Judge Don Elledge served with distinction
At the end of this month, Donald R. “Don” Elledge, our Circuit and Criminal Court judge, will be retiring. His service to this community has been transformative and is worthy of celebration. Judge Elledge had a professional life of contribution before he took the bench, but his work as a private attorney or Clinton School Board member are beyond the scope of today’s column. Whether or not you know Don Elledge or have appeared in his court, he has likely impacted your life. Let me tell you how.
Since 2005, Don Elledge has presided over some of Anderson County’s most-serious cases. Unlike most trial court judges, his court regularly heard both civil and criminal cases.
So, whether it was a traffic accident, contract dispute or serious crime, he presided over our jury trials.
It is an extra challenge for a judge to maintain expertise in both areas of the law. But Judge Elledge covered both areas with equal skill.
While I may have missed one, I don’t recall an entire case of his being overturned by an appeals court. In any event, his record of following the law and being upheld on appeal is impressive and distinguishes him even among other great judges.
During his service, Judge Elledge has been known for his fairness, consistency, hard work, following the law and high expectations for attorneys appearing before him.
Fairness, consistency and following the law are classic high standards for judges.
He always got these things right. In short, he did a stellar job and we have all benefited from having an efficient and available way to settle disputes under the law and move on with life, business or criminal justice.
In addition, Don Elledge was always prepared. He expected no less of the lawyers who appeared before him. Those expectations contributed to the success we have had working together and the certainty that any criminal convictions were just, properly documented and defensible on appeal. It was a pleasure knowing that your judge would be familiar with your case and the law.
Judge Elledge will also be remembered for his passionate support for having alternative sentencing options in criminal cases like Community Corrections and the Drug Court Program. He led the way in establishing both here in Anderson County.
In short, Don Elledge has helped make our community safer, more efficient and just. You may or may not know him, but he has likely affected you in a positive way. For my part, I will miss my friend. But whether you knew him or not, we will all miss him.
Have a long and enjoyable retirement, judge!