CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., July 1, 2022 – One of the most important cases in Tennessee legal history is coming before a supreme court that has a new justice who promises to respect the rule of law and the division of powers.
Sarah Campbell takes part June 21 in investiture ceremonies in Nashville following her approval by the general assembly and her taking the oath of office Feb. 10. She replaces a judge who died.
The case challenges state overthrow of constitutional government and implicates former chief justice Jeff Bivins and a new chief justice, Roger Page.
Judge Bivins joined the governor in ignoring state law in a March 13, 2020, judicial “executive order” without a warrant, probable cause, legal reason or nonfraudulent exigency for a pretended emergency not based on compliance with law, specifically Tenn. Code Ann. 68-5-104. Justice Page, despite notice about the constitution and open meetings act, ordained this reporter arrested Nov. 6, 2021, covering the Justice Page’s illegally secret annual judicial conferences that all state judges are required to attend.
“Sarah has created a truly remarkable and unique career focused almost exclusively on appellate work with a strong passion for public service,” says Justice Page. “She is accomplished and determined, yet humble and personable, and I am sure she will serve the citizens of Tennessee well.”
“Judicial investitures are ceremonies of dignity. But for Sarah, surrounded by family and friends, we want this to be a joyous occasion,” said Alberto Gonzales, Dean of the College of Law at Belmont University, in his opening remarks.
Scott Sauls, senior pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church, where the Campbell family worships, followed with an invocation.
Judge Campbell had clerked for Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.
‘Beacon to America’
“Justice Campbell is a reflection of what makes this state a beacon to America,” Gov. Bill Lee says. “Humility in service creates exceptionalism that you present to the court and that you will add to the remarkable nature of our state. And we are not only honored to be here doing this with you, but we are grateful for the choices that you’ve made and the decisions you have taken to serve this state.”
Justice Campbell thanked chief U.S. appeals court Judge William H. Pryor Jr. for his “support, encouragement, and mentorship,” calling him “the gold standard for judges” and thanking him for “doing so much to advance the rule of law in our country.”
Justice Alito was unable to attend the ceremony, but Justice Campbell praised him as a “brilliant and principled jurist with a deep commitment to and respect for our constitution.”
Justice Campbell said when judges take an oath to support the federal and Tennessee constitutions, they play an important role in safeguarding what the administrator of the courts says “makes Tennessee the state it is today.”
“We are a critical part of the double security that Madison discussed in Federalist 51,” Justice Campbell said. “It is my obligation and privilege as a justice on the Tennessee supreme court to carefully and faithfully interpret and apply the Tennessee constitution and to give effect to its provisions, including and especially those that are different from the federal constitution. I will approach that task as I approach every issue that comes before me—fairly, impartially, and with humility, and with a deep appreciation for the limited yet important role of the judiciary in our system of government.”
“The best part of being a judge involves working with young, smart, talented law clerks. One of the best lawyers to ever grace my chambers to work there was Sarah Keeton Campbell — a class act,” said Judge Pryor.
‘Vested’ with authority
The investiture is a symbolically laden event highlighting the process of obtaining lawful authority. The lawsuit against Gov. Lee and a local health department official highlights that the executive orders that shut down the state economy and closed schools and churches was by parties not “vested” with lawful power to do so. Vesting is granted to an official to act based on facts properly accounted for by law, with the authority granted only when conditions are met.
The lawsuit defends the rule of law and the claim upon the governor and his agents to make a determination of the agent of contagion of the purported Covid-19 pandemic. No isolate has been made of the so-called virus, the infectious power of which was enhanced by American military and drug industry scientists despite a gain-of-function bioweapon research ban.
‡ Judge Campbell and Hamilton County chancellor Pamela Fleenor, the unjust judge who in four orders wickedly upheld the CV-19 experimental inoculation project statewide, are members of Presbyterian Church in America fellowships, as am I.
David Tulis is live on the air weekdays 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on NoogaRadio 96.9 FM and other NoogaRadio Network stations, covering local economy and free markets in Chattanooga and beyond. Nothing here is legal advice; if you want legal advice, find a law firm downtown or on another planet — where the law actually matters.
I am really looking forward to the day when the People of Tennessee realize that nobody is “vested with authority” when elected by mere “residents,” who have no authority to delegate to anyone.
The very idea that they could be “vested with authority” is the constructive fraud played upon the People of our country, since 1868, by every power-hungry politician to come down the pike.
Where does Lee get any “authority” to vest in anyone?
The first sentence of our Constitution tells us that ALL power is inherent to the People. It needs no interpretation, as it is written in plain English for 18th century farmers to comprehend.
I am really looking forward to the day when the People of Tennessee realize that nobody is “vested with authority” when elected by mere “residents,” who have no authority to delegate to anyone.
The very idea that they could be “vested with authority” is the constructive fraud played upon the People of our country, since 1868, by every power-hungry politician to come down the pike.
Where does Lee get any “authority” to vest in anyone?
The first sentence of our Constitution tells us that ALL power is inherent to the People. It needs no interpretation, as it is written in plain English for 18th century farmers to comprehend.