In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch said, “Our Courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our Courts are the great levelers, in our Courts all men are equal.”
“To me, that’s the essence of what I pursue every day,” said Judge Howard W. Wilson, “to see that all the citizens who come before me are treated fairly regardless of financial status, race or their position in life. That all receive justice.”
Judge Wilson is the Chancellor for the 16th Judicial District which include both Rutherford and Cannon counties. During his first four years on the bench, he handled cases related to divorce, estate, guardianships, adoptions, trusts, contract disputes, employment, construction, health care liability, personal injury and real estate. For the last six years he has presided over criminal cases including trials involving matters from theft to homicide.
The law runs in his blood. Judge Wilson’s father’s career as a trial attorney greatly influenced his decision to pursue a law degree.
“I saw firsthand how many people my father helped, and the impact an attorney’s guidance can have on other’s lives,” he noted.
After growing up in Shelbyville, where his mother was a teacher, and graduating from Shelbyville Central High School, Judge Wilson moved to Murfreesboro to attend Middle Tennessee State University where he earned a degree in business finance. He decided on finance because he knew any person going into law would benefit from such a degree.
Because Judge Wilson had worked most of his life during high school and college, he chose to pursue his legal education at Nashville School of Law.
“This allowed me to work full-time for a law office while attending law school at night,” said Judge Wilson. “I received a great education there and met many lifelong friends. Four of my classmates would go on to become Tennessee State Trial Judges.”
Upon graduation from Nashville School of Law, Judge Wilson bought a building on the Murfreesboro City Square, renovated the building and began practicing law there in 1990. He practiced law for more than 25 years before deciding to pursue becoming a judge.
“It was never an ambition of mine to become a judge,” said Judge Wilson. “It was just the culmination of my life experiences that made it the right decision. For 15 years, I served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Tennessee Department of Education. By age 55, I had learned a little about life. I was more compassionate, more patient, more understanding than in my youth. I felt I had something to give back to my community. So, in 2014 a position became available, and I was fortunate not to have any opposition in that race. I was elected again in 2022 for another eight-year term.”
He came to Murfreesboro because of the sense of community among the local bar at the time. He learned so much from the seasoned lawyers in the Rutherford County Bar who were always generous with advice and assistance. He still employs their advice.
“The day in the life of a trial judge is not as glamourous as it looks like on television,” explained Judge Wilson. “I have jury trials scheduled every other week. The remaining days are filled with motions and plea dates.”
With the laws of Tennessee constantly changing and evolving, it’s sometimes difficult to keep abreast of all the new laws the legislature passes each year. It requires constant reading and continuing education. He spends a lot of time reading, researching the law to make sure his decisions are correct and writing legal opinions.
“All judges should strive to be patient, respectful, impartial and prepared,” noted Judge Wilson. “The most important part of being a judge is to ensure that all people who come before you are treated fairly and respectfully. That they feel heard. It is very important to rule promptly and let the litigants understand the reason for your decisions. Day to day it is easy to become impatient when you have very large dockets. It is something I constantly work on, but it is necessary to be impartial and prepared so that justice is done.
Fortunate to live in and raise his family in Murfreesboro with Susan, their children went to public school and played sports locally. He was able to coach his son’s baseball team for many years.
“I have served on numerous boards including the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, and the Main Street Board,” said Judge Wilson. “I also served the City of Murfreesboro as a member of the Planning Commission, and the Historic Commission. I am proud that because of my wife I helped mentor a five-year-old girl thru the Big Brother/Big Sisters Program. She is now an adult with children of her own, and she is still part of our family.”
Also overseeing a court supervised program called the Day Reporting Center, Judge Wilson helps rehabilitate criminal defendants who have addiction issues with drugs or alcohol. It's administered through state probation. The program provides several types of therapy, including behavioral therapy; health and wellness classes; job preparation training; as well as help with housing, benefits, transportation, higher education, childcare and much more.
“It has been very effective in breaking the cycle of addiction and incarceration,” explained Judge Wilson. “It's a very rewarding experience to be part that process.”
Although it can be stressful, Judge Wilson finds being a judge very fulfilling. “It is a profession where you can help people at the most difficult point in their lives, and that is extremely rewarding,” he concluded.