How does our state’s judicial system actually work?

In this episode, Justice Holly Kirby joins me to discuss the differences between state and federal court systems and why our state’s unique approach to selecting judges might be the "sweet spot."

Justice Kirby also reflects on serving Tennessee's highest court: the difficult cases, the moments that stay with her, and what it means to serve with humility, purpose, and fairness.

Key Takeaways:

• How Justice Kirby’s mechanical engineering degree helped shape her approach to legal reasoning
• Why the Tennessee Supreme Court is the final word on state law (and when the U.S. Supreme Court can step in)
• Why lack of access to legal representation is a constitutional crisis
• How Tennessee's attorney general position is deliberately depoliticized through the court system

About Justice Holly Kirby:

Justice Holly M. Kirby earned both her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and J.D. from the University of Memphis. She became the first female partner at the law firm Burch, Porter & Johnson, and in 1995 made history as the first woman to serve on the Tennessee Court of Appeals. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014, she served as Chief Justice from 2023-2025, becoming the fourth woman in state history to hold that role.

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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing info@bofortn.com!