---
title: "Joseph Townsend | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/joseph-townsend-tn-probate-court-judge-shelby"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-02"
---

# Joseph Townsend

Tennessee Judiciary, Shelby · Probate Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: Tennessee Judiciary, Shelby
- State: Tennessee
- Role: Probate 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

- Joseph “Joe” Townsend is a nonpartisan judge for Division II of the Shelby County Probate Court in Tennessee, elected in 2022 and serving until 2030
- Began as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, later in the Air Force Reserve

### Education


### Additional information

- Public payroll records show Townsend earned $212,931 in 2024 as Prob Court Judge E/O for Shelby County, reflecting a 4% increase from 2023
- Before joining the bench, Townsend had a 24‐year career in private legal practice in Memphis and held the role of both a federal public defender and Shelby County public defender

## 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/joe-townsend-0)
- [Official roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/joe-townsend-0)
- [Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/joe-townsend-0)
- [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)
- [Joseph Townsend](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/joe-townsend-0)

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