Judges, commissioners differ on procedures after outside groups use jury assembly room; committee refers liability question to risk management

Judge Jimmy Turner, presiding judge for the 16th Judicial District (Rutherford and Cannon Counties), told the Property Management Committee the jury assembly room is primarily used for juror orientation and assembly before jury trials and is equipped to record proceedings and support limited courtroom functions. He said the room also hosts periodic events such as continuing legal education classes and recovery court graduations.

Judge Turner said scheduling is coordinated with the jury coordinator and that most days the room is unused; the Bar Association and Leadership Rutherford have used it for events that relate directly to the court or legal system. He noted statutory responsibilities: the county commission owns county buildings, the sheriff serves as building manager as the countyagent, and the presiding judge has duties to promote orderly administration of justice.

Several commissioners raised concerns about outside groups using the room without liability insurance. Commissioner Haddad asked whether the county should require insurance or a waiver from outside groups. The judge explained that many users are attorneys and that access to court facilities is constitutionally protected, and he said the scheduling process currently checks availability with the jury coordinator.

After discussion the committee voted to refer the matter to the countyrisk management office and the county attorney for review and guidance on whether insurance, waivers, or other controls should be required for noncourt uses of the jury assembly room.

Committee action: referral to risk management and county attorney for recommended policy and procedures on outside groups' use of the jury assembly room.