Judge Boyd M. Patterson graduated from Hixson High School and later UT-Chattanooga, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He earned his Master’s degree in Psychology from the State University of West Georgia and counseled delinquent youth for two years, specializing in experiential therapy. Judge Patterson later attended Duquesne Law School, graduating in 2000. He practiced civil litigation with Sam Robinson and then at Campbell & Campbell. In 2002, Judge Patterson joined the District Attorney’s Office, serving as a prosecutor for fifteen years. His specialized assignments included gang prosecutions, juvenile court, child abuse and domestic violence. During this time, he also served as Gang Task Force Coordinator for the City of Chattanooga, supporting community efforts that steered at-risk youth away from gangs, increased mentoring and encouraged adult education. In 2012, he wrote and lobbied for updates to Tennessee’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, resulting in the first substantive gang offense in Tennessee. Judge Patterson served as an Assistant Public Defender for five years. With numerous community partners, he helped establish Hamilton County’s first Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Juvenile Recovery Court and Juvenile Peer Court. He has conducted legal trainings at the local, state and national levels. Judge Patterson designed the iPad app JuryStar and his evidence manual Trial Guide: 404(b) Evidence by Topic is currently in its fourth edition. His professional publications flow from a genuine interest in the intersection of law, crime and psychology, with an emphasis on trauma recovery and spirituality. Judge Patterson currently presides over the Third Division of Criminal Court, Veterans Treatment Court (Criminal Court) and Mental Health Court (Criminal Court).