Legal expert weighs in on TN Supreme Court’s intervention in Madison County court

JACKSON, Tenn. — A court order issued by the Tennessee Supreme Court yesterday accused Judge Mark Patey of negligence of his duty.

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We spoke with an attorney on what this could mean for the court and Judge Patey.

“Something has got to be wrong for this to happen,” said Tim Crocker, attorney.

The state’s highest court has stepped in to effectively sideline Madison County General Sessions Division I Judge Mark Patey, claiming he simply isn’t doing his job. It’s called an “abdication of duty.”

In a standing order, Chief Justice Jeffrey Bivins says Judge Patey has failed to hold regular court or handle cases on time.

“There has apparently been enough complaints that people’s rights are not being protected. Otherwise the supreme court would have not stepped in,” said Crocker.

Crocker also says this isn’t just about a slow schedule–it’s about your rights.

“When people are arrested by criminal affidavit of complaint in general sessions court, the law mandates that they are entitled to a preliminary hearing within 10 days. If they are not granted a preliminary hearing in 10 then their rights have been violated,” said Crocker.

Judge Patey is blocked from running as a Republican in the upcoming primary for his seat due to not being a “bonafide Republican,” according to the Tennessee Republican Party.

While he’s off the ballot for now, there is hope that the complaints will be fixed.

“Whatever these complaints are, he’ll immediately address and correct. I think that is the purpose of this supreme court order is to get his attention,” said Crocker.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has appointed four other judges to ensure the open cases are heard through August as needed.

We have reached out to Judge Patey regarding this matter, and are still awaiting a response.

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