Kenya Smith, a Shelby County Judicial Commissioner, is vying for a vacant Criminal Court judge position. The position was previously held by Paula Skahan, who retired in June after 20 years on the bench.
Smith is one of three candidates for the bench vacancy in Shelby County Criminal Court Division 1. The governor will have the final say between the two candidates, or he can consider another qualified person for the role.
Background and Education
Kenya Smith has spent the majority of her legal career working with the Shelby County District Attorney's office. A licensed attorney since 2007, Smith has spent the last two years as a judicial commissioner.
In 2003, Smith graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a Bachelor of Arts. She earned a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2007. During her time in law school, she was awarded the Pro Bono Award.
Smith said she served as an extern with the Knox County Public Defender's office during her third year of law school. That, she said, "gave me the opportunity to experience the criminal justice system from the defense perspective."
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Experience and Qualifications
"I have worked in every facet of the criminal justice system, giving me the institutional knowledge and experience required to serve effectively. In addition to my legal expertise, I bring a fair and respectful demeanor that is essential for the bench. Throughout my career, I have made it a priority to treat all parties - litigants and attorneys alike - with dignity and respect."
During her nearly 15 years as a prosecutor, Smith pursued cases where Memphis police officers have been injured or killed in the line of duty, along with several cases related to violence against women and children.
Smith has served as a county judicial commissioner since January 2023. She performs many duties closely related to the role, Smith told the commission.
"What sets me apart is my two and a half years as a judicial commissioner. Although not a judge, she still performs many duties closely related to the role, Smith told the commission.
As judicial commissioner, Smith’s office in the Shelby County Justice Center shares the building at 201 Poplar Ave. with the jail.
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Views on Criminal Justice
“Retribution, incapacitation, rehabilitation and deterrence are the four goals of the criminal justice system. People forget that,” Smith said.
Smith appears to be open to diversions and other alternatives to incarceration only when necessary.
Smith also agrees the Shelby County jail should be renovated or rebuilt.
“I’d allow for quick announcements to go first, go through the docket,” Smith said, “and then move on to more substantive matters.
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Controversies and Lawsuits
Smith said she has never been suspended from practicing law in her time as a lawyer. A search through her Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility page shows no public reprimands, suspensions or censures. She added that she is not aware of any investigations or formal complaints made against her.
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Because of her role, Smith is listed as one of several defendants in a federal lawsuit filed by Just City. The suit challenges a Tennessee law passed in 2024 that prevents judges, magistrates and commissioners from considering a person’s ability to pay when setting bail amounts.
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