The Metro Council chose Sam Coleman to replace indicted former judge Casey Moreland. In an exclusive interview, Coleman said his first priority is to restore trust and integrity to the court.
"Defendants and plaintiffs need to know they will be treated fair and that's what will happen in our courtroom," said Coleman.
For many, that will be a breath of fresh air after the recent troubles of indicted former Nashville judge Casey Moreland. He resigned from office after facing criminal indictments.
"We have to do this in order to continue confidence in our justice system," said FBI agent Matthew Espenshade after Moreland's arrest.
Federal prosecutors charged Moreland with bribery and tampering charges. He then resigned as a judge leaving a vacant seat on the bench - one that the Metro council filled Tuesday night by choosing Sam Coleman to replace him.
Coleman said he knows he needs to regain the public's trust damaged by Moreland's arrest and alleged conduct while serving on the bench.
"One of the first things is to restore the integrity that the branch has always had and obviously it took a little bit of a hit," said Coleman who was ready to start the job almost immediately.
Yet, he is a Metro councilman.
"I want to start as soon as possible, but I am District Councilman in District 33," said Coleman.
As a judge, Coleman will now give up that seat. First, he plans to arrange town hall meetings to make sure there is an organized transition for his constituents.
Then he fully expects to be sworn in soon, after which Coleman will take over Moreland's duties hearing criminal cases in the General Sessions Court.
"This judge is going to make sure everyone is going to be treated fair," said Coleman.
He takes over a job that pays $170,000 a year. Coleman will serve as judge until an election next year when he will run for a full eight-year term.
