Hearings and Reviews
Disciplinary hearings are held before a hearing panel composed of three volunteer, unpaid hearing committee members appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court. The procedure at a disciplinary hearing is similar to that in court trials. A record is kept by a reporter. Testimony is given under oath. Rules of evidence and civil procedure are observed. Attendance of witnesses and the production of records may be compelled by subpoena.
The decision of the hearing panel is made in the form of a written report and recommendation to the Board.
The hearing committee report is reviewed by the Board. Both the attorney-respondent and the Board have the right to appeal the report and recommendation of the hearing panel.
All hearing panel recommendations go to the Supreme Court for review and final action.