General Sessions Court Judicial Election

This discussion topic was requested by Council Member Jeff Preptit regarding the judicial election to the Davidson County General Sessions Court Division VI.

From CM Preptit:

Dear Colleagues,

Of the many duties we have as Councilmembers, selecting a candidate to fill a General Sessions Judicial vacancy is, in my opinion, one of the most consequential functions this body undertakes. The Judges that make up our General Sessions Courts are critical public servants who are to be conscientious stewards of our local judiciary and uphold the highest standards of judicial practice.

At a time when our institutions and democratic system have been under consistent attack, the candidate appointed to the bench will have the solemn duty to ensure faith in our institutions and safeguard the rights of every individual who appears in their courtroom.

The calling to public service is one with which each of us are intimately familiar, and I am truly grateful to each candidate for putting their name forward for consideration to serve this city for which we all deeply care. Each candidate has demonstrated their willingness to participate in the America experiment of forming a more perfect union through service, and each candidate should be commended for their willingness to serve.

However, the task now falls upon us to select the candidate we believe embodies not only the values of a sound and prudent judiciary, but who is also best qualified to be a steward of this institution. As each of you have done, I have examined each candidate with great interest and rigor. After weeks of careful consideration, I believe that Jodie Bell is the candidate best situated to ensure a sound and responsible judiciary that serves every Nashvillian.

Throughout her legal career, Jodie Bell has demonstrated a robust commitment to substantive justice, the protection of the rights of some of the most vulnerable in our city, and has consistently worked to ensure that our judicial system is responsive to the needs of those who find themselves in the halls of justice. As part of her 27 years of legal experience, Jodie Bell has consistently worked to enhance the practice of law and the level of service provided by the legal community. She helped to pioneer the creation of the IDEA program that sought to raise the standards for indigent defense, led numerous continuing legal education courses, and has upheld one of the highest standards of legal practice at both the state and federal levels. Jodie Bell is an accomplished attorney who brings excellence and experience to the bench.

Therefore, I am proud to support Jodie Bell for General Session Judge Division VI.