Long Day, High Stakes: Criminal Court Judge Interviews in Knox County
From 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., it was a marathon of sharp questions, thoughtful answers, and a bit of SEC football banter thrown in for good measure. Eight attorneys took the hot seat as the Tennessee Trial Court Vacancy Commission conducted interviews to fill the vacancy on the Knox County Criminal Court Division I bench.
With nine of the eleven commissioners asking questions (two participated but refrained from asking questions) ranged from alternative sentencing strategies to comparisons between Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Auburn, and even Sewanee football. Yes—legal acumen and alma maters both got their moments in the spotlight.
After hours of deliberation, the Commission selected three standout candidates to move forward for consideration by Governor Bill Lee:
- Emily Abbott, Assistant District Attorney (Anderson County, 7th Judicial District), here
- Franklin Ammons, Assistant District Attorney (Knox County, 6th Judicial District) here
- Cashauna Lattimore, Public Defender (Jefferson County, 4th Judicial District) here
These three now await the Governor’s interview and decision—an appointment that will carry through until the one faces a Republican Primary in May 2026, followed by the General Election in August.
The remaining five candidates, all strong contenders in their own right, included:
- Heather Ens, Assistant District Attorney here
- Ashley McDermott, Assistant District Attorney here
- Wesley Stone, Attorney here
- G. Nick Wallace, Federal Defender here
- Mary Ward, Attorney here
No other media outlet showed up at the City County Building’s Small Assembly Room—it was just me, and I wouldn’t have missed it. The process was rigorous, transparent, and eye-opening.
Now, all eyes are on Governor Lee to make the final call.
