---
title: "Lawrence Scott Shults | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/lawrence-scott-shults-tn-criminal-court-judge-carter-johnson-unicoi-washington"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-02"
---

# Lawrence Scott Shults

Tennessee Criminal Court, Judicial District 1 (Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, Washington) · Criminal Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: Tennessee Criminal Court, Judicial District 1 (Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, Washington)
- 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

- Criminal Court Judge for Tennessee’s 1st Judicial District, appointed in July 2026 by Governor Bill Lee to fill the vacancy created by Judge Stacy Street’s elevation to the Court of Criminal Appeals
- Assistant District Attorney, 2022-2026
- Previously the Assistant District Attorney for the 1st Judicial District
- Shults’ appointment ensures continued judicial coverage in the 1st Judicial District and reflects his prior prosecutorial and legal practice experience in the region
- The vacancy arose when Judge Stacy Street was elevated to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals
- Criminal Court Judge for the 1st Judicial District, which covers Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties

### Education

- APPALACHIAN SCHOOL OF LAW Law School 2015

### Additional information

- Year Elected/Appointed: 2026
- His appointment was effective immediately upon announcement on July 14, 2026
- Private Attorney, 2015-2022
- Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment, noting Shults’ “significant experience” and “willingness to lead”.

## 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/lawrence-scott-shults)
- [Official roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/lawrence-scott-shults)
- [Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/lawrence-scott-shults)
- [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)
- [Lawrence Scott Shults](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/circuit-criminal-chancery-courts/judges/lawrence-scott-shults)

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## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Rule 30: Media Guidelines](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-c1debbfd57a23e78c6318aec) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-30-media-guidelines). Collected 2026-07-26.