KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a notable advancement within Tennessee’s judiciary, Knox County Criminal Court Judge Steve Sword has been promoted to the state Court of Criminal Appeals. Governor Bill Lee announced Sword’s appointment this past Friday, signaling a significant step in the judge’s career, which began on the bench in 2011.
At the time of his appointment, Sword was presiding over a vehicular homicide trial in the City County Building downtown, where he has developed a reputation for handling some of the region’s most challenging cases. Sword’s new role on the appellate court will have him serve the Eastern Division, filling the vacancy left by the late Judge James Curwood Witt Jr.
The transfer to the Court of Criminal Appeals necessitates confirmation by the Tennessee General Assembly, a routine but vital step in the appointment process. Sword’s legal journey was initially boosted by then-Gov. Bill Haslam, who appointed him in 2011 following the resignation of Richard Baumgartner, a predecessor whose career ended amid scandal involving drug abuse.
Throughout his tenure, Sword, a Republican, secured his position through multiple elections, reflecting sustained support from the electorate. Prior to joining the judiciary, Sword built a substantial legal foundation as a Knox County prosecutor and obtained his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
For over a decade, Sword has presided over numerous significant and often high-profile cases in Tennessee’s Sixth Judicial District. His docket has featured trials ranging from the case of Joel Guy Jr., accused of a gruesome family murder, to the trial of Norman Clark, implicated in a high-profile homicide. Sword also oversaw the proceedings against suspects involved in the tragic 2015 killing of 15-year-old Zaevion Dobson, a case that drew national attention for its senseless violence and the young victim’s heroism.
Sword’s appointment to the Court of Criminal Appeals marks both a career milestone and a shift in responsibilities, moving from trial court intensity to the appellate level where he will review and rule on appeals from decisions made in lower courts. His comprehensive experience in criminal law and trial procedure positions him as a well-equipped addition to the appellate bench, where such expertise is crucial.
As the legal community and public await the General Assembly’s confirmation, Sword’s transition is seen as part of a broader judicial evolution within Tennessee, reflecting shifts in legal perspectives and judicial oversight.
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