Governor Bill Lee appointed Dwight Tarwater to the Tennessee Supreme Court this week.
Today, 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.https://t.co/YeLm9ZY94J
— Tennessee Courts (@TNCourts) February 2, 2023
Tarwater is a partner at Paine, Tarwater, Bickers, LLP. He brings more than 40 years of legal experience to the Tennessee Supreme Court, including decades of trial and appellate experience as Chief Legal Counsel to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, according to Lee’s press release. Tarwater earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
In the wake of Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee’s retirement on August 31, Tarwater will fill her vacancy.
“Dwight is a highly qualified attorney who will bring significant experience to the Tennessee Supreme Court,” Lee said. “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.”
Also, Lee named Matthew Wilson to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section,
Wilson is an assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Tennessee. With more than 20 years of state and federal criminal law experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the Court of Criminal Appeals, according to Lee’s office. Wilson earned his undergraduate degree at Auburn University and his law degree at Florida State University College of Law.
Due to the death of Judge John Everett Williams, Wilson will fill the vacancy.
“Matt’s extensive background in criminal prosecution has prepared him well to serve Tennesseans on the Court of Criminal Appeals,” Lee said in a statement. “I am confident he will bring valuable expertise to the bench, and I appreciate his service.”
Proud to appoint Dwight Tarwater to the TN Supreme Court & Matt Wilson to the TN Court of Criminal Appeals. These Tennesseans bring valuable experience, & I appreciate their service to @TNCourts. https://t.co/Uzf27WwaP8
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) February 2, 2023
Lee’s judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Tennessee General Assembly.
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Bill Lee” by Gov. Bill Lee. Background Photo “Tennessee Supreme Court” by Thomas R Machnitzki. CC BY 3.0.
