Judiciary committee gives positive recommendation to William E. Phillips II for Tennessee Court of Appeals

The judiciary committee voted to give a positive recommendation for Judge William E. Phillips II to the Tennessee Court of Appeals’ Eastern Section, recording 17 ayes, 0 noes and two members present but not voting.

The nomination, made by Governor Lee, was introduced to the committee by Chairman Hicks, who reviewed Phillips’s biography: born Nov. 30, 1976; educated at Sewanee (University of the South), where he earned a B.A. in English literature and philosophy in 1999, and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law (J.D., 2002). Phillips practiced at the family firm Phillips & Hale in Rogersville, served as city attorney and on the Rogersville City Board of Education, and was appointed by Governor Lee in October 2021 to serve as circuit court judge for Tennessee’s 3rd Judicial District.

"I am a circuit court judge, which is the general trial court for the state of Tennessee," Phillips told the committee when asked what kinds of cases he hears. He described his docket as broad, including domestic relations, termination of parental rights, criminal defense and jury trials, and said his small‑town practice required him to be a generalist.

Representative Merrick reminded members before questioning that "there are certain questions that a judicial candidate cannot answer. It would violate the judicial code of ethics," and asked colleagues to avoid lines of inquiry that could create future conflicts or require recusal.

Committee members focused questions on how Phillips’s trial experience would inform appellate work and on his judicial approach. Phillips said trial experience helps an appellate judge interpret the record and understand split‑second decisions made by trial courts. He said one of his goals as an appellate judge would be to write clearly and in plain language so citizens can understand opinions.

Phillips recounted a particularly difficult juvenile case involving severe neglect that he said underscored the burdens of trial court decision‑making. Describing the case, he said a 14‑year‑old girl had been found "hidden under a couch" and "it was less than 70 pounds," later requiring hospital care and a gradual refeeding process; the parents were later convicted, and Phillips said removal was necessary to protect the younger children.

Representative Doggett moved for a positive recommendation to send the nomination to the full body; Representative Garrett seconded the motion. The clerk reported the committee tally as 17 ayes, 0 nos and 2 present not voting, approving the recommendation. Committee leaders told Phillips the nomination would move to the full body and a joint convention likely scheduled for Thursday morning.

The committee recognized Phillips’s family in the gallery and noted Mayor Waters of Sevier County and his family were present; the committee then adjourned.