Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee addresses a packed Bradley County Courthouse during a stop on her campaign to seek retention on the Aug. 7 ballot. The event was hosted by the Bradley County Bar Association.CLEVELAND, Tenn. – It is critical that Tennessee maintain a fair and impartial Supreme Court that is free of partisan politics, Justice Sharon Lee said Monday during a stopover here.
Politics belong in the state’s legislative and executive branches, but not the courts, she said.
“When I put on the robes, I have to leave politics behind,” Lee said.
State Sen. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, said in a phone interview afterward that he disagreed with Lee’s assertion.
“Anyone who believes politics are not a part of the judicial process is either ignorant or a good liar,” he said.