---
title: "Don R. Ash | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/don-r-ash-tn-senior-judge-statewide"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-02"
---

# Don R. Ash

Tennessee Senior Judges · Senior Judge

## Profile

- Court: Tennessee Senior Judges
- State: Tennessee
- Role: Senior Judge
- Service status: senior
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Senior Judge in the Tennessee judiciary, appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court in July 2012 to fill a vacancy on the Court of Criminal Appeals
- Career path: 1982–1986: Partner, Burger, Fly & McFarlin 1986–1994: Partner, Bolin & Ash 1987–1994: City judge, Lavergne, TN 1994–2012: Judge, Sixteenth Circuit Court

### Education

- Master’s in judicial studies from the National Judicial College and University of Nevada, Reno Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

### Additional information

- Since 2001, Judge Ash has been a faculty member at the National Judicial College, teaching judicial ethics, case management, and self-represented litigant issues.
- 2026: Honored in the dedication of Rutherford County’s renovated Recovery Court building, recognizing his role in establishing the county’s Recovery Court system
- Year Elected/Appointed: 2012
- Based at the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, 500 North Walnut Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### media coverage and recording

Scope: statewide

Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 30 allows media coverage of public judicial proceedings subject to the presiding judge's control and requires written media requests at least two business days before the proceeding unless waived.

Evidence excerpt: Requests by representatives of the media for such coverage must be made in writing to the presiding judge not less than two (2) business days before the proceeding is scheduled to begin.

[Rule 30: Media Guidelines](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-30-media-guidelines)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### recording restrictions

Scope: statewide

Tennessee Rule 30 prohibits media coverage of jury selection, jurors, closed proceedings, and certain minor or juvenile-court participants.

Evidence excerpt: Media coverage of jury selection is prohibited.

[Rule 30: Media Guidelines](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-30-media-guidelines)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote technology

Scope: statewide

Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 55 permits teleconferencing, video conferencing, or other technology for court proceedings at the discretion of the trial or appellate court.

Evidence excerpt: The use of teleconferencing, video conferencing or other technology to conduct court proceedings or other court business remotely is permissible at the discretion of the trial or appellate court.

[Rule 55: Use of Technology for Court Proceedings](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-55-use-technology-court-proceedings)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/judges/don-r-ash)
- [Official roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/judges/don-r-ash)
- [Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/judges/don-r-ash)
- [Rule 30: Media Guidelines](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-30-media-guidelines)
- [Rule 55: Use of Technology for Court Proceedings](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-55-use-technology-court-proceedings)
- [Don R. Ash](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/judges/don-r-ash)

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