Peter Turney began his career as a lawyer in Winchester, Tennessee, and later became involved in state politics. He served as a judge on the Tennessee Supreme Court, where he presided over significant cases, including those related to the Coal Creek War. Turney transitioned to the governorship, where he notably ended the convict lease system. His tenure in public service also included leadership roles in the military during the Civil War, where he commanded the First Tennessee Infantry. Post-governorship, Turney's legacy is marked by institutions named in his honor, reflecting his impact on the state's judicial and penal systems.

Peter Turney's political identity is marked by a complex blend of regional advocacy and progressive reform. His early advocacy for immediate secession and leadership in the Civil War reflect a deep commitment to Southern identity. Yet, his later role in ending the convict lease system and his involvement in prison reform suggest an unexpected willingness to challenge entrenched economic practices. Turney's judicial decisions, which often favored industrial interests, contrast sharply with his legislative efforts to modernize the state's penal system. This juxtaposition reveals a strategic balancing act between preserving regional values and fostering state-level progress.