CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A Clarksville City judge received honors at this year’s Annual Municipal Court Judges Conference, held at Montgomery Bell State Park. Judge Charles W. Smith, a founder of the Tennessee Municipal Judges’ Association, was given the Sharon G. Lee Award of Excellence, the highest honor granted by the association.
Named in honor of Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon G. Lee, the Award of Excellence recognizes municipal judges who have provided exemplary judicial service and furthered the goals of the conference. Justice Sharon G. Lee herself explained why Smith was the obvious choice:
“Judge Smith has served as Clarksville’s Municipal Court Judge for almost two decades with honor and distinction. He was a moving force behind the creation of the Tennessee Municipal Judges Association,” Lee said. “His vision, determination, and efforts were the foundation for the creation of the Association.”
When Clarksville elected Charles Smith almost 20 years ago, the new judge sought a network for learning and sharing best practices among municipal judges. Thanks to a grant obtained by Gallatin Judge Connie Kittrell and the enthusiastic efforts of of judges across the state, the Tennessee Municipal Judges’ Association was formed.
Addressing Justice Lee, TMJC President Greg Smith and the members of the TMJC, Judge Smith said he felt privileged and grateful to receive the award. “I am honored to have played a very small role in the founding of the organization.”
“The rest is history and now more than 200 cities enjoy the benefits, as their municipal judges are members of the TMJC. This is where we share best judicial practices, receive legislative and legal updates, and learn from experts in the field.”