Fines, jail, probation, debt: Court policies punish the poor

LIBERTY, Tenn. (AP) — Johnny Gibbs has been trying to get a valid driver's license for 20 years, but he just can't afford it. To punish him for high school truancy in 1999, Tennessee officials told him he would not be able to legally drive until he turned 21. He drove anyway, incurring two tickets and...

First female judge on Tennessee Supreme Court honored

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The first woman ever appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court has been honored with a portrait to hang in the courthouse. The portrait of Judge Martha Daughtrey was unveiled Friday. Speaking at the ceremony, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeff Bivins noted many other firsts in...

Complaint filed against Tennessee DA over anti-Islam post

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Muslim advocacy group has filed a complaint against a Tennessee district attorney who posted several anti-Islamic remarks to social media. The Council on American-Islamic Relations announced Tuesday it had filed a formal complaint with the Board of Professional Responsibility of...

Court to decide if shoplifters can be charged with burglary

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Supreme Court says it will decide whether a prosecutor can continue to charge some shoplifters with burglary. Three years ago, Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen began charging thieves who steal from Walmart and a handful of other retailers at least...