News Summary
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission in Knoxville will meet to nominate candidates for a criminal court judge position following the retirement of Judge Cheryl Blackburn. The meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2025, where eight applicants will be considered. Members of the public can attend and voice their opinions. Blackburn’s retirement, effective May 31, 2025, ends her notable 29-year career on the bench, raising concerns about her health and decision-making capacity in recent cases.
Knoxville to Nominate Candidates for Judge Following Cheryl Blackburn’s Retirement Announcement
Knoxville, TN – The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is set to meet on June 17, 2025, to nominate candidates for a criminal court judge position in the 6th Judicial District, covering Knox County. This meeting will take place at the City-County Building, located at 400 Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902, beginning at 9:00 a.m. local time.
During the meeting, the commission will consider eight applicants for the position, which became open following the retirement announcement of Judge Cheryl Blackburn. The applicants are:
- Emily F. Abbott
- J. Franklin Ammons
- Heather N. Ens
- Cashauna C. Lattimore
- Ashley D. McDermott
- Wesley D. Stone
- G. Nicholas Wallace
- Mary L. Ward
Members of the public are invited to attend the hearing and can express any objections regarding the applicants either orally or in writing. For those requiring accommodations related to disabilities, arrangements can be made by contacting John Jefferson, assistant general counsel at the Administrative Office of the Courts.
After completing the interviews, the commission will hold a vote and subsequently forward the names of three candidates to Governor Bill Lee for final consideration.
Background on Judge Blackburn’s Retirement
Judge Cheryl Blackburn announced her retirement effective May 31, 2025, after a notable 29 years of service in the judiciary. Renowned as the longest-serving criminal court judge in Nashville, Blackburn has conducted substantial cases throughout her tenure. She was first appointed by then-Governor Don Sundquist in 1996 and has been reelected multiple times, with her term set to end in 2030.
Her retirement comes in the wake of scrutiny following health concerns related to her mental competency, stemming from a stroke she experienced in May 2021. These issues have incited concerns among legal professionals about her ability to serve effectively, with particular attention to her decisions made on the bench.
Among the significant cases that Blackburn presided over were the trials of high-profile defendants such as Paul Dennis Reid and Emanuel Samson. However, her decision to reduce bail for an individual named Bricen Rivers faced considerable public criticism after Rivers allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend shortly after his release.
Legacy and Contributions
Throughout her career, Judge Blackburn has been acknowledged for her dedication and commitment to justice. Members of the legal community have expressed gratitude and admiration for her numerous contributions to the judiciary, recognizing her extensive work that has shaped the legal landscape in Knoxville. Her departures from the bench mark significant changes, not only in the lives she influenced as a judge but also in the overall stability of the criminal court in the area.
As the Trial Court Vacancy Commission prepares for its selection process, the community remains engaged and attentive, anticipating the future direction of the criminal court in the wake of Judge Blackburn’s imminent retirement.
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