News Summary
Knoxville is in the process of selecting a new criminal court judge for the 6th Judicial District following the vacancy left by judge Steven Sword. The Trial Court Vacancy Commission has nominated three candidates: Emily F. Abbott, J. Franklin Ammons, and Cashauna C. Lattimore. Each nominee brings a wealth of experience in various legal roles, and the governor will make the final appointment. This transparent selection process emphasizes community involvement and reflects a commitment to justice within Knox County.
Knoxville – The process is currently underway to select a new criminal court judge for the 6th Judicial District in Knox County following the vacancy left by the former judge, Steven Sword, who was recently appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Division. The Trial Court Vacancy Commission has nominated three candidates for this important position.
The nominees for the role of criminal court judge are Emily F. Abbott, J. Franklin Ammons, and Cashauna C. Lattimore. These individuals were selected from a pool of eight applicants after a thorough public hearing and interviews that took place in Knoxville.
Emily F. Abbott has been working as an Assistant District Attorney for the 7th Judicial District since 2009. Her experience includes previous work in the 4th Judicial District from 2007 to 2009, where she gained valuable insights into the legal system. Abbott’s long-standing service in these roles showcases her commitment to the field of criminal law.
J. Franklin Ammons, another strong contender, has served as an Assistant District Attorney for the 6th Judicial District since 2022. His focus on white-collar crimes indicates a specialization in more complex legal issues. Prior to his current role, Ammons practiced as an associate attorney at the Isaacs Law Firm in Knoxville and the Law Office of Jamie B. Nanini in Memphis, further establishing his legal expertise.
Cashauna C. Lattimore rounds out the trio of nominees. She has held the position of Assistant Public Defender in the 4th Judicial District since June 2019. Lattimore also brings academic experience as an adjunct professor of criminal law at the University of Tennessee College of Law, enhancing her qualifications for the judiciary. Between 2016 and 2019, she served as the assistant general counsel for the Department of Children’s Services in the Smoky Mountain Region, providing her with extensive legal experience in public service.
The appointment of one of these nominees will have a significant impact on the judicial landscape and the administration of justice within Knox County. Governor Bill Lee will carefully review the nominees and ultimately make the appointment to fill this crucial judicial vacancy.
Ensuring transparency throughout the selection process, the public was actively involved in the review of candidates, which bolsters community trust in the legal system. This involvement reflects a commitment to accountability and openness in judicial appointments.
For further information on the backgrounds and qualifications of the nominees, their applications are available for public review online. This process highlights the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to selecting leadership in the judicial system.
This announcement marks an essential step forward for the Knox County judicial system as it seeks to maintain integrity and effectiveness in managing criminal cases.
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Additional Resources
- Hoodline: Knoxville Awaits Governor Lee’s Decision
- Knox TN Today: Justice Department Rejects ABA Ratings
- Knox News: Voter Guide 2024 Election Knoxville
- Wikipedia: Judiciary of Tennessee
- Google Search: Knoxville 6th Judicial District
