Tennessee Court Talk

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Ep. 52 Mental Health and The Judiciary Oct 06, 2025

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In this episode, host Joette Giroux sits down with Judge Mike Spitzer of the 32nd Judicial District Circuit Court and Judge Woody Woodruff of the 21st Judicial District Circuit Court to explore the various forms of depression judges may face throughout their careers. They also discuss the resources available to support judges in managing their mental health and navigating the challenges of the profession.

Ep. 51 Transforming Court Technology Statewide Sep 12, 2025

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Tennessee is in the process of modernizing the technology used in the state’s court system. This may not seem like a big deal- we all go through technology upgrades from time to time. But it is nothing short of transformational in the state. Why? Because Tennessee’s court system is non-consolidated. That means we have a fragmented court system across the state. It makes case management, data collection and overall access to justice much more challenging.

Tennessee Senator John Stevens, a member of the judiciary committee, joins us for a look at what’s ahead and why it’s so important.

Ep. 50 Before The Bench: Judge Tim Irwin Aug 29, 2025

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As college football season kicks off, we welcome Judge Tim Irwin on the podcast. A former NFL offensive lineman with 14 seasons under his belt, Judge Irwin shares how his journey from the gridiron led to a second career in law, where he's now making a lasting impact on the lives of children in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Before The Bench is a new series from Tennessee Court Talk, spotlighting judges from across the state as they share personal stories, professional challenges, and the defining moments that shaped their path to the bench.

Ep. 49 The Trial of the Century: 100 Years After Scopes Jul 03, 2025

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One hundred years ago, the small town of Dayton, Tennessee became the epicenter of the national debate over evolution and creationism. In the sweltering summer heat of 1925, the Scopes Monkey Trial became one of the most sensational cases of the twentieth century as famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow faced off against three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan.

Visit www.rheaheritage.com for more information about the 100th Year Scopes Trial Festival.

Appointed Counsel Vol. 18: Experts and Investigators Jun 09, 2025

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Joe Byrd is joined in this episode of Appointed Counsel by Laura Hood, a long time team member of the AOC, starting with the Fiscal Services Division and now with Experts and Investigators. Their discussion in this episode is centered around how attorneys can get experts and investigators assigned to their cases.

Ep. 48 Here For A Reason: Featuring State Trooper Tara Lee May 16, 2025

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In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk we sit down with Tennessee State Trooper Tara Lee, one of the friendly faces you might see when entering the Nashville Supreme Court Building. Trooper Lee has a special story as she shares her journey of becoming a State Trooper, providing judicial security and her story of perseverance in overcoming a personal health battle.

Appointed Counsel Vol. 17: Child Welfare Claims & Supplier Information May 09, 2025

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Lead Attorney, Joe Byrd interviews First Review Auditors, Alyssa Hudson and Kendall Leslie to discuss issues related to dependency & neglect, termination of parental rights, and non-capital criminal court claims. Additionally, Alyssa discusses supplier information issues. The discussion offers tips for attorneys arising from common problems auditors observe when processing claims.

Ep. 47 The Purpose of a Show Cause Order Apr 21, 2025

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On this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, we explore a little-known but important process used in Tennessee’s appellate courts: the Order to Show Cause. Often misunderstood, this procedure serves as a form of contempt hearing specifically for attorneys, requiring them to appear in person before the appellate court to explain their conduct—or lack thereof—in cases they are handling.

Joining the conversation are two respected judges from the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals:

Judge Ross Dyer, who brings valuable insight from his prior work in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office before his appointment to the appellate bench in 2016.
Judge Tom Greenholtz, who shares his perspective shaped by years on the trial bench in Hamilton County before his appointment to the appellate bench in 2022.

This episode sheds light on the purpose and process of Orders to Show Cause, highlighting their role in maintaining accountability and ethical standards in the legal profession.

Appointed Counsel Vol. 16: Non-Capital Claims Apr 07, 2025

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On this month's episode of Appointed Counsel, the Caitlin Clark of the Indigent Representation team joins Joe Byrd to discuss criminal court claims. Gene Vestal not only has a unique job at the Administrative Office of the Courts as the first line auditor for criminal claims, but also an interesting background. He and Joe Byrd not only go down memory lane, but discuss what he looks for in criminal claims and steps attorneys can take for a smooth process.

Ep. 46 A Presidential Legacy: Discussing Life, Law and Heritage With Judge Andrew Jackson VI Mar 14, 2025

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History is filled with stories passed down through the generations. In this episode of Tennessee Court Talk, we sit down with Knox County General Sessions Court Judge Andrew Jackson IV. Judge Jackson shares insights into the workings of General Sessions Court, his personal journey, legal career, and captivating tales from his remarkable heritage.

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