Gov. Bill Haslam to name special judge to fill in for David Bales

NASHVILLE - Gov. Bill Haslam's spokeswoman said Monday the governor plans to name a special judge to stand in for Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge David Bales until the judge recovers from a battle with cancer.

"Gov. Haslam received Judge Bales' letter certifying his disability and will appoint a special judge as required by statute," Haslam Press Secretary Jennifer Donnals said.

She noted that the special judge "is appointed to serve during an absence or disability."

No time frame was cited.

Bales told the Times Free Press last week that he had sent the letter asking for the special appointment of an attorney to serve temporarily in his stead. It was hand-delivered to Haslam's office last week.

The judge's letter stated he went on disability leave Friday and that "I fully intend to return full time to my judicial duties as a judge of the Hamilton County General Sessions Court as soon as possible."

Bales also said in the letter that he had cancer in his right tonsil and right cervical lymph nodes and received radiation and chemotherapy. The judge said he was declared cancer-free in November.

But Bales noted that after going back to work on Feb. 20, "it became clear to me shortly thereafter that I had been pushing too hard and that my return was premature."

Tennessee law provides that when a judge is "unable from sickness or other physical disability" to hold court, the special judge serves until the disability is removed. It is not considered a judicial vacancy, which is subject to other statutory requirements.

Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow him on Twitter @AndySher1.

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