Reviews appeals permitted by law
Position guide
Supreme Court justice
Serves on Tennessee’s highest court and reviews significant questions of state law.
- Government level
- Tennessee · Judicial
- Typical term
- Eight-year retention cycle
- Who it serves
- Tennessee statewide
The job in plain language01 02 03 04 How the position worksHow someone reaches the position Who the office works with Real-world choices01 02 03 Before you vote
What this position is responsible for
Decisions can establish controlling interpretations of state law for every Tennessee court.
Interprets Tennessee statutes and constitution
Adopts certain court rules
Oversees parts of the state judicial system
Power is shared—not exercised alone.
Tennessee Supreme Court justices are appointed through the state’s judicial selection process and later stand in statewide retention elections, where voters choose yes or no rather than between opposing candidates.
The five justices decide cases together, supervise portions of Tennessee’s judicial system, and issue rules within the court’s authority. Their decisions bind lower Tennessee courts unless federal law or later legal change controls.
Decisions voters may notice
Which appeals to accept and how controlling Tennessee law applies
Whether a statute or government action complies with constitutional requirements
Court rules and administrative steps affecting the statewide judicial system
Questions worth asking
The answers may differ among candidates, but each question relates directly to the authority and responsibilities of this position.
- Does the justice demonstrate legal competence, independence, and impartiality?
- Are opinions clear about the governing law and reasoning?
- Has the justice maintained appropriate temperament and ethical standards?
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