Haslam Appoints Easter To Court of Criminal Appeals
Replaces Retiring Judge Jerry L. Smith
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today appointed Judge Timothy Lee Easter of Brentwood to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Middle Section, replacing Judge Jerry L. Smith, who is retiring.
Easter’s appointment becomes effective September 1.
Easter, 54, has been a circuit court judge for the 21st Judicial District, which consists of Williamson, Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties. He was appointed to that position in 1998 by Gov. Don Sundquist, was elected later that year for an eight-year term and was reelected for another eight-year term in 2006.
“We are fortunate to have a person with this level of experience on the bench, and I am pleased to make this appointment to the Court of Criminal Appeals,” Haslam said. “Having Judge Easter in this position will serve the Middle Section well.”
Easter was assistant district attorney for the 21st Judicial District from 1989-1994. He was with the firm Rogers & Easter from 1994-1998.
“I am of course extremely grateful to Governor Haslam for his confidence in me and in his naming me to the Court of Criminal Appeals,” Easter said. “I look forward to joining what is a strong and independent group of appellate judges who will serve the citizens of Tennessee.”
Easter received his juris doctor from the Nashville School of Law in 1989. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University in 1982 and is a graduate of David Lipscomb High School. Easter has also been an adjunct professor at Lipscomb University.
Easter has been a judge in the 21st Drug Court, Inc., an alternative sentencing program that gives non-violent offenders with addiction issues an opportunity to complete a recovery program in lieu of, or in addition to, traditional sentences.
Easter is a member of the Harpeth Hills Church of Christ. He and his wife, Colette, have two grown daughters, Amy Clayton and Emily.