Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Holly M. Kirby gave the keynote address at this years ETLAW Supreme Court Luncheon and focused her remarks on the many duties that our State Supreme Court Justices do in addition to presiding over and deciding cases as part of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
The Tennessee Supreme Court is the state's highest court and consists of five justices who hear appeals on civil and criminal cases, interpret state laws and constitutions, and issue written opinions. As the court of last resort in our state, it sets legal precedents, manages the state's judicial system, and in their prescribed role acts as a check on legislative and executive branches. They sit (hold court) in three different locations Knoxville, Nashville, and Jackson - in each of Tennessee's three Grand Divisions.
In addition to Appellate Jurisdiction and Constitutional interpretation our State Supreme Court Justice's exercise administrative oversight over the state court system and the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). They also oversee the Board of Professional Respopnsibility and therefore attorney licensing and ethics.
The Tennessee Supreme Court also established the Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission (ADRC) by Supreme Court Rule 31. The ADRC oversees training, qualification and listing of mediators for state-ordered mediation. The ADRC's commission members are appointed by the Supreme Court, is responsible for evaluating ADR program success, setting ethical standards for mediators, and recommending rule changes to improve justice. Attorney Daniel L. Ellis is a listed Rule 31 Civil and Family Mediator with additional training in Domestic Violence Issues.