The Governor’s Commission for Judicial Appointments will consider nine applicants when it meets May 13 in Nashville to select nominees for the Court of Criminal Appeals vacancy. The vacancy was created by the announcement by Judge Jerry Smith that he will not seek to retain his seat in the August general election. The candidates are:
Jeffrey Allen DeVasher
Assistant Public Defender
Davidson County
Timothy Lee Easter
Circuit Court Judge
Williamson County
Robert Neland Hibbett
Claims Commissioner
Wilson County
James Winn Milam
Assistant District Attorney General
Robertson County
Roger Eric Nell
District Public Defender
Montgomery County
James Yeiser Ross, Sr.
PT General Sessions Judge, Attorney
Wayne County
Gregory Dale Smith
Solo Practitioner/PT Municipal Judge
Montgomery County
Russell Fletcher Thomas
Solo Practitioner
Davidson County
Thomas Edward Tigue
Deputy Legislative Attorney
Williamson County
The Governor’s Commission for Judicial Appointments will interview the applicants on May 13, at Legislative Plaza, House Room 16, 6th Avenue North, Nashville. The meeting will include a public hearing at 9 a.m., during which anyone may express their opinions about the applicants. The interview and public hearing will be open to the public.
The commission is expected to make their selections immediately following the interviews and forward the names to Governor Bill Haslam for his consideration.
The Commission also is accepting applications for the Court of Appeals vacancy – Western Division, which was created by Judge Holly Kirby’s appointment to the Tennessee Supreme Court.