April 15, 2025, marked a significant milestone for Tennessee's judicial history, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Court of Appeals. The court was officially formed on May 1, 1925, following an act meant to reorganize the state's appellate court system. The reorganization aimed to alleviate the supreme court's docket burden, allowing appellate judges more time to review cases amid the state's growing population and complex business developments. Judge Arthur Crownover once noted the initial necessity of the court: “. . . it was not humanly possible for the five Judges of the Supreme Court to properly and expeditiously dispose of appealed cases resulting on account of the growth of the population and the new developments under the modern business conditions of the State.”
Initially, the Court of Appeals consisted of nine judges, combining five from the Court of Civil Appeals and four appointed by the governor from the state's grand divisions. As Tennessee's population grew, so did the court. By 1978, it expanded to its present size of 12 judges, handling 894 appeals in the fiscal year 2023-2024.
Over the years, the court has seen many distinguished jurists, some of whom have ascended to the Tennessee Supreme Court. Notable figures include Hamilton Burnett, John Swepston, Allison Humphreys, Robert Cooper, Chester Chattin, Frank Drowota III, William Koch, Jr., E. Riley Anderson, and Sharon Lee. Chief Justice Holly Kirby, appointed in 1995, was the first woman on the Court of Appeals.
A legacy of civil rights and equality is woven into the court's history. Judge Richard Dinkins, the court's first African American member, made significant contributions to desegregation and anti-discrimination cases. Recently, a Nashville school was renamed in his honor. Earlier pioneers include Judge Lois Dillard Bejach, known for his "Bejach Law" granting property rights to married women, and Judge John DeWitt, who helped shape Tennessee's penal system and led several charitable organizations.
The Court of Appeals judges have also made their mark internationally. Judges Bejach and Hu C. Anderson were involved in significant post-war trials in Nuremberg, Germany. Judge Winfield B. Hale was notable for his role in the High Command Trial against senior German military officers.
The history of the Court of Appeals is a testament to the diverse experiences and contributions of its judges. These historical figures continue to inspire the current members of the court.
The article is primarily based on a piece by Court of Appeals Judge Andy Bennett titled “Helping the Supreme Court,” with contributions from Laura Hull, law clerk for Judge Neal McBrayer, for her research and editorial support.