The Tennessee Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in two cases at Austin Peay State University on December 4, 2024. This event is part of the SCALES program, which stands for Supreme Court Advancing Legal Education for Students. Launched in 1995, the initiative aims to educate high school students about the state's legal system and judicial branch functions.
Chief Justice Holly Kirby expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming session: "All of the Justices on the Court are looking forward to our SCALES docket at Austin Peay. For the students, it will demonstrate civics in action. For the Justices, it gives us an opportunity to personally engage with students, educators, community leaders, local lawyers, and judges."
The proceedings will commence at 9:00 a.m. CST and be available via livestream on the TNCourts YouTube page.
Two cases will be presented during this session:
1. Theresa Thompson Locke et al. v. Jason D. Aston, M.D. et al.: The plaintiffs allege negligence in a surgery performed by defendants and seek access to surveillance videos taken by a private investigator hired by the defendants. The trial court limited video production under the work-product doctrine; however, an appeal was granted to assess if there is a "substantial need" for these materials under Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 26.02(3).
2. State of Tennessee v. Ambreia Washington: This case involves Officer Joshua Keller's investigation of an auto accident involving defendant Ambreia Washington, who was found with a handgun while being unconscious in his vehicle. The defendant was charged with multiple offenses after admitting felon status without Miranda warnings being issued and attempted flight from custody.
The Supreme Court will evaluate whether seizure of evidence adhered to Fourth Amendment exceptions like plain view or inevitable discovery.
Media representatives interested in attending must adhere to Supreme Court Rule 30 and submit any necessary requests through Communications Director Samantha Fisher at Samantha.fisher@tncourts.gov.