--- title: "Emily F. Abbott | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/emily-f-abbott-tn-criminal-court-judge-knox" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-02" --- # Emily F. Abbott Tennessee Criminal Court, Judicial District 6 (Knox) · Criminal Court Judge ## Profile - Court: Tennessee Criminal Court, Judicial District 6 (Knox) - State: Tennessee - Role: Criminal Court Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Assistant District Attorney, 7th Judicial District, 2009-2025 - Assistant District Attorney, 4th Judicial District, 2007-2009 - Judge Emily Abbott brings nearly two decades of experience in the criminal justice system in East Tennessee ### Education - Vanderbilt University — B.A. (2003) - University of Tennessee College of Law — law degree ### Additional information - Running to retain her Criminal Court seat in the 2026 elections - Year Elected/Appointed: 2025 - Her prosecutorial work earned her respect for fairness, professionalism, and ethical standards In 2025, she was appointed by Governor Bill Lee to fill the Knox County Criminal Court Division I vacancy, following a rigorous selection process that included public interviews and meetings with the Governor and his legal staff - Began her legal career as a prosecutor in 2007 - Beyond her legal career, Judge Abbott has been active in her community, including leadership roles in Cub Scouts and Scouting for America, and she maintains strong ties to the Bearden community in Knoxville - On the bench, she is recognized for listening carefully, treating all courtroom participants with dignity, and applying the law impartially - handling thousands of cases ranging from first-degree murder, second-degree murder, rape, child rape, drug offenses, white-collar crime, burglary, theft, DUI, aggravated assault, child abuse, and kidnapping to minor traffic violations - She has presided over numerous jury trials and has experience in both criminal and family law matters, including orders of protection and wills - During law school, she was active in the Criminal Law Society and contributed to pro bono initiatives, including the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program - Judge Abbott manages a personal docket of 60–65 cases, frequently handling 12–15 cases per day, including preliminary hearings, bond hearings, motions to suppress, and other pre-trial motions ## 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/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/emily-f-abbott) - [Official roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/emily-f-abbott) - [Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/emily-f-abbott) - [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) - [Emily F. Abbott](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/emily-f-abbott) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/emily-f-abbott-tn-criminal-court-judge-knox", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/emily-f-abbott-tn-criminal-court-judge-knox", "name": "Emily F. Abbott | KnowJudges", "description": "Emily F. Abbott, Tennessee Criminal Court, Judicial District 6 (Knox). Source-linked judicial identity, courtroom procedures, and presentation guidance.", "dateModified": "2026-08-02", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/#website" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/emily-f-abbott-tn-criminal-court-judge-knox#judge" } }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/emily-f-abbott-tn-criminal-court-judge-knox#judge", "name": "Emily F. 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