Contributed photo / Former 14th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge L. Craig Johnson retired effective May 12 leaving his post on the bench open to three applicants who are seeking the job. A public hearing winnowing the field of applicants from six to three was held May 14 at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza in Manchester, Tenn.The field of candidates seeking to fill a vacancy on the Circuit Court bench in Coffee County, Tennessee, was narrowed Friday to three local attorneys.
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met May 14 to choose three names from six initial candidates for a vacancy in the 14th Judicial District Circuit Court in Coffee County, Tennessee, according to a news release from Tennessee’s Administrative Office of the Courts. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge L. Craig Johnson, whose retirement became effective May 12.
The names of Coffee County attorneys Robert T. Carter, William Lockhart and Edward H. North were forwarded to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration after a public hearing and interviews held Friday.
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Johnson announced his retirement in February after spending 24 years on the bench in Coffee County, according to a report in the Tullahoma News. Johnson told the newspaper he planned to open a law practice in the county and spend more time with his family. Johnson also is retired from the Tennessee State Guard. He spent 37 years in the military and retired in February as brigadier general of the state Military Department, a post in which he served four years, according to The Associated Press.
Friday’s public hearing on the applicants was held at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza in Manchester. There is no timeline for the governor to make a decision.
– Ben Benton, compiler