| Sources |
- [S4] Knoxville News-Sentinel (Tennessee), 17 Nov 1999.
Sarah Harriett Brown DeLozier obituary
- [S27] The Daily Times, http://www.thedailytimes.com/, (Blount County, Tennessee), 1 Sep 2006.
DeLozier steps down as the face of Blount justice
2006-09-01
by Jessica Stith
of The Daily Times Staff
``A social worker in a black robe.''
Judge Hugh E. DeLozier said that's how he's been referred to by some.
It's sometimes more appropriate to look at cases on a domestic violence docket through a social worker's standpoint rather than from a judicial prospective, according to the judge.
DeLozier appeared on the bench as a Blount County Division I General Sessions Judge for the last time Thursday. He retired after serving as judge for 25 years. Mike Gallegos was elected to occupy the position.
The general sessions domestic violence docket was heard every Thursday in DeLozier's courtroom. He routinely spoke to the audience before him before beginning each docket, explaining aspects of dealing with domestic violence.
``This is a very unique docket,'' DeLozier said. ``It is a docket full of emotion most of the time.''
A domestic violence docket consists of allegations and charges that stem from problems between people who are members or former members of a family unit. ``... a unit of society that our legislation feels we need special laws to protect because the family unit is a very special unit to society,'' DeLozier said.
He told the courtroom Thursday morning that most cases in his court involved someone who either abused drugs or alcohol or had some type of mental instability. He said he believes healing is in the best interest of a family unit, as opposed to jail time.
``I hope my successor continues this process,'' DeLozier said. ``I think he will.''
Court Officer Jim Pearson spoke to the courtroom about how proud he was to work with DeLozier for the past eight years. He said Tom Neal has also worked with the judge for several years and felt honored to work in his courtroom.
DeLozier thanked his staff for the reception they held for him earlier this week. He also thanked the Blount County Bar Association for implementing an old tradition for his retirement.
The bar association hung a picture of DeLozier on the wall of his courtroom alongside his predecessors J.N. Badgett Jr. and the late Will A. McTeer.
DeLozier said he was honored that he was able to serve on the bench as a general sessions judge. He said he felt lucky that he was able to work for so long with so many wonderful people.
``The 25 years I've served on the bench has been a labor of love,'' DeLozier said. ``It's been quite a ride and it's been one that I've enjoyed.''
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(Age 91 years)