Assistant District Attorney General Caroline Knight announced candidacy for this position in June 2021. Incumbent Judge Jonathan Young, elected in 2014 is completing his first term. In the interest of providing pertinent information for voter education, it is impossible to avoid mention of Judge Young’s current reprimand from the Board of Judicial Conduct for actions taken between 2015 and 2020. The full text of the reprimand is available here.
This is the only public reprimand on record for any of the 2022 judicial candidates in the Upper Cumberland region.
As a refresher, 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, made up of Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White counties, has 2 parts in which the judges are elected for each part. In other words, Part 1 and Part 2 candidates do not run against each other.
Cumberland County attorney William “Will” Ridley has no challenger for the Part 1 bench in the Republican Primary on May 3rd. He will face the incumbent Judge Amy Hollars, who has run as a Democrat in past elections but is running as an Independent in 2022.
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
Incumbent Jonathan Young
Regrettably, Judge Young has not responded to requests for biographical or professional experience information to be included in this newsletter.
