Supreme Court justices engage students at Boys and Girls State
Every year, the Tennessee Supreme Court helps educate rising high school seniors about the judicial system through participation in Boys and Girls State.
Justice Sarah K. Campbell participated in the 80th session of American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Volunteer Girls State at Lipscomb University. She called it “a tremendous privilege” to visit with the future leaders.
“What I love about our fireside chat with the women of the TN Supreme Court at Girls State is that these women don’t lecture. They sit down in front of over 500 17-year-olds and tell them the truth – about the doubts, the wrong turns, the people who underestimated them along the way. The girls come expecting a lesson in how the courts work. What they leave with is permission to be ambitious and uncertain at the same time, from women who have lived exactly that. I can’t think of a better gift to give a girl at 17,” said Jenise Gordon, who chairs the ALA Volunteer Girls State committee.
Since 1947, more than 25,000 young women have participated in the program which provides students with the tools they need to become confident, informed citizens and voters.
Boys State hosts 400
TN Chief Justice Jeff Bivins talks with a delegate at Boys State
“The delegates watch the dignified, solemn procedure of the members of the Supreme Court entering the room, being seated on the bench and introducing themselves to the delegates,” said retired Col. Jim Reed, chair of the TN American Legion Boys State.
“Typically, the delegates are mesmerized by hearing the arguments in the case. They go back to their high school and tell everyone what their case was about and how they think the Supreme Court will decide it.”
This year, 400 young men participated in the 87th Volunteer Boys State, which was held at Tennessee Tech University, in Cookeville, for the 61st consecutive year.
Boys State participants create and operate a mock state government run by two mythical parties – the Jacksonians or Johnsonians. They learn about the legislative, executive and judicial branches while developing leadership, teamwork and civic engagement skills.
“Boys State is a great way to immerse young men in the workings of the judicial system. It’s exciting to see the interest they show while listening to oral arguments. One of the most enjoyable parts of the program is when my fellow justices and I get to spend time interacting with the students on a more personal level off the bench,” said Chief Justice Jeff Bivins. Delegates represented all 95 counties for both conferences.
Story and photos from TN Courts at https://www.tncourts.gov/
Yoakum endowed scholarship gives ‘courage to chase dreams’
Martha Yoakum with daughter, Eleanor McMurray
The Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law (LMU Law) has established the Martha J. Yoakum Endowed Scholarship, to support students from rural Tennessee pursuing a legal education while honoring the legacy of longtime public defender Martha J. Yoakum.
Created by Eleanor McMurray of Knoxville in memory of her late mother, the scholarship reflects Yoakum’s lifelong commitment to expanding access to justice and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise believe a legal career is out of reach.
The scholarship also aligns with LMU Law’s mission of preparing attorneys to serve rural communities throughout the region. “Nearly 75% of our graduates practice in Appalachia, and approximately 25% of our graduates practice in a rural TN county,” said Dean of LMU Law Matt Lyon.
“I think Mom would be the proudest of being able to help give someone the courage to chase their dreams,” McMurray said. “Being an attorney gave her purpose, passion and independence. She saw so many people in her communities that had passion and dedication but didn’t believe this path was open to them. For Mom, being able to light the way for those people would be a fulfilled dream. In creating this scholarship, I knew it had to be with LMU.”
A Claiborne County native, Yoakum was elected district public defender for Tennessee’s Eighth Judicial District in 1990 and served in that role for 22 years. Throughout her career, she believed the law should apply equally regardless of wealth, access or power. Recognizing shortcomings within the criminal justice system, she worked to ensure every person accused of a crime received fair representation and the opportunity to be heard.
Based on an online story by Ansley Letsinger, LMU Law
Stockwell retires from TN Lawyers Assistance Program
Buddy Stockwell
Buddy Stockwell has retired as executive director of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP), a free, confidential assistance program providing help to members of the legal community who are struggling with substance abuse, stress or emotional health issues.
Stockwell was selected by the TN Supreme Court for the position in 2020. His last day was April 15, 2026.
“Back in the early days, alcoholism was not seen as a treatable disease, and having a severe alcohol problem could be a career ending event. There wasn’t a way back. … Now, we have a detailed set of clinical principles and protocols in place that are hinged to national best practices to support licensed professionals.”
Over the years, the program has expanded from assistance with alcoholism and drug use, to all other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar issues, burnout and compassion fatigue.
Stockwell and his wife are U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captains and seasoned ocean mariners who sailed the seas full-time from 2005 to 2010, covering over 19,000 miles. Buddy already had his next boat bought and ready for retirement.
In memoriam
Faith Carpenter
Faith Baird Carpenter passed away on July 26, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at age 76. She was the wife of attorney W. Kyle Carpenter. The couple had moved from Knoxville to a retirement community in Austin at the end of June to be closer to family.
There will be a memorial service at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 413 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, with a reception to follow at Gourmet’s Market & Café, 5107 Kingston Pike, Knoxville.
Faith’s family moved to Maryville, Tennessee, in 1959. She graduated from Maryville High School and Maryville College. She also attended the University of Tennessee College of Law where she met Kyle. They were married in 1976, and had two children, David and Mary.
Faith Carpenter became a dedicated mom and community volunteer, serving a term as president of the Junior League of Knoxville and as the first female board member of Knox Youth Sports. Her obituary is here.
Kyle Carpenter is of counsel for the firm Woolf, McClane, Bright, Allen & Carpenter PLLC where he handled a variety of litigation including defense of product liability and toxic tort cases.
Notes & Quotes
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, has dropped charges against David Hearn, 67, who faced up to 10 years in prison after being indicted July 2, 2026, for felony destruction of property – lining material on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool – and causing more than $1,000 in damages. Hearn represented the USA as a canoeist in 1992, 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. He said he stuck his hand into the Reflecting Pool to feel the peeling paint. He denied removing anything. The Interior Department later said the pool was damaged before Hearn rode over on his bicycle to see what all the fuss was about. Read Heather Cox Richardson’s take here.
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Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes daily at KnoxTNToday – the Let’s Talk series includes topics of law, neighbors, schools, leaders and outdoors. Enjoyed this article? Read more Let’s Talk – Law by Sandra Clark.
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