Juvenile Court Judge

Juvenile Court Judge

Juvenile Courts in Davidson County have exclusive oversight of cases involving minors. These courts also have concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit, Chancery, and Probate Courts in certain areas. To hold the position of juvenile court judge, one has to be at least 30 years of age and a resident of the state for five years and of the circuit or district one year. Additionally, a judge has to be licensed to practice law in Tennessee. These judges serve eight-year terms.

Juvenile court judges are responsible for making sure that every child and parent who passes through court is met with justice, fairness, and hope. As described by Tennessee Code Annotated Section 37-1-101, the purpose of the juvenile court is: “To provide for the care, protection, and wholesome moral, mental and physical development of the children coming within its provisions.”

SHEILA CALLOWAY

Sheila Calloway is running unopposed for her third consecutive term. A Kentucky-native, Calloway moved to Nashville in 1987. She holds a B.A. in Communications and a Juris Doctorate, both from Vanderbilt University. Prior to her election as Juvenile Court Judge in 2014, Calloway worked at the Metro Nashville Public Defender’s Office, and as a Juvenile Court Magistrate.

Judge Calloway has been recognized for her implementation of a youth justice delivery model that focuses on trauma-informed care. She has spoken publicly about the importance of diverting youth from detention, and her team has created programs to support parents navigating the juvenile justice system.

The incumbent judge has received a number of awards including the ICCA “Doing What Works Judicial Award” from the International Community Corrections Association, and the “Centennial Legacy Award” from the NAACP. In 2018, Judge Calloway was honored by the Tennessee Justice Center Hall of Fame. She’s a member of numerous community organizations and sits on the advisory council for Tennessee Voices for Victims.