Nashville, Tenn. – The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission has released its formal evaluations today for Supreme Justice Sharon Lee and Court of Appeals Judge John McClarty, who stand for election in August. The Commission unanimously voted to recommend both Lee and McClarty for retention. The full evaluation report can be found online at www.tncourts.gov.
The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, which is made up of lawyers, non-lawyers and state trial court judges, is charged with evaluating the performance of appellate judges who seek election. The evaluation process is geared to help inform the public about the performance of appellate court judges prior to the election, while also encouraging the self-improvement of judges.
As part of the evaluation process, attorneys, court personnel, trial court judges and appellate court judges completed an anonymous survey about each judge. The survey contained questions about oral argument, written opinions, administrative performance and general performance.
In developing its recommendations, the Commission reviewed the survey results and also conducted formal individual interviews with the appellate judges to discuss their judicial performance. The Commission’s report reflects an overview of both the survey results and of the interview with the judge.
In addition to posting its recommendations online, the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission will also publish its full report in Tennessee newspapers prior to the August election. Click here to see the report.