selected six fellows for its new Rural Judicial Fellowship (RJF) program. They are: Harry Crane and M. Clark Hill from Belmont University College of Law; Savannah Grant and Isabella Turner from University of Tennessee College of Law; and Jillian McGauley and Charlie Pritchett from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law. These law students will have the opportunity to spend six weeks of the summer as a judicial law clerk in a legal community in rural Tennessee. They also will attend the TBA's Annual Convention in June and be recognized by Tennessee's Supreme Court justices. Six judges will be paired with the students to help them gain practical legal experience and foster connections in underserved areas. Thank you to this year's participating judges: Circuit Court Judge Caleb Bayless in Columbia, Chancellor Jerri Bryant in Athens, General Sessions Judge Lee Bussart in Lewisburg, Circuit Court Judge Mark Hayes in Dyersburg, Circuit Court Judge Blake Neill in Somerville, and Criminal Court Judge Zachary Walden in Jacksboro.

The U.S. Supreme Court early Saturday halted the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants who are being detained in Texas, The Hill reports. The emergency order temporarily blocks deportations until the court resolves an emergency appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union. On Friday, the group asked a number of courts to intervene alleging that deportations were actively underway. The Justice Department disputed those claims. The high court decision comes a few days after U.S. District Judge James Boasberg found "probable cause" to hold administration officials in contempt for deporting accused Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador in March after he ordered the planes to turn around, Bloomberg Law reports. On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit halted those contempt proceedings to give it sufficient opportunity to consider the government’s appeal. The Hill reports on that development.

SUTTON, Chief Judge. Tina McPherson sued Suburban Ann Arbor, a Michigan car dealer, for repossessing her car and taking more than $2,000. A federal jury found Suburban liable for violating federal and state consumer protection laws. The district court awarded McPherson most, but not all, of her attorney’s fees and declined to treble her damages under two Michigan statutes. McPherson appeals both decisions, and Suburban cross-appeals the district court’s fee award. Seeing no abuse of discretion or any other error, we affirm.

This case involves allegations of malfeasance by several members of a family business against another member. The plaintiffs asserted both derivative and individual claims. We affirm the trial court’s decision regarding the merits of the case but vacate and remand the portion of the trial court’s decision regarding damages and attorney fees.

The Petitioner, Casey Lee Anderson, pled guilty to second degree murder and received a sentence of nineteen years’ imprisonment. He later filed a petition for post-conviction relief, claiming that the State had violated Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), by failing to disclose a witness statement before he entered the plea. After a hearing, the post- conviction court granted relief, finding that the State had violated Brady by failing to disclose the statement. On appeal, the State argues that the post-conviction court erred in granting relief, asserting that the Petitioner failed to prove that the statement was material. Upon our de novo review, we agree with the State. As such, we respectfully reverse the post-conviction court’s judgment and remand the case to reinstate the Petitioner’s conviction.

April 14, 2025 - April 18, 2025.

The final episode of the season for the TBA’s Legislative Updates podcast features TBA lobbyists and attorneys Berkley Schwarz of Pier Strategies LLC and Brad Lampley of Adams & Reese. In this legislative session wrap-up, they discuss the passage of the state budget, key accomplishments from the TBA’s lobbying efforts and a preview of priorities for the 2025 session. Listeners can support the TBA’s advocacy work by contributing to LAWPAC. Tune in to the podcast on the TBA website or through this link.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is accepting applications for a circuit and chancery court judge in the 32nd Judicial District and to fill a vacancy in the 6th Judicial District Criminal Court. The 32nd Judicial District vacancy was created following the retirement of Judge Michael E. Spitzer. To be considered for the vacancy, interested individuals should apply by noon CDT on May 14. The commission will hold a public hearing to interview candidates on June 10. The vacancy in the 6th Judicial District Criminal Court follows the elevation of Judge Steven Sword to the Court of Criminal Appeals. Applications for this vacancy also must be submitted by May 14 at noon CDT. A public hearing for this position will be held June 17. Applications and additional information for both vacancies can be found on the Administrative Office of the Court's judicial resources page.