The Knox County Commission has selected a formidable figure, Assistant District Attorney Andrea Kline, as interim Knox County General Sessions Court judge. In a significant move reported by WVLT, Kline will fill the shoes of the retiring Judge Andrew Jackson VI, with her appointment taking effect at the year's close.
Kline has 25 years of experience in prosecution and established Tennessee’s first Elder Abuse Special Prosecution Unit, as well as the state’s first Vulnerable Adult Prosecution and Investigation Team. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, WVLT reports.
Kline won Monday’s appointment with eight commission votes, compared to two votes each for Kevin Teeters and Rhonda Lee, WBIR reports. Teeters is an assistant prosecutor, and Lee, a Knox County commissioner and lawyer, abstained from voting because she plans to run for the judgeship in 2026.
Reflecting on her appointment, Kline told WBIR, ‘I'm very anxious to get started in this role as the new Sessions Court judge.’ Her appointment is temporary; she must run in 2026 to potentially serve the remainder of Jackson’s term, which ends in 2030.
Retiring Judge Andrew Jackson VI commented on his retirement in October, saying, ‘It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Knox County. I am grateful for the support I have received during my time as an assistant DA and as judge.’ Elected in 2006, Jackson leaves the bench with a long career, which continues with Kline’s interim appointment, WATE reports.
