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A resolution recognizing the retirement of Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn.
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WHEREAS, the Honorable Judge Cheryl Blackburn of the Davidson County Criminal Court announced that she will retire on May 31, 2025, after 29 years on the bench; and
WHEREAS, an Oak Ridge native, Judge Blackburn first came to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, where she received her bachelor's and master’s degrees. She worked in the mental health field as she earned her law degree at night at Nashville School of Law; and
WHEREAS, Judge Blackburn was hired as an assistant district attorney upon graduation and handled thousands of cases during her 17-year tenure with the Davidson County District Attorney General’s office; and
WHEREAS, she was one of the first two deputy district attorneys appointed in 1989 and the first prosecutor in Tennessee to become board-certified as a criminal trial specialist; and
WHEREAS, Governor Don Sundquist appointed Judge Blackburn in 1996 to serve as the Division III Criminal Court Judge of the 20th Judicial District; and
WHEREAS, Davidson County voters then elected Judge Blackburn to three eight-year terms in 2006, 2014, and 2022; and
WHEREAS, during her 29-year tenure, Judge Blackburn has overseen tens of thousands of criminal matters and presided over hundreds of jury trials, including some of the most high-profile cases in recent Nashville history; and
WHEREAS, Judge Blackburn is regarded as one of the most dedicated and insightful judges in Nashville and Davidson County, earning the respect of her colleagues, prosecutors and defense attorneys alike; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council extends its appreciation to Judge Blackburn for her decades of service to Nashville and Davidson County and congratulates her on her retirement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the Honorable Cheryl Blackburn for her decades of service upon the occasion of her retirement as Davidson County Criminal Court Judge.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.