News Summary
Judge Steve Sword was honored in an investiture ceremony marking his promotion to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. Appointed by Governor Bill Lee, Sword fills the seat vacated by the late Judge James Curwood Witt Jr. His career has included 14 years as a trial court judge and his recent decisions have sparked public debate. Despite challenges, Sword continues to focus on constitutional principles as he begins this new chapter in his judicial career.
Knoxville – Judge Steve Sword was celebrated on Monday in an investiture ceremony marking his promotion to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. The ceremony took place in the historic old Supreme Court Building in Knoxville, highlighting a significant milestone in Sword’s legal career.
Governor Bill Lee appointed Sword to fill the appellate seat recently vacated by the late Judge James Curwood Witt Jr., who passed away in August. The Tennessee General Assembly approved Sword’s appointment earlier this spring, following a robust 14-year tenure as a trial court judge in Knox County.
During the ceremony, which was attended by numerous fellow judges and Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Holly Kirby, Sword expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this new role. He emphasized the privilege and honor it is to be appointed to the appellate court, often referencing his family’s unwavering support throughout his career.
Governor Lee attended the ceremony and noted that Judge Sword is well deserving of this appointment, speaking to the profound respect he has earned in the Tennessee judicial system. Sword took a moment to honor his family, including his wife, Alice, and their daughters, Lucy and Annalee, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by his parents, Chester and Judy Sword, to support his education and professional success.
An integral part of Judge Sword’s courtroom practice has been the recitation of the U.S. Constitution before each session, a tradition he continued during the ceremony. Guests were provided copies of the Constitution at their seats, reinforcing Sword’s commitment to constitutional principles as he embarks on his new role.
Judge Sword was appointed to the bench in 2011 by then-Governor Bill Haslam and has handled numerous high-profile cases during his time as a trial court judge. Recently, however, he faced significant public backlash regarding a lenient sentencing decision in a rape case involving David Lynn Richards Jr. The ruling sparked considerable outrage, leading to a petition for his removal that garnered over 14,000 signatures.
The case questioned the appropriateness of Richards’ 12-year sentence for multiple felony counts, including rape, particularly in light of prosecutors seeking a maximum sentence of 72 years. Despite the criticism, Sword defended his decision by explaining that many of the charges in the case were subject to state law that allowed them to be punishable by probation. He highlighted the need to consider various factors, including Richards’ clean record and the possibility of rehabilitation, while making his sentencing decision.
The legal situation remains dynamic as the case continues to draw scrutiny. Richards’ attorney has indicated that a motion for a new trial will be filed, ensuring ongoing discussions around the sentencing and the implications of such legal decisions for the judicial system. Judge Sword’s future in the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals will likely continue to be examined in light of his recent sentencing decision and its ramifications on public perception and the integrity of the judicial process in Tennessee.
As Judge Sword embarks on this next chapter in his judicial career, his path is set against a backdrop of both accomplishments and challenges that will undoubtedly shape his contributions to the state’s legal landscape.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Judge Sword Honored
- Knox News: Judge Steve Sword Criticism
- Knox TN Today: Judge Sword’s Journey
- WBIR: Judge Steven Sword Sworn In
- Columbia Daily Herald: Judge Faces Backlash
- Wikipedia: Court of Criminal Appeals
- Google Search: Judge Steve Sword
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
