The Tennessee Judiciary is mourning the loss of the 20th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Phil Smith, who passed away unexpectedly September 4 at the age of 62. For high profile cases like the trial of Mary Wrinkler and the complex custody battle between accused murderer Perry March and his former in-laws, our reporters turned to Phil Smith for analysis. [22] In response, Trump called Smith a "deranged lunatic" and a "raging and uncontrolled Trump hater". [4][10][11], From 2008 to 2010, Smith worked as Investigation Coordinator for the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. And if you had the right set of facts on your side, you would win," said Leonardo. Meet Jennifer Smith, candidate for Criminal Court Division judge Philip E. Smith Circuit Court Judge Year Elected/Appointed 2009 Prior Judicial Experience 1990-94 served as Special Judge in the 2nd Circuit Court, 3rd Circuit Court, 4th Circuit Court, 5th Circuit Court and Probate Court. When you see some of the before-and-after photographs of some of the individuals who have gone through the program, its night and day.. [13][11], In 2015, Smith became an assistant U.S. attorney in the Middle District of Tennessee, at Nashville. Participants take part in therapy and support groups designed to help them overcome their addictions and thrive once they return to society. [24], Smith is a competitive triathlete, having taken up swimming when he was in his mid-thirties. Address: 2400 Crestmoor Rd., Nashville, TN 37215 phone: 615 . Anita Wadhwani is a senior reporter for the Tennessee Lookout. 873 likes. The renowned Smith was elected to the Circuit Court bench in 2009, and he was one of two judges in Nashville who presided over family law, divorce and domestic issues. In March 2001, Smith, along with Phillip Robinson and Teresa Webb Oglesby, began their own law practice. Judiciary Mourns the Loss of Nashville Circuit Court Judge Phil Smith September 4, 2022 The Tennessee Judiciary is mourning the loss of the 20 th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Phil Smith, who passed away unexpectedly September 4 at the age of 62. There, his focus was on Child Support Enforcement. He began work for the District Attorney General of the 20th District in October 1988 in the Child Support Enforcement division. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Smith is a member of the American Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association and the Nashville Bar Association. He was elected in 2010, 2014, and 2022. Kevin Smith County Judge at Howard County Nashville, Arkansas, United States. It generally takes about 18 months for residents to complete these three phases of treatment. Attorneys who practice family law in Davidson County's 20th Judicial District have been asked to meet at 3 p.m. this Thursday, July 28, in 4th Circuit Court Judge Phil Smith's courtroom. He was re-elected to his seat in 2010, 2014 and was recently sworn in after winning in the 2022 election. Judge Kevin Smith proud of county's accomplishments during his tenure Judge Smith became the presiding judge of the 20th Judicial District on September 1, 2022. He was 62. pic.twitter.com/JvDxeDIuTh. Judge Smith graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law and became a licensed attorney in 1988. Ross, Stanley Deputy Clerk, Criminal Division Division V Judge Babb E-mail: stanleyross@jisnashville.gov Phone: 615.862-5601 Ext - 71653. Davidson County Judge Phillip Smith dies overnight, NASCAR great Jimmie Johnsons in-laws found shot to death in Oklahoma, Public File: publicfile@wsmv.com - 615-353-2260. Preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Lurene Smith. He joined the office in 1982 as an assistant attorney general. [2] He grew up in Clay, New York, a suburb of Syracuse. Now more than ever, tough and fair journalism is important. Williamson County family exchanges litigation over - The News Before her appointment, Smith served as Associate Solicitor General in the Tennessee Attorney General's Office. The Nashville legal community suffered a tremendous loss last night. PDF Hon. Jennifer Smith Judge, Division IV, Criminal Court, 20th Judicial Jennifer L. Smith Criminal Court Judge Year Elected/Appointed 2018 Previous Employment Tennessee Attorney General's Office, Nashville, TN Associate Solicitor General Deputy Attorney General, Law Enforcement and Special Prosecutions Division Associate Deputy Attorney General, Criminal Justice Division Smith died over the weekend unexpectedly. District Circuit Court Judge Phil Smith passed away Saturday night just outside of Nashville. And though is courtroom is now empty, those who knew him feel full of appreciation for all he did for Nashville. Division lV Judge Smith E-mail:JohnAsam@jisnashville.gov Phone: 615.862-5601 Ext -71375. Appeals Judge Jerry L. Smith of Tennessee; drunk, lifetime porker As a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1988 and of Tennessee State University in 1984, the early career of Judge Smith was marked by his role as an assistant district attorney in the 20th Judicial District. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Donate to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Challenge. If you dont address the root of the problem, then you often see the revolving door of recidivism with the same individuals and even families coming back to court over and over., Part of doing this effectively is by reframing the way many people, including many addicts, view chemical dependencies. He was first appointed to the bench by former Governor Phil Bredesen in March of 2009. Since then, she has been hard at work learning DC4s operations and meeting the many employees and residents who make it run. Governor Bill Lee will be tasked with appointing a replacement to fill Smith's seat. She received her undergraduate and J.D. Smith was 62. Jennifer L. Smith is Judge of Division IV, Criminal Court, 20th Judicial District. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Staff Directory | Criminal Court Clerk of Metropolitan Nashville and She then addresses each resident on that weeks docket individually, offering words of encouragement but also pointing out when a residents behavior could use improvement. The daily cost of an individual in the prison system is much higher, Judge Smith said. Visitation will be at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home Tuesday, September 6th from 4-6 p.m. and Wednesday, September 7th from 3 p.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life at 5 p.m. Honorary Pallbearers: Mikey Roberge, Briston Roberge, Reed Roberge, Steve Santi, Scott Smith, Terry Crotzer, Mickey Nelson, David Martin, and Steve Johnson. Phil Bredesen in 2009. He was a member of the sex crimes and domestic violence units of the DA's office. That professional courtesy extended to the attorneys as well. In August 2010 he was elected to complete Robinsons term. The staff is incredibly dedicated, she said. Smith was appointed Judge of the Circuit Court Division IV in March 2009 by Gov. Williams, a West Tennessee judge who presided over criminal appeals cases since 1998, died Sept. 2. NewsChannel 5 Legal Analyst Nick Leonardo says the Judicial Trial Court Vacancy Committee will now convene to narrow down Judge Smith's successor to three top candidates. Kay Ivey. John Luman Smith (born June 5, 1969) is an American attorney who has served in the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) as an assistant United States Attorney, acting United States Attorney, and head of the department's Public Integrity Section. He passed away unexpectedly overnight Sunday, according to the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. On April 25 Jerry was arrested for driving under the influence while traveling from Nashville to Knoxville to attend oral arguments on several appeal cases. Smith Faces Payne in Criminal Court Election - The Tennessee Tribune In honor of the Judge, the family will be wearing UT Orange on Tuesday night. Smith died over the weekend unexpectedly.Read the full story at h. When I asked my friend Judge Smith to swear me in last week, I never imagined it would be one of his last official acts, Hall said in a social media post on Sunday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This, of course, does not mean that DC4 is a place without consequences. Smith was re-elected in 2010, 2014, and in August of 2022. Nashville Judge Phillip Smith dies at 62 - Axios Nashville The second resulted in a 37-count indictment of Trump in June 2023. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. For the first time in more than a dozen years, Judge Phil Smith's courtroom will sit empty. She was originally appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam in 2018 to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of her predecessor, and she was elected in 2020 to serve the remainder of the term. Days after being re-elected, Nashville School of Law Professor and Davidson County Circuit Court Judge Philip E. Smith passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022. Article about Tennessee Judge Jerry L. Smith and judicial misconduct. He left the District Attorneys office in 1990 and spent the next 19 years in private practice. Nashville's Judge Smith Honored with 'Good Guy' Award Here is a typical exchange, from a recent docket. On Sept. 1, Smith assumed the role of presiding judge of the 20th Judicial District. How is your grandmother doing? See who qualified to run for judge in Davidson County's May primary Typically, offenders are referred to DC4 by either a public defender, a defense attorney, the Community Corrections Program, or after completing a treatment program in jail. As he so proudly said, "It's football time in Tennessee, Go Vols!". Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. "Its a bit of a unique domestic case, its got an international twist to it," Smith told NewsChannel 5 back in 2007 about the Perry March custody battle. He also attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for his undergraduate studies. Copyright 2022 WSMV. ", "Garland names Jack Smith special counsel for Trump criminal probes", "Jack Smith to resign from Nashville federal prosecutor's office", "US Prosecutor Jack Smith appointed Specialist Prosecutor", "Ex-rebel denies war crimes as Kosovo tribunal starts first trial", "Garland Names Special Counsel for Trump Inquiries", "Jack Smith returns to U.S. weeks after becoming Trump special counsel", "Trump indicted on seven criminal counts in classified documents case", "Trump unloads on special counsel Jack Smith in speech hours after arraignment", "Marjorie Taylor Greene announces bill to defund Special Counsel Jack Smith, derail investigation of Trump", "US Prosecutor Tapped to Head Up Kosovo War Crime Court", "Jack Smith Brings Broad Resume, Low Political Profile to High-Visibility Post", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jack_Smith_(lawyer)&oldid=1161804961, US Department of Justice Director's Award, US Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service, Federal Bar Association's Younger Federal Attorney Award, Eastern District Association's Charles Rose Award, Henry L. Stimson Medal of the New York County Bar Association, Harvard Law School Wasserstein Fellowship, This page was last edited on 25 June 2023, at 05:25. Smith was 62. Its not a crime to be an addict. Judge Smith's practice consisted of mainly family law matters, including divorce, child support matters, custody and visitation matters, antenuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, grandparent visitation cases and domestic mediation. NST Attorney, Valerie Smith Elected to Shelby County Circuit Court, Division 3. He was elected to a full term on the bench in 1996 and was reelected in 1998 and 2006. Judge Smith was recently re-elected on Sept. 1 as the judge for Division IV of the Tennessee 20th Judicial District Circuit Court. The renowned Smith was elected. Both men had recently been reelected. Honoring the Legacy of Judge Phil Smith - The Tennessee Tribune Are you keeping in touch with her?. Metro Councilmember Freddie O'Connell just saw Judge Smith for the first time since the pandemic. [29] The couple lived in the Netherlands from 2018[6] before moving to Washington, D.C. in December 2022. Published: Jun. [4][10] In 2010, Smith returned to the U.S. to become chief of the U.S. Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section (PIN). So when the judge gives encouragement or imposes a sanction its a meaningful thing to the resident because the resident knows that the judge understands what he or she is going through and is making sanctions or is giving encouragement that is individualized.. Judge Steve Dozier; Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton; Judge Cheryl Blackburn; Judge Jennifer Smith; Judge Khadija Babb; Judge Cynthia Chappell The program boasts a recidivism rate of just 25 percent, and a retention rate of around 65 percent. Recovery courts reflect a growing recognition that criminal behavior is not always best addressed by a jail cell. He just had that air of somebody that if you, if you needed him to be there for you, you knew he would be there for you," said O'Connell. Judge Smith oversaw her first DC4 docket on July 2. Jennifer Smith Which office are you seeking? Smith graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in May 1988. While at the Attorney Generals Office, he served as a designee to the Tennessee Sentencing Commission, and on the Sixth Circuit Task Force on Capital Cases. I have a lot of confidence in the counselors and in the leadership at DC4.. Rest In Peace Judge Philip Smith. Ron Smith was appointed . You hope it doesnt happen, but at the same time must be prepared to address it as part of the recovery process when it does., Judge Jennifer Smith Takes Over As Presiding Judge Of Davidson County Drug Court, Instructions for Successful Bar Applicants, Circuit, Criminal, Chancery, Business Courts & Three-Judge Panels, Court of Appeals - Internal Operating Procedures, CIRCUIT, CRIMINAL, CHANCERY & BUSINESS COURTS, ADVISORY TASK FORCE ON COMPOSITION OF JUDICIAL DISTRICTS. NST Attorney, Valerie Smith Elected to Shelby County Circuit Court He was reelected in 2000, 2006, 2014 and 2022. Smith was appointed judge of the Circuit Court Division . Judge Smith joined the Norman Law Officesin 1990 and began his own practice alongside Phillip Robinson and Teresa Webb Oglesby in March 2001. Kevin Smith - Howard County - Howard County | LinkedIn Divorce Judges in Davidson County: Attorney Ellen Taylor Turley Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. They have some folks that have been with Judge Smith even before he got there and I am certain that Fourth Circuit Staff will continue to carry business on in respect to his memory and what it was he stood for and how he ran his courtroom," said Leonardo. Judge Smith, who worked at NST for the past 10 years, was appointed as . Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. In September 1990, Judge Smith joined the Norman Law Offices and remained there until March of 2001. . Smith served since 2009 as one of two Nashville judges who preside over divorce and domestic violence cases. Judge Smith was a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and the Nashville Bar Association, and was a member emeritus of the Harry Phillips American Inn of Court. Many of them have been here for many years, some since the inception of the program. The vacancy was created by the Sept. 4 death of Judge Philip E. Smith. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com. [4], After graduating from law school, Smith joined the Manhattan District Attorney's office, serving as Assistant District Attorney. What it does mean, though, is that DC4 operates with a realistic, evidence-based understanding of addiction. Prior to joining the appellate bench, Judge Smith worked for the Tennessee Attorney Generals Office. Franklin, TN 37064. Nashville, TN 37211, Miriam's Promise, 3701 Hillsboro Pk. Colleagues remembered him over the weekend on social media as a champion of domestic violence victims who exuded kindness. While Judge Smith has not been associated with DC4 long enough to see someone go through the whole process from beginning to end, she said she has seen and heard clear evidence of the programs benefits. pic.twitter.com/JvDxeDIuTh. He was first appointed to the bench by former Governor Phil Bredesen in March of 2009. Wadhwani is formerly an investigative reporter with The Tennessean who focused on the impact of public policies on the people and places across Tennessee. [10][13][19][20] He worked initially from the Netherlands while recovering from a fractured leg which was injured when he was struck by a scooter while cycling. The Tennessee AP Broadcasters and Media (TAPME) named her Journalist of the Year in 2019 as well as giving her the Malcolm Law Award for Investigative Journalism. This story will be updated as more details become available. For more than 20 years, the Davidson County Drug Court Residential Treatment Program has been a statewide and national leader in the effort to reduce recidivism, lower costs, and improve the lives of non-violent offenders with chemical dependencies. He had the ability to hear really bad facts about a party at a trial but yet he was still able to be fair and have a fair ruling at the very end. Davidson County Circuit Court Judge Phil Smith dies in sleep overnight Smith was 62. Phil Bredesen upon the retirement of Muriel Robinson. Smith served since 2009 as one of two Nashville judges who preside over divorce and domestic violence cases. ", "Who is Jack Smith, the special counsel named in the Trump investigations", "Who Is Jack Smith, the New Special Counsel? Survived by his wife of 39 years, Pam Smith; children, Katelynn Smith and Kelsey Roberge (Mikey); grandchildren, Briston Roberge, Hadley Roberge, and Reed Roberge; brother, Scott Smith. Smith will face off against challenger Tillman Payne, who joined the race in December. Nevertheless, Judge Smith ruled that the children would be placed in the custody of Aaron Solomon on June 30, 2014, though extended Angelia Solomon's visitation time to six hours once a week to be supervised for one hour by Duff. Judge Smith earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1978. Scott Turner | sturner@al.com. District Circuit Court Judge Phil Smith of Davidson County died Saturday night at the age of 62, confirmed The Tennessee Judiciary. Judge Smith was a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and the Nashville Bar Association, and was a member emeritus of the Harry Phillips American Inn of Court. [4] Smith has since returned to the United States. Williams practiced law in Huntingdon for 17 years before being appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals in 1998 by Gov. On the record with Metro Nashville Public Schools board, Memphis-Shelby County School Board candidates face, In Tennessee's first partisan school board elections,. As an assistant U.S. attorney at the Brooklyn-based office, he prosecuted the police officers who brutalized and sexually assaulted Abner Louima, and led the case towards the death penalty which was later overturned against Ronell Wilson, who murdered two members of the New York Police Department. In his spare time, Judge Smith enjoyed volunteering for organizations he cared about, including the American Red Cross and Nashville Public Radio. Directory of Judges - Trial Courts of Metropolitan - Nashville The Womens Political Collaborative of Tennessee presented Judge Smith with a Good Guys Award in 2015 for his focus on domestic violence cases. Judge Philip E. Smith, age 62 of Nashville, passed away September 4, 2022. The first two phases are entirely residential. Bill Lee. In 2015, The Womens Political Collaborative of Tennessee honored Judge Smith with a Good Guys Award for his work on domestic violence. . The Tennessee Judiciary mourns the loss of retired Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Jerry L. Smith, who passed away on February 12, 2021. Judge Jennifer Smith - Trial Courts of Metropolitan Nashville Other factors, though, get to the very heart of the drug court concept, which seeks to address the causes and not just punish the effects of addiction. Long before Smith became a judge, he was a respected trial lawyer that was often seen on NewsChannel 5. He retired in 2014. In addition to this year, he was also re-elected in 2010 and 2014. The DC4 residential program in particular is a model of excellence for recovery courts nationwide, and I look forward to working with Program Director Dr. Janet Hobson and the dedicated DC4 staff to continue that tradition.. Jennifer Smith is Judge of Division IV, Criminal Court, 20th Judicial District, serving Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Four people have applied for a circuit court vacancy in Tennessee's 20th Judicial District, . Judge Smith became the presiding judge of the 20th Judicial District on September 1, 2022. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. [6] He then studied political science at the State University of New York at Oneonta, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude. Judiciary Mourns the Passing of Retired Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Judge David Briley; Judge Amanda McClendon; Judge Phillip Robinson; Judge Stan Kweller; Judge Joe Binkley, Jr. Judge Thomas Brothers; Judge Andra Hedrick; Judge Lynne T. Ingram; Criminal Court. [4][a] He spent five years as chief of PIN, where he prosecuted a variety of corruption cases, including those against Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, U.S. Representative Rick Renzi, New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Jeffrey Sterling, a CIA agent who shared national secrets. The weekly dockets bring Judge Smith to the DC4 facility in Nashville, where she first meets with staff to receive updates on all of the program residents. Judge Smith went on to become a special judge for the Davidson County 2nd Circuit Court, 5th Circuit Court and Probate Court. Judge Smith earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1978. She has handled criminal law cases at all levels, including both prosecutorial and defense perspectives, and has broad appellate and federal habeas corpus experience. All rights reserved. And its also not a sign of weakness to be an addict. She was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam on November 14, 2018 to succeed Retired Judge Seth Norman. Jennifer L. Smith is Judge of Division IV, Criminal Court, 20th Judicial District. Ford, Melissa Deputy Clerk, Criminal Division Division V Judge Babb E-mail: mford@jisnashville.gov [21], On June 8, 2023, a grand jury indicted Trump, the first time in American history that a former president has been indicted on federal criminal charges. U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images), Tennessee courts lost two longtime judges over the Labor Day weekend with the unexpected deaths of Fourth Circuit Court Judge Philip Smith and Judge John Everett Williams, the presiding judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz is proud to announce that on August 4, 2016, attorney Valerie Smith was elected Shelby County Circuit Court judge, Division 3, by an overwhelming majority of votes. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) For the first time in more than a dozen years, Judge Phil Smith's courtroom will sit empty. Don Sundquist. For the first time in more than a dozen years, Judge Phil Smith's courtroom will sit empty. No matter the complexities of the case, Leonardo says Judge Smith was always fair. September 6, 2022. Governor Phil Bredesen appointed Judge Smith to the bench for the first time in March of 2009. Re-Elect Judge Jennifer Smith - Facebook Judge Smith graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law and became a licensed attorney in 1988. The program receives $35 per day from the Tennessee Department of Correction to cover the costs of a resident in DC4. I can certainly see a level of positivity and gratitude in the individuals who are in advanced stages of the program or who are leaving the residential program and going into the aftercare program, she said. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - Davidson County Circuit Court Judge Philip E. Smith died overnight just days after being re-elected for a new term. "I will say though, the Fourth Circuit Staff is tremendous. One of those is the DC4 staff. It makes it easy for a judge to come in when the facility staff is doing a great job. Before her appointment, Smith served as Associate Solicitor General in the Tennessee Attorney Generals Office. The Tennessee Lookout is your watchdog, telling the stories of politics and policy that affect the people of the Volunteer State. NewsChannel 5 Legal Analyst Nick Leonardo had several clients appear in Judge Smith's courtroom, who specialized in Family Law. [3][4] In 1987, he graduated from Liverpool High School[5] where he played football and baseball. [9] He joined the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York in 1999. "We had just sworn in a lot of folks, and Judge Smith had participated in the swearing in of some folks I knew," said O'Connell. In Judge Carol Soloman's volatile courtroom - Nashville Scene Reports are that youre making great, great progress, so keep up the good work, Judge Smith said to a program participant. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1988 and Tennessee State University in 1984. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The program itself consists of three phases followed by an aftercare component. This understanding acknowledges that the path to recovery is often not a straight one, but one marked by twists and turns. [15] Smith became the vice president and head of litigation for Hospital Corporation of America in 2017. An important part of the drug court concept is that the judge is hands on and knowledgeable about each individual participant, Judge Smith said. ", "DOJ's elite Public Integrity unit gets new leader", "In New Special Counsel, a Prosecutor Schooled in Corruption Cases", "Liverpool grad named special counsel to oversee Trump investigations", "How Jack Smith went from Liverpool football bench to a starring role in Trump investigation", "Special Counsel Tapped by Merrick Garland to Investigate Trump Formerly Prosecuted Top Democrats and Republicans", "Who is Jack Smith, special counsel in Trump criminal investigation? PDF JUDGE PHILIP E. SMITH 4 Circuit Court Room 607 I. BRIEF BIOGRAPHY Additionally, he served as president of the National Association of Extradition Officials from 1985 to 1986. [12][11] In that position, he oversaw cases against government officials and militia members accused of war crimes and genocide. All rights reserved. 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