By David Peel
The elections have caused many clients and friends to question something non-lawyers do not normally think about at all: The Supreme Court of Tennessee. Some have criticized the Court because they were appointed by a governor rather than elected. Others have said they are “liberal” and some have stated they are “conservative.” I have seen political ads saying both, and have gotten mass mailings that seem contradictory. I wonder how many people dealing with this actually read the Tennessee Supreme Court opinions, and the reasoning underlying each. The Tennessee State Fraternal Order of Police announced its support to retain the three Justices: Connie Clark, Sharon Lee and Chief Justice Gary Wade. The Tennessee Bar Association announced that 9 out of 10 of its members voted to retain in a poll of its 12,000 members concluded last month. Each of the Justices earned recommendations of at least 92 percent to retain. Memphis Bar Association announced recently that 8 out of 10 of its members voted to retain the Justices. At least 74 percent of the TBA attorneys said they “highly recommend” the Justices. This is impressive to me in that many of those attorneys have likely had them rule against their client in a case at some point. I actually read many of the Tennessee Supreme Court decisions, and they affect my ability to help injured Tennesseans. I think they are quality judges and I would like to see them all retained. I am concerned about the politicizing of state wide judicial elections. What do you think?
Peel seeks justice for those injured in car accidents, work place incidents, medical malpractice, and nursing homes. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
