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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Governor Bill Lee has announced the appointment of Dwight Tarwater to fill the vacancy in the Tennessee Supreme Court that will be left with the retirement of Justice Sharon Lee. Tarwater is a former legal counsel to Governor Bill Haslam.
Justice Lee is retiring in August after serving fifteen years. She was appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen in 2008. She is the last remaining member of the state Supreme Court nominated by a Democrat.
There were two other finalists: state appeals judges Kristi Davis and Tom Greenholtz.
Lee also announced the appointment of Matthew Wilson to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section. Wilson is currently serving as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Tennessee.
Lee’s appointment must be approved by the State Legislature. Supreme Court justices must be re-confimed by lawmakers every eight years by a “yes-no” retention election.
The governor’s release is below:
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dwight E. Tarwater to the Tennessee Supreme Court and Matthew Wilson to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section.
“Dwight is a highly qualified attorney who will bring significant experience to the Tennessee Supreme Court,” said Lee. “His understanding of the judiciary’s appropriate role and commitment to the conservative principles of judicial restraint make him well-suited for the state’s highest court, and I am proud to appoint him to this position.”
Dwight Tarwater is a partner at Paine, Tarwater, Bickers, LLP. Tarwater brings more than 40 years of legal background to the Tennessee Supreme Court, including decades of trial and appellate experience and service as Chief Legal Counsel to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. Tarwater earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Tennessee and J.D. at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Tarwater will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Sharon Lee, effective August 31.
“Matt’s extensive background in criminal prosecution has prepared him well to serve Tennesseans on the Court of Criminal Appeals,” said Lee. “I am confident he will bring valuable expertise to the bench, and I appreciate his service.”
Matthew Wilson is an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Tennessee. Wilson brings significant criminal law experience to the Court of Criminal Appeals, including nearly 20 years of legal service at both the state and federal levels. Wilson earned his bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and J.D. at Florida State University College of Law. Wilson will fill a vacancy created by the death of Judge John Everett Williams.
Each of these judicial appointments is subject to confirmation by the General Assembly.
2 Responses
Conservative??
Lol, “service as Chief Legal Counsel to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.”
Is it a problem for the checks and balances within three branches of government, when one of the branches is selected by the other two?
Which bar attorney/legislator championed the constitutional amendment to set this up? Remember the excuse used to have judges selected by executive order rather than elected by the people (won’t be corrupted running for office – like legislators are)? What was he recently indicted for?