Haslam Appoints Sword Criminal Court Judge

Knoxvillian to fill Baumgartner’s seat

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced his appointment of Steven Sword as Knox County criminal court judge.  The vacancy was created by the resignation of Judge Richard Baumgartner in March.

“Steve has served the citizens of Knox County well for more than 15 years as assistant district attorney.” Haslam said.  He brings the type of character, experience and plan for court administration that Knox County citizens deserve and expect.” 

For the past 15 years, he has served as judge advocate general in the United States Army Reserves.  Sword is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville and a magnum cum laude graduate of King College in Bristol.   

“I’m honored and humbled by the governor’s selection,” Sword said. “Chuck Burks and Scott Green are both outstanding attorneys and would be great judges. It was an honor to even be considered along with them. I am committed to ensuring due process for all citizens and the swift administration of justice.”

Sword is the committee co-chair for the Criminal Justice Section of the Knoxville Bar Association and former co-chair for the Committee for the Unmet Legal Needs for Children.  He also serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Knox Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative and was the unit supervisor for the Knox County District Attorney’s Juvenile Unit. 

He and his wife, Alice, have two children.