Tenn. R. Sup. Ct. 2.7
A judge shall hear and decide matters assigned to the judge, except when disqualification is required by RJC 2.11 or other law.
Tenn. R. Sup. Ct. 2.7
Comment
[1] Judges must be available to decide the matters that come before the court. Unwarranted disqualification may bring public disfavor to the court and to the judge personally. The dignity of the court, the judge's respect for fulfillment of judicial duties, and a proper concern for the burdens that may be imposed upon the judge's colleagues require that a judge not use disqualification to avoid cases that present difficult, controversial, or unpopular issues. There are times, however, when disqualification is required to protect the rights of litigants and preserve public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary.