Media

Court of Criminal Appeals Stays Judge Joseph Dailey’s Recent Order to Change Courtroom Bailiff Duties

Release Date: June 17, 2003

The Court of Criminal Appeals in Jackson, Tennessee today entered an order that prevents Judge Joseph Dailey from enforcing his earlier ruling that asked Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell to change his courtroom’s security supervision procedures.

Sheriff Luttrell had been asked by Judge Dailey to reinstate a Sergeant in his courtroom or provide a designated supervisor over the bailiffs who provide courtroom security.

The Sheriff had earlier removed sergeants from Judge Dailey’s Court and all other Criminal Courts and replaced them with non-supervisory bailiffs. Although the manpower levels were not changed, in that a regular bailiff replaced the sergeant, Judge Dailey felt removing the full-time sergeant would affect the level of security in his court.

Today, the Court of Appeals stopped all legal proceedings about the matter until the issue is considered by the higher court.

“We know Judge Dailey’s intent is to keep his courtroom safe. We share his concern and will continue work with him to settle this matter as soon as possible,” said Sheriff Mark Luttrell.

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office is now representing Judge Dailey. It has until June 20, 2003 to file an answer to the Sheriff’s appeal.