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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

Tennessee taking applications for Supreme Court vacancy

In this photo provided by the administrative office of the courts, Cornelia Clark is sworn as chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, in Franklin, Tenn. Looking on from left are outgoing Chief Justice Janice Holder, Clark's sister Cathy Hardcastle and brother Bill Clark. (AP Photo/Administrative Office of the Courts, Laura Click)
In this photo provided by the administrative office of the courts, Cornelia Clark is sworn as chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, in Franklin, Tenn. Looking on from left are outgoing Chief Justice Janice Holder, Clark's sister Cathy Hardcastle and brother Bill Clark. (AP Photo/Administrative Office of the Courts, Laura Click)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee officials have begun taking applications to fill a state Supreme Court seat left vacant by the death of Justice Cornelia Clark.

The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments has set a deadline of midday Nov. 19 for applications to arrive at the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Applicants must be at least 35 years of age, a resident of the state for five years and a resident of the Eastern or Middle Tennessee Grand Divisions.

The application is located at http://tncourts.gov/administration/judicial-resources. Applicants will be interviewed Dec. 8 or 9 at a location to be announced.

Gov. Bill Lee can appoint one of the applicants recommended by the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments to fill the vacancy. Appellate court judges also must be confirmed by state lawmakers.