Jerry N. Estes from Sweetwater, Tenn., was named Executive Director

tndagc

Jerry N. Estes from Sweetwater, Tenn., was named Executive Director. Estes attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville for both his undergraduate degree and law school. From 1982 to 2006, Estes served as the District Attorney General for the 10th Judicial District. At the time of his election in 1982, he was the youngest District Attorney in Tennessee.

The Conference spearheaded the passing of the Victim Life Photo Bill

tndagc

The Conference spearheaded the passing of the Victim Life Photo Bill. This new law allows family members of homicide victims to show the jury a recent picture of their loved one prior to their passing. Homicide cases often result in long and difficult trials. It is our hope that the presentation of these pictures serves as a powerful reminder in the midst of those challenging hearings that …

Conference created a Training Department to assume the logistical responsibilities of planning programs

tndagc

During the early years of the TNDAGC, a small committee of DAs coordinated all the training needs of the districts. In 2001, the Conference created a Training Department to assume the logistical responsibilities of planning these programs. This subsequently expanded the number and types of programs being offered from one annual training to a diverse array of programs that train …

James W. Kirby, a Louisville, Ky., native, was named Executive Director

tndagc

James W. Kirby, a Louisville, Ky., native, was named Executive Director. Kirby was a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and Nashville School of Law. Prior to his appointment, Kirby served in a variety of positions in the 23rd Judicial District including as Deputy District Attorney (1997 – 1999).

The Conference spearheaded the creation and passing of the Victims’ Rights Amendment to the Tennessee Constitution

tndagc

The Conference spearheaded the creation and passing of the Victims’ Rights Amendment to the Tennessee Constitution. This was a major milestone for victims’ rights in Tennessee as it enshrined in the state’s most powerful document what the District Attorneys have always known – victims are an invaluable part of our criminal justice system and they have certain rights that must …

The districts received their first in-office computers

tndagc

The districts received their first in-office computers. This was a major technological development for the Conference and, of course, countless others have followed. What began as two employees traveling across the state to install desktop computers has grown to a 12-member IT team that works tirelessly to ensure every district is properly equipped with the tools and programs they need.

Patrick H. McCutchen, a Montgomery County, Tenn., native, was named Executive Director

tndagc

Patrick H. McCutchen, a Montgomery County, Tenn., native, was named Executive Director. McCutchen was a graduate of Austin Peay State University and Nashville School of Law. He served as the District Attorney General for the 19th Judicial District from 1982 – 1993. Director McCutchen laid the foundation for the progress the Conference has made on a range of issues by insisting that the Conference speak with …

Elizabeth “Betsy” Rice becomes the first elected female District Attorney General in Tennessee

tndagc

Elizabeth “Betsy” Rice becomes the first elected female District Attorney General in Tennessee. Gen. Rice served in the 25th Judicial District and was first appointed to District Attorney General by Gov. Ned McWherter in 1990. She then ran for election in 1992 to continue serving the last six years of the term. Prior to becoming District Attorney General, Rice worked in the 25th as an Assistant District Attorney …