The 13th Judicial District is made up of Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White counties. Circuit Courts are courts of general jurisdiction in Tennessee. Circuit court judges hear civil and criminal cases and appeals of decisions from Juvenile, Municipal, and General Sessions Courts. The jurisdiction of circuit courts often overlaps that of the chancery courts. The 13th District Circuit Court has 2 parts in which the judges are elected for each part. Two attorneys announced their candidacy to run on the Republican ballot for the two positions in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court on May 3, 2022.
Part 1 and Part 2 candidates do not run against each other. The Part 1 incumbent is Judge Amy Hollars, Democrat. Judge Jonathan Young, Republican, is the Part 2 incumbent.
Republican Primary Candidate, Part 1
William “Will” Ridley, a Republican candidate, recently announced his candidacy for the Circuit Court Judge, Part 1 position in the 13th Judicial District. The Judgeship is currently held by a Democrat who was appointed by Governor Bredesen in 2008.
Will and his family reside in Cumberland County. His wife, Tiffany, is a 4th grade teacher at Stone Elementary School, and they have two daughters, Rylee (5) and Madison (2). “I own and operate the Law office of William T. Ridley and love helping my clients find success.”
Aside from his private practice, Will also serves as the Crossville City Attorney and the Crossville Tax Attorney. “My family and I are active members of Cumberland Fellowship Baptist Church in Crossville. We love our church and our small group. I enjoy spending time with my family, working to improve our farm in Grassy Cove, and spending time on the lake.”
Will is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and obtained his law degree from the Nashville School of Law. Will worked full time while attending law school at night. He worked for Congressman Scott DesJarslais as a Field Representative and for Senator Ken Yager as a Legislative Assistant. “These jobs taught me valuable skills that I use every day. They taught me how to really listen to people and help solve their problems.” “I love my community, and I want to serve it by putting my experience and my conservative values to work for the people of the Upper Cumberland.”
For more info about Will Ridley, check his Facebook page
Republican Primary Candidates, Part 2
Felony child abuse prosecutor Caroline Knight announced June 3rd she is running for the 13th District Circuit Court Judge, Part 2.
A Tennessee native, Knight has lived and worked in the 13th Judicial District since 2008. “I didn’t attend law school with the aim of becoming a judge, but after acquiring a balanced legal experience, I am compelled to run. I feel it is a moral imperative and I will bring integrity to the position,” said Knight.
With more than 15 years of broad legal experience, Knight has been an Assistant District Attorney General for 10 years and has served as child crimes prosecutor district-wide for the last five years. Knight’s jury trial convictions include first-degree murder and aggravated robbery.
Knight was licensed to practice law in 2006 and represented Upper Cumberland clients in domestic cases, adoption, and property disputes as well as estates until 2011. Knight’s advocacy includes briefs for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit and the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. Knight’s previous appointments include special judge (on limited matters) and Hearing Officer for the Crossville Housing Authority.
“Judges must uphold the rule of law. Fair and unbiased decisions are based on the facts presented, not on any personal agenda or motive,” Knight said. “I look forward to treating parties in Circuit Court impartially and with respect.”
Knight, a former Cumberland County commissioner, is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and the TBA Leadership Law Class of 2013.
Knight is a founding board member of Youth Achievement Foundation, Cumberland County; has been Plenary Lecturer for American Legion Boys’ State; and has served various state and local boards of directors including The Legal Aid Society; the American Red Cross, Cumberland County Chapter and Avalon Center for Domestic Violence.
Knight lives in Crossville with her husband, Sean Stephens, and 12 year-old stepson.
For more info about Caroline Knight, check her Facebook page
Regrettably, Judge Young has not responded to requests for biographical or professional experience information.
