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Committee recommends Kyle Hixson for Tennessee Supreme Court after questioning on civil law and ethics
Summary
Judge Kyle Hixson, the governor’s nominee to the Tennessee Supreme Court, told the Judiciary Committee he would rely on research to handle civil-law matters and that disclosures to the Bureau of Ethics guard against conflicts; the committee voted to recommend him to the full body.
The Judiciary Committee issued a positive recommendation for Judge Kyle Hixson to be appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court, forwarding his nomination to the full General Assembly.
During questioning, Representative Russell asked how Hixson’s criminal-law background would translate to the civil-law work of the Supreme Court. Hixson said that mastering civil law would be “my biggest challenge,” adding, “Being a lawyer is a job of lifelong learning and growth and education,” and pointing committee members to a writing sample attached to his application as evidence of his research and writing on civil issues.
On conflicts of interest, Hixson said his 6 years as a judge and status as a long-time state employee limit extraneous business interests; he noted public disclosure requirements enforced by the Bureau of Ethics and the ability of parties to raise recusal motions under court rules. Members praised both nominees’ qualifications before the committee moved and recorded the positive recommendation (committee tally reported 17 ayes, 3 nos). The nomination will next be considered by the full General Assembly.
