All defense attorneys have rested their cases in the trial of three former Memphis Police Department officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols. Jury deliberations began yesterday, according to the Daily Memphian. Defense lawyers argued their clients followed the appropriate use-of-force guidelines during Nichols’ attempted arrest and put forward witnesses to speak about the department’s use-of-force policy as well as the men’s character. The paper has daily reports from the trial. 

Democratic state House candidate Bryan Goldberg of Knoxville has filed a lawsuit seeking to block what he says are "defamatory attacks" against him and his wife, Knox News reports. Goldberg says the ads "have escalated beyond the bounds of acceptable political discourse." He is asking a Knox County chancellor to issue an injunction against his opponent, incumbent Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, the state Republican Party, House Republican Caucus and Parthenon Strategies. The ads center on claims that Goldberg did not timely pay his property taxes. Goldberg says he was the victim of identity theft and a check for the taxes was modified and cashed by the thief. Goldberg says he appreciates that Davis publicly condemned the ad and asked her party leadership to stop running it.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has opened an investigation into Impact Plastics in Erwin, Knox News reports. Employees of the company have alleged management did not allow workers to leave the facility even as flood warnings were issued and floodwaters from the Nolichucky River swamped the building. According to the paper, two employees died and several were missing at the time of the report. Steve Finney, district attorney for the First Judicial District, requested TBI investigate the business to "identify any potential criminal violations." The company denies that it forced anyone to continue working as waters rose.

The Davidson County General Sessions Domestic Violence Court has been selected to participate in a domestic violence court mentorship program run by the Center for Justice Innovation and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Nashville Banner reported on the development in a recent newsletter (scroll to the seventh story). The goal of the program is to provide resources and education on how to better handle domestic violence cases and improve outcomes for victims and children. Davidson County’s domestic violence docket was established in 2014, and is currently presided over by three judges: Allegra Walker, Ana Escobar and Marcus Floyd.

According to a recent post by Vitality, journaling can help you process life events, achieve your goals and reduce anxiety and stress. Set aside some time each day to reflect, write, doodle and process.

In case you missed it, scroll up and see the two upcoming CLE programs from the TBA YLD focused on health and wellness. Take a hike during our exploration event and learn about the impact that secondary and vicarious trauma has on those in the legal field.

The 21st Annual TBA Leadership Law (TBALL) program is accepting nominations for the 2025 class through tomorrow. Nominees should have from five to 15 years of experience in practice. Nominations should be submitted using this online form. Last year, 35 lawyers from across the state were accepted into the program. The new class will kick off in January 2025 with an opening retreat at Montgomery Bell State Park and end next June with a commencement ceremony during the TBA Annual Convention in Franklin. Email TBALL coordinators Tanja Trezise or Jarod Word with any questions.

The U.S Justice Department announced Monday it plans to launch a review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, a white mob attack on a Black district in Oklahoma. The attack is considered one of the worst single acts of violence against Black people in U.S. history, according to Associated Press. The review — initiated under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, a federal cold-case initiative — aims to detail findings by year's end. While prosecutors have "no expectation" of living perpetrators, the descendants of survivors have embraced the news. The Oklahoma Supreme Court previously dismissed a lawsuit by survivors seeking reparations. According to the article, survivors hope the investigation will bolster their efforts to seek financial amends for the attack.

Petitioner, William McDaniel, appeals the denial of his motion to correct an illegal sentence, filed pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 36.1. Following our review of the entire record and the briefs of the parties, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

The defendant, Diann Marie Hicks, appeals the order of the trial court revoking her probation and ordering her to serve the remainder of her ten-year sentence in confinement. Upon our review of the record and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the revocation and disposition of the defendant’s probation.

The TBA's annual Animal Law Forum is taking place this Friday at the Nashville Zoo. This unique CLE will provide updates on trends and advancements in animal law while allowing participants to network with each other and enjoy all the zoo has to offer. Topics at this year’s forum include a legislative update, veterinarians and animal cruelty, pet trusts, pet liability and attorney wellness. Zoo admission, breakfast and lunch are included with the program. Do not miss this event; you never know who is going to show up!