Tennessee Supreme Court

Designed by local architecture firm Marr & Holman in the typical Stripped Classicism or PWA Modern style of the time period, the Tennessee Supreme Court features carved pilasters and intricate carvings above the four sets of bronze entry doors. There are also Art Deco features on the interior and exterior, including an ornate wood paneled law library. The Tennessee Supreme Court was established in 1834 by the state’s second constitution. Originally the court was comprised of three judges, one from each of the state’s regions, with each serving a twelve-year term. With the adoption of the state’s third Constitution in 1870, the total number of judges increased to five, with no more than two coming from any division. Judges hold eight-year terms and are elected by popular vote. The court also chooses the State’s Attorney General; Tennessee is the only state to use this method. 

The Tennessee Judiciary Museum is also located here. It opened in 2012 as part of the building’s seventy-fifth anniversary celebration. The museum does not have a permanent collection, rather it partners with the Tennessee State Museum and State Library and Archives to create their exhibits. The museum is operated by the Tennessee Supreme Court Historical Society and is open to the public Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Turn LEFT on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and walk on the side of the road closest to the capitol. Cross Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in front of the Motlow Tunnel onto War Memorial Plaza. The Motlow Tunnel is the entrance to the State Capitol. It passes under the watchful eye of Edward Carmack, a Nashville newspaperman, politician, and noted prohibitionist. For more information, see the Seedy Side and Printers Alley tour. The Motlow Tunnel is named for Tennessee legislators Reagor Motlow and his father, Lem Motlow, who is the nephew of Jack Daniels.