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General Sessions Judge, Division VI

The Metropolitan General Sessions Court of Nashville-Davidson County serves as a very important “spoke in the wheel” as the basic foundation in the local justice system. It is a high-volume, limited-jurisdiction court that hears civil, misdemeanor, felony, traffic, environmental, and metropolitan ordinance violations. For a majority of the citizens, this level of Court will be their only encounter with the state’s justice system. Consequently, it has been frequently described as “the court of first resort.”

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  • Candidate picture

    Jodie Ann Bell
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Michael Robinson
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What characteristics or experiences differentiate you as a candidate for General Sessions Judge, Division VI?

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Education San Francisco State University, 1991 Golden Gate University School of Law, 1994
Address 73 White Bridge Road, Suite 103-140 Nashville, TN 37205
Website http://www.jodiebellforjudge.com
Campaign Phone 6154297176
Email jodie@jodiebellforjudge.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jodiebellforjudge
Campaign Mailing Address 73 White Bridge Road
Suite 103-140
Nashville, Tennessee 37205
What sets me apart as a candidate for General Sessions Judge, Division VI, is both my courtroom experience and my record of improving how the system works for everyday people.

General Sessions is the “people’s court,” where most Nashvillians will have their only interaction with the justice system. I’ve spent my career representing people here, often those who couldn’t afford an attorney, so I understand how these decisions affect jobs, housing, and families.

I helped develop and implement the IDEA pilot project, creating a vetted pool of experienced attorneys to ensure people receive qualified legal representation when the Public Defender cannot take their case—strengthening fairness and trust in the system.

I’m running because faith in our justice system is being shaken, and General Sessions is where we rebuild it. Everyone who walks into that courtroom deserves a fair shot – and I have the experience and commitment to make sure they get one.
Education University of Tennessee, Knoxville and University of Tennessee College of Law
Address 225 Duke St #B Nashville, TN 37207
Website http://Robinsonforjudge.com
Campaign Phone 615-320-9977
Email michael@robinsonlaw.legal
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MichaelRobinsonforJudge/
Campaign Mailing Address 225 Duke Street
#B
Nashville, Tennessee 37207
I have served as a Night Court Magistrate for the General Sessions Court. This gives me firsthand experience performing the essential functions of this role. This service has informed my decision to run for Judge now. Too many young people are trapped in the judicial system simply for a lack of financial resources. I want to modernize the Court's dockets to make the system more approachable for young people who are struggling to survive in the city I've called home my entire life.

Importantly, General Sessions Court is more than a criminal court; it is also a civil court. I have maintained a general practice of law, handling the full spectrum of cases that will be before this Court. I have represented hundreds of indigent clients in criminal cases, families facing evictions, small businesses trying to grow, and our neighbors seeking protection orders. I hope to use this experience as a judge to provide an immediate benefit to our community.
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