Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-203 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-203
Oath
Status: in_force

The oath of office shall be the same as that prescribed for circuit court judges and chancellors and shall be taken and filed in the same manner and with the same officers as prescribed for circuit court judges and chancellors. Acts 1959, ch. 109, § 13; T.C.A., § 16-1107.
The oath of office shall be the same as that prescribed for circuit court judges and chancellors and shall be taken and filed in the same manner and with the same officers as prescribed for circuit court judges and chancellors.
Acts 1959, ch. 109, § 13; T.C.A., § 16-1107.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-2-508 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 2 / Section 16-2-508
District attorneys general - Powers and duties - Assistant district attorneys general - Criminal investigators - Other positions
Status: in_force

(a) All incumbent district attorneys general shall hold office in and serve the judicial district to which they are assigned by § 16-2-506 . The district attorneys general shall exercise and possess the jurisdiction, powers and duties within the judicial districts created by this part as are conferred by law upon district attorneys general. This part shall not be construed to make any reduction in the staff of any district attorney general, and any legislative act that creates assistant district attorney general, criminal investigator or other positions, or that otherwise affects or involves the office of district attorney general in a particular judicial district or attorney's district as it is presently numbered or identified is made applicable to the judicial district to which the present district attorney general is assigned by this part. Nothing in this part shall be construed as affecting a county's authority to provide staff and other resources to the district attorney general of the district in which the county is located. (b) Except in the judicial districts comprised of the urban counties of Shelby, Davidson, Knox, Hamilton and Sullivan, the district attorney general of each judicial district shall be entitled to at least one (1) assistant district attorney general position for each trial court judge in the judicial district to which the district attorney general is assigned, as well as either one (1) additional assistant district attorney general position if the judicial district is comprised of four (4) or more counties, or two (2) additional assistant district attorney general positions if the judicial district is comprised of more than six (6) counties. If an additional trial court judge is added to a judicial district, and that district does not already have sufficient assistant district attorney general positions to satisfy the formula set out in this subsection (b), an additional assistant district attorney general position shall be created for that district upon the effective date of the creation of the new judicial position. (c) The district attorney general of any judicial district in which an assistant district attorney general position is created by this part shall appoint a suitable person to serve as assistant district attorney general. The person so appointed shall serve at the pleasure of the district attorney general, and shall perform the duties the district attorney general requires. Each person so appointed shall be compensated as provided for by general law. (d) Except for the assistant district attorney general position created annually by former subsection (c) and those created when, pursuant to § 16-2-506 , an additional trial court judge is elected in 1986, 1988 or 1990, the number of such assistant positions set out in § 16-2-506 shall be the total number of positions to which the corresponding district attorney general is entitled, and nothing in this section shall be construed as creating any assistant positions in excess of such number. (e) (1) The district attorneys general shall appoint suitable individuals to the position of criminal investigator. The individuals so appointed shall perform such duties as the district attorney general may direct, and shall serve at the pleasure of the district attorney general. (2) In carrying out the duties of the criminal investigator's office, each of the criminal investigators shall possess the same power and authority as deputies of the county sheriffs or if the judicial district includes a metropolitan form of government then their power and authority shall include all police powers of law enforcement officers in that area metropolitan government. The compensation of such investigators shall be as provided by general law. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 68, s 3, eff. 7/1/2013. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 21, s 2, eff. 3/20/2013. Acts 1984, ch. 931, § 8; 1986, ch. 813, §§ 2, 3; 1989, ch. 144, § 2; 1996, ch. 996, § 2.
(a) All incumbent district attorneys general shall hold office in and serve the judicial district to which they are assigned by § 16-2-506 . The district attorneys general shall exercise and possess the jurisdiction, powers and duties within the judicial districts created by this part as are conferred by law upon district attorneys general. This part shall not be construed to make any reduction in the staff of any district attorney general, and any legislative act that creates assistant district attorney general, criminal investigator or other positions, or that otherwise affects or involves the office of district attorney general in a particular judicial district or attorney's district as it is presently numbered or identified is made applicable to the judicial district to which the present district attorney general is assigned by this part. Nothing in this part shall be construed as affecting a county's authority to provide staff and other resources to the district attorney general of the district in which the county is located.
(b) Except in the judicial districts comprised of the urban counties of Shelby, Davidson, Knox, Hamilton and Sullivan, the district attorney general of each judicial district shall be entitled to at least one (1) assistant district attorney general position for each trial court judge in the judicial district to which the district attorney general is assigned, as well as either one (1) additional assistant district attorney general position if the judicial district is comprised of four (4) or more counties, or two (2) additional assistant district attorney general positions if the judicial district is comprised of more than six (6) counties. If an additional trial court judge is added to a judicial district, and that district does not already have sufficient assistant district attorney general positions to satisfy the formula set out in this subsection (b), an additional assistant district attorney general position shall be created for that district upon the effective date of the creation of the new judicial position.
(c) The district attorney general of any judicial district in which an assistant district attorney general position is created by this part shall appoint a suitable person to serve as assistant district attorney general. The person so appointed shall serve at the pleasure of the district attorney general, and shall perform the duties the district attorney general requires. Each person so appointed shall be compensated as provided for by general law.
(d) Except for the assistant district attorney general position created annually by former subsection (c) and those created when, pursuant to § 16-2-506 , an additional trial court judge is elected in 1986, 1988 or 1990, the number of such assistant positions set out in § 16-2-506 shall be the total number of positions to which the corresponding district attorney general is entitled, and nothing in this section shall be construed as creating any assistant positions in excess of such number.
(e) (1) The district attorneys general shall appoint suitable individuals to the position of criminal investigator. The individuals so appointed shall perform such duties as the district attorney general may direct, and shall serve at the pleasure of the district attorney general. (2) In carrying out the duties of the criminal investigator's office, each of the criminal investigators shall possess the same power and authority as deputies of the county sheriffs or if the judicial district includes a metropolitan form of government then their power and authority shall include all police powers of law enforcement officers in that area metropolitan government. The compensation of such investigators shall be as provided by general law.
(1) The district attorneys general shall appoint suitable individuals to the position of criminal investigator. The individuals so appointed shall perform such duties as the district attorney general may direct, and shall serve at the pleasure of the district attorney general.
(2) In carrying out the duties of the criminal investigator's office, each of the criminal investigators shall possess the same power and authority as deputies of the county sheriffs or if the judicial district includes a metropolitan form of government then their power and authority shall include all police powers of law enforcement officers in that area metropolitan government. The compensation of such investigators shall be as provided by general law.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 68, s 3, eff. 7/1/2013.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 21, s 2, eff. 3/20/2013.
Acts 1984, ch. 931, § 8; 1986, ch. 813, §§ 2, 3; 1989, ch. 144, § 2; 1996, ch. 996, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-714 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-714
Pleadings and practice - General sessions courts
Status: in_force

Practice and pleadings in the general sessions courts shall be as provided in this chapter and other provisions of law and private acts establishing the courts and local rules of practice not inconsistent with law. Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 25.
Practice and pleadings in the general sessions courts shall be as provided in this chapter and other provisions of law and private acts establishing the courts and local rules of practice not inconsistent with law.
Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 25.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-730 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-730
Presumption of regularity of execution
Status: in_force

If the judgment is rendered by one general sessions judge, and execution is issued by another, and in all other cases where steps appear to be taken by one judge instead of another, the presumption, in the absence of proof to the contrary, is that the execution was issued and steps taken regularly. Code 1858, § 4138; Shan., § 5950; Code 1932, § 10151; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 19-435; Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 48; T.C.A., § 19-1-120.
If the judgment is rendered by one general sessions judge, and execution is issued by another, and in all other cases where steps appear to be taken by one judge instead of another, the presumption, in the absence of proof to the contrary, is that the execution was issued and steps taken regularly.
Code 1858, § 4138; Shan., § 5950; Code 1932, § 10151; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 19-435; Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 48; T.C.A., § 19-1-120.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-202 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-202
Process, receivers, and references
Status: in_force

The court may appoint receivers, order references and issue all writs and process necessary for the exercise and enforcement of its jurisdiction. Code 1858, § 4503; Shan., § 6336; mod. Code 1932, § 10637; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-305.
The court may appoint receivers, order references and issue all writs and process necessary for the exercise and enforcement of its jurisdiction.
Code 1858, § 4503; Shan., § 6336; mod. Code 1932, § 10637; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-305.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-5003 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-5003
Base salaries - Annual supplement - Restrictions on adding jurisdiction - Annual adjustment - Construction
Status: in_force

(a) The annual base salaries for general sessions judges shall be as follows: (1) Counties of the first class .................... $70,000 (2) Counties of the second class .................... 50,000 (3) Counties of the third class .................... 40,000 (4) Counties of the fourth class .................... 32,000 (5) Counties of the fifth class .................... 26,000 (6) Counties of the sixth class .................... 22,000 (7) Counties of the seventh class .................... 20,000 (b) (1) In addition to the base salary provided by subsection (a), if a general sessions judge in a Class 2 or 3 county has or by operation of law obtains any of the following additional jurisdictions, the general sessions judge shall receive an annual supplement in the amounts indicated below: (A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $20,000 (B) Probate .................... 10,000 (C) Domestic relations .................... 10,000 (D) Workers' compensation .................... 10,000 (2) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 2 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). (3) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 3 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of forty thousand dollars ($40,000). (c) (1) In addition to the base salary provided by subsection (a), if a general sessions judge in a Class 4, 5 or 6 county has or by operation of law obtains any of the following additional jurisdictions, the general sessions judge shall receive an annual supplement in the amounts indicated below: (A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $10,000 (B) Probate .................... 5,000 (C) Domestic relations .................... 5,000 (D) Workers' compensation .................... 5,000 (E) Mental health commitments .................... 10,000 (2) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 4, 5 or 6 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). (3) Upon adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the county legislative body, in addition to the base salary and additional supplements stated in subsections (a) and (c), any Class 4, 5 or 6 judge who is required to exercise the duties and powers set forth in title 33, chapter 6, part 4 regarding the emergency custody and hospitalization of persons believed to be mentally ill, due to a mental hospital or treatment source being located in the county where the judge presides, the judge shall receive an additional annual supplement of five thousand dollars ($5,000), which may be in excess of the twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) limitation on supplements set forth in subdivision (c)(2). (d) (1) In addition to the base salary provided by subsection (a), if a general sessions judge in a Class 7 county has or by operation of law obtains any of the following jurisdictions, the general sessions judge shall receive an annual supplement in the amounts indicated below: (A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $7,500 (B) Probate .................... 2,500 (C) Domestic relations .................... 2,500 (D) Workers' compensation .................... 2,500 (2) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 7 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). (e) (1) On July 1, 1991, the base salaries established by this section shall be adjusted in accordance with subdivision (e)(2) to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items - city average) as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, between calendar year 1989 and calendar year 1990. Each succeeding July 1, a similar adjustment shall be made upon the percentage of change in the average consumer price index between the two (2) calendar years preceding July 1 of the year in which the adjustment is made. However, no reduction shall be made by way of adjustment on account of any decrease in the average consumer price index between the two (2) successive calendar years. (2) For each two percent (2%) increase in the average consumer price index between two (2) successive calendar years, the base salaries shall be adjusted by one percent (1%). No annual adjustment shall exceed four percent (4%) regardless of the increase in the average consumer price index between any two (2) successive calendar years. Annual adjustments shall be made upon the base salary set out in subsection (a) and the adjustment shall not include any supplement that may be received pursuant to subsection (b) or (c). (f) The compensation, supplement and annual adjustment provisions of this section are to be construed as minimum levels. Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting a county, by private act, from compensating its general sessions judge or judges at levels in excess of what is required by this part. Any private or public act in effect on September 1, 1990, that provides greater compensation for a general sessions judge than is required by this section shall, to the extent of the judge's amount of compensation, prevail over this part, and the base salary of the judge shall be the salary paid to the holder of that office on August 31, 1990, pursuant to such public or private act, plus a percentage increase equivalent to the same percentage increase given by subsection (a) to a judge of a Class 6 county. Nothing in this part shall prevent a county from establishing and funding the position of part-time general sessions judge in a county with a full-time general sessions judge. (g) Notwithstanding any provision of law or this part to the contrary, no judge of a general sessions court shall be paid a salary that is greater than the salary paid to a judge of a circuit court. (h) (1) Effective September 1, 1998, the annual salary for a general sessions court judge shall be increased over the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments that each judge actually received as of August 31, 1998, by the lesser of: (A) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or (B) Twenty percent (20%) of the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments as of August 31, 1998. (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, each full-time general sessions court judge in a county shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in that county if the judges have the same jurisdiction. (3) Instead of the annual adjustments authorized in subsection (e), on July 1, 1999, and each succeeding July 1, the base salaries as adjusted annually and supplements as adjusted annually established by this section shall be adjusted in accordance with § 8-23-103 . (4) (A) The compensation, supplement and annual adjustment provisions of this section are to be construed as minimum levels. The compensation schedule established by this part is a comprehensive plan, and no salary supplement in excess of the supplements provided by this part shall be available to a general sessions judge unless expressly provided and funded by a private act. (B) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a judge of a court of general sessions may not be paid compensation based on both this part and the compensation provisions in a private act. (C) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting a county, by private act, from compensating its general sessions judge or judges at levels in excess of what is required by this part. Any private or public act in effect on September 1, 1998, that provides greater compensation for a general sessions judge than is required by this section shall, to the extent of the judge's amount of compensation, prevail over this part, and the base salary of the judge shall be the salary paid to the holder of that office on August 31, 1998, pursuant to the public or private act plus a percentage increase equivalent to the same percentage increase given by subdivision (h)(1) to a judge of a Class 6 county determined as of August 31, 1998. (i) (1) Notwithstanding any law or public chapter to the contrary, effective September 1, 2006, the annual salary for a general sessions court judge who is compensated under this section shall be increased over the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments that each judge actually received as of August 31, 2006, by the lesser of: (A) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or (B) Twenty percent (20%) of the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments as of August 31, 2006. (2) A judge of a general sessions court may not be paid compensation based on both this part and the compensation provisions of a private act. (3) Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (i) to the contrary, each general sessions court judge in a Class 1 county who is compensated under this section shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in a Class 1 county who is compensated under this section. (4) Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (i) to the contrary, each general sessions court judge in a Class 2-7 county who is compensated under this section and who receives the maximum amount of annual supplements shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in the same county classification who is compensated under this section. All other general sessions court judges in Class 2-7 counties who are compensated under this section shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in the same county classification with the same jurisdiction who is compensated under this section; provided, however, that no judge shall be paid a salary that reflects jurisdictional supplements that the judge is not entitled to exercise by law. (5) Instead of the annual adjustments authorized in subsection (e), on July 1, 2007, and each succeeding July 1, the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments established under this section shall be adjusted in accordance with § 8-23-103 . (6) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting a county, by public or private act, from compensating its general sessions court judge or judges at levels in excess of what is required by this section. Any public or private act in effect on September 1, 2006, that provides greater compensation for a general sessions court judge than is required by this section shall, to the extent of the judge's amount of compensation, prevail over this section. Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (i) to the contrary, a general sessions court judge in a Class 6 county who receives no supplements and who is compensated under a private or public act and not under this section shall receive the same increase provided in subdivision (i)(1). (7) On or before July 15, 2006, each general sessions court judge shall certify to the administrative office of the courts (AOC) the total amount of the judge's actual compensation as of August 31, 2006, the jurisdictions exercised by the judge, the legal basis for exercising the jurisdiction, and whether the judge is compensated under this section or under a public or private act. Included in the information submitted by the judge to the AOC shall be a certification of the county's chief financial officer of the actual compensation of the judge as of August 31, 2006, or other verifiable proof of the judge's actual compensation. When all judges have certified the required information to the AOC, the AOC shall report to each general sessions court judge the amount of compensation to be paid to the general sessions court judge beginning on September 1, 2006, based on the information provided by the judge. Thereafter, when a new court is created, a new judge takes office or any similar change occurs, or upon the completion of a new federal census, the administrative office of the courts shall report the amount of compensation to be paid to any judge affected by the change. (8) The judges of the general sessions court in any county with a population of not less than three hundred eighty-two thousand (382,000) nor more than three hundred eighty-two thousand one hundred (382,100), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, and that has a charter form of government shall receive the same annual compensation as the general sessions judges in those counties with a metropolitan form of government and a population in excess of five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census. (9) No general sessions judge who engages in the private practice of law shall receive any increase in salary pursuant to this subsection (i), if the judge is prohibited by law from engaging in private practice. (j) Notwithstanding any provision of law or this part to the contrary, no judge of a general sessions court shall be paid a salary which is greater than the salary paid to a judge of a circuit court. (k) In addition to the base salary provided by this section, a judge of the general sessions court in any county with a population of not less than eighteen thousand three hundred one (18,301) nor more than eighteen thousand four hundred (18,400), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census, shall receive an additional twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) in salary upon adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the county legislative body approving the increased salary and if such position is full time. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 921, s 1, eff. 5/1/2018. Acts 1988, ch. 698, § 3; 1990, ch. 637, § 2; 1997 , ch. 555, §§ 2, 5; 1998, ch. 1131, § 1; 2000, ch. 947, § 8A; 2002, ch. 723, §§ 2, 3; 2005, ch. 324, § 1; 2006, ch. 957, §§ 1, 2.
(a) The annual base salaries for general sessions judges shall be as follows: (1) Counties of the first class .................... $70,000 (2) Counties of the second class .................... 50,000 (3) Counties of the third class .................... 40,000 (4) Counties of the fourth class .................... 32,000 (5) Counties of the fifth class .................... 26,000 (6) Counties of the sixth class .................... 22,000 (7) Counties of the seventh class .................... 20,000
(1) Counties of the first class .................... $70,000
(2) Counties of the second class .................... 50,000
(3) Counties of the third class .................... 40,000
(4) Counties of the fourth class .................... 32,000
(5) Counties of the fifth class .................... 26,000
(6) Counties of the sixth class .................... 22,000
(7) Counties of the seventh class .................... 20,000
(b) (1) In addition to the base salary provided by subsection (a), if a general sessions judge in a Class 2 or 3 county has or by operation of law obtains any of the following additional jurisdictions, the general sessions judge shall receive an annual supplement in the amounts indicated below: (A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $20,000 (B) Probate .................... 10,000 (C) Domestic relations .................... 10,000 (D) Workers' compensation .................... 10,000 (2) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 2 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). (3) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 3 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of forty thousand dollars ($40,000).
(1) In addition to the base salary provided by subsection (a), if a general sessions judge in a Class 2 or 3 county has or by operation of law obtains any of the following additional jurisdictions, the general sessions judge shall receive an annual supplement in the amounts indicated below: (A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $20,000 (B) Probate .................... 10,000 (C) Domestic relations .................... 10,000 (D) Workers' compensation .................... 10,000
(A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $20,000
(B) Probate .................... 10,000
(C) Domestic relations .................... 10,000
(D) Workers' compensation .................... 10,000
(2) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 2 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).
(3) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 3 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of forty thousand dollars ($40,000).
(c) (1) In addition to the base salary provided by subsection (a), if a general sessions judge in a Class 4, 5 or 6 county has or by operation of law obtains any of the following additional jurisdictions, the general sessions judge shall receive an annual supplement in the amounts indicated below: (A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $10,000 (B) Probate .................... 5,000 (C) Domestic relations .................... 5,000 (D) Workers' compensation .................... 5,000 (E) Mental health commitments .................... 10,000 (2) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 4, 5 or 6 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). (3) Upon adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the county legislative body, in addition to the base salary and additional supplements stated in subsections (a) and (c), any Class 4, 5 or 6 judge who is required to exercise the duties and powers set forth in title 33, chapter 6, part 4 regarding the emergency custody and hospitalization of persons believed to be mentally ill, due to a mental hospital or treatment source being located in the county where the judge presides, the judge shall receive an additional annual supplement of five thousand dollars ($5,000), which may be in excess of the twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) limitation on supplements set forth in subdivision (c)(2).
(1) In addition to the base salary provided by subsection (a), if a general sessions judge in a Class 4, 5 or 6 county has or by operation of law obtains any of the following additional jurisdictions, the general sessions judge shall receive an annual supplement in the amounts indicated below: (A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $10,000 (B) Probate .................... 5,000 (C) Domestic relations .................... 5,000 (D) Workers' compensation .................... 5,000 (E) Mental health commitments .................... 10,000
(A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $10,000
(B) Probate .................... 5,000
(C) Domestic relations .................... 5,000
(D) Workers' compensation .................... 5,000
(E) Mental health commitments .................... 10,000
(2) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 4, 5 or 6 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).
(3) Upon adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the county legislative body, in addition to the base salary and additional supplements stated in subsections (a) and (c), any Class 4, 5 or 6 judge who is required to exercise the duties and powers set forth in title 33, chapter 6, part 4 regarding the emergency custody and hospitalization of persons believed to be mentally ill, due to a mental hospital or treatment source being located in the county where the judge presides, the judge shall receive an additional annual supplement of five thousand dollars ($5,000), which may be in excess of the twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) limitation on supplements set forth in subdivision (c)(2).
(d) (1) In addition to the base salary provided by subsection (a), if a general sessions judge in a Class 7 county has or by operation of law obtains any of the following jurisdictions, the general sessions judge shall receive an annual supplement in the amounts indicated below: (A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $7,500 (B) Probate .................... 2,500 (C) Domestic relations .................... 2,500 (D) Workers' compensation .................... 2,500 (2) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 7 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(1) In addition to the base salary provided by subsection (a), if a general sessions judge in a Class 7 county has or by operation of law obtains any of the following jurisdictions, the general sessions judge shall receive an annual supplement in the amounts indicated below: (A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $7,500 (B) Probate .................... 2,500 (C) Domestic relations .................... 2,500 (D) Workers' compensation .................... 2,500
(A) Juvenile jurisdiction .................... $7,500
(B) Probate .................... 2,500
(C) Domestic relations .................... 2,500
(D) Workers' compensation .................... 2,500
(2) Regardless of the kind or amount of additional jurisdiction a Class 7 judge may have, the judge shall not receive annual supplements in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(e) (1) On July 1, 1991, the base salaries established by this section shall be adjusted in accordance with subdivision (e)(2) to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items - city average) as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, between calendar year 1989 and calendar year 1990. Each succeeding July 1, a similar adjustment shall be made upon the percentage of change in the average consumer price index between the two (2) calendar years preceding July 1 of the year in which the adjustment is made. However, no reduction shall be made by way of adjustment on account of any decrease in the average consumer price index between the two (2) successive calendar years. (2) For each two percent (2%) increase in the average consumer price index between two (2) successive calendar years, the base salaries shall be adjusted by one percent (1%). No annual adjustment shall exceed four percent (4%) regardless of the increase in the average consumer price index between any two (2) successive calendar years. Annual adjustments shall be made upon the base salary set out in subsection (a) and the adjustment shall not include any supplement that may be received pursuant to subsection (b) or (c).
(1) On July 1, 1991, the base salaries established by this section shall be adjusted in accordance with subdivision (e)(2) to reflect the percentage of change in the average consumer price index (all items - city average) as published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, between calendar year 1989 and calendar year 1990. Each succeeding July 1, a similar adjustment shall be made upon the percentage of change in the average consumer price index between the two (2) calendar years preceding July 1 of the year in which the adjustment is made. However, no reduction shall be made by way of adjustment on account of any decrease in the average consumer price index between the two (2) successive calendar years.
(2) For each two percent (2%) increase in the average consumer price index between two (2) successive calendar years, the base salaries shall be adjusted by one percent (1%). No annual adjustment shall exceed four percent (4%) regardless of the increase in the average consumer price index between any two (2) successive calendar years. Annual adjustments shall be made upon the base salary set out in subsection (a) and the adjustment shall not include any supplement that may be received pursuant to subsection (b) or (c).
(f) The compensation, supplement and annual adjustment provisions of this section are to be construed as minimum levels. Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting a county, by private act, from compensating its general sessions judge or judges at levels in excess of what is required by this part. Any private or public act in effect on September 1, 1990, that provides greater compensation for a general sessions judge than is required by this section shall, to the extent of the judge's amount of compensation, prevail over this part, and the base salary of the judge shall be the salary paid to the holder of that office on August 31, 1990, pursuant to such public or private act, plus a percentage increase equivalent to the same percentage increase given by subsection (a) to a judge of a Class 6 county. Nothing in this part shall prevent a county from establishing and funding the position of part-time general sessions judge in a county with a full-time general sessions judge.
(g) Notwithstanding any provision of law or this part to the contrary, no judge of a general sessions court shall be paid a salary that is greater than the salary paid to a judge of a circuit court.
(h) (1) Effective September 1, 1998, the annual salary for a general sessions court judge shall be increased over the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments that each judge actually received as of August 31, 1998, by the lesser of: (A) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or (B) Twenty percent (20%) of the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments as of August 31, 1998. (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, each full-time general sessions court judge in a county shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in that county if the judges have the same jurisdiction. (3) Instead of the annual adjustments authorized in subsection (e), on July 1, 1999, and each succeeding July 1, the base salaries as adjusted annually and supplements as adjusted annually established by this section shall be adjusted in accordance with § 8-23-103 . (4) (A) The compensation, supplement and annual adjustment provisions of this section are to be construed as minimum levels. The compensation schedule established by this part is a comprehensive plan, and no salary supplement in excess of the supplements provided by this part shall be available to a general sessions judge unless expressly provided and funded by a private act. (B) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a judge of a court of general sessions may not be paid compensation based on both this part and the compensation provisions in a private act. (C) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting a county, by private act, from compensating its general sessions judge or judges at levels in excess of what is required by this part. Any private or public act in effect on September 1, 1998, that provides greater compensation for a general sessions judge than is required by this section shall, to the extent of the judge's amount of compensation, prevail over this part, and the base salary of the judge shall be the salary paid to the holder of that office on August 31, 1998, pursuant to the public or private act plus a percentage increase equivalent to the same percentage increase given by subdivision (h)(1) to a judge of a Class 6 county determined as of August 31, 1998.
(1) Effective September 1, 1998, the annual salary for a general sessions court judge shall be increased over the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments that each judge actually received as of August 31, 1998, by the lesser of: (A) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or (B) Twenty percent (20%) of the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments as of August 31, 1998.
(A) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or
(B) Twenty percent (20%) of the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments as of August 31, 1998.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, each full-time general sessions court judge in a county shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in that county if the judges have the same jurisdiction.
(3) Instead of the annual adjustments authorized in subsection (e), on July 1, 1999, and each succeeding July 1, the base salaries as adjusted annually and supplements as adjusted annually established by this section shall be adjusted in accordance with § 8-23-103 .
(4) (A) The compensation, supplement and annual adjustment provisions of this section are to be construed as minimum levels. The compensation schedule established by this part is a comprehensive plan, and no salary supplement in excess of the supplements provided by this part shall be available to a general sessions judge unless expressly provided and funded by a private act. (B) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a judge of a court of general sessions may not be paid compensation based on both this part and the compensation provisions in a private act. (C) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting a county, by private act, from compensating its general sessions judge or judges at levels in excess of what is required by this part. Any private or public act in effect on September 1, 1998, that provides greater compensation for a general sessions judge than is required by this section shall, to the extent of the judge's amount of compensation, prevail over this part, and the base salary of the judge shall be the salary paid to the holder of that office on August 31, 1998, pursuant to the public or private act plus a percentage increase equivalent to the same percentage increase given by subdivision (h)(1) to a judge of a Class 6 county determined as of August 31, 1998.
(A) The compensation, supplement and annual adjustment provisions of this section are to be construed as minimum levels. The compensation schedule established by this part is a comprehensive plan, and no salary supplement in excess of the supplements provided by this part shall be available to a general sessions judge unless expressly provided and funded by a private act.
(B) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a judge of a court of general sessions may not be paid compensation based on both this part and the compensation provisions in a private act.
(C) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting a county, by private act, from compensating its general sessions judge or judges at levels in excess of what is required by this part. Any private or public act in effect on September 1, 1998, that provides greater compensation for a general sessions judge than is required by this section shall, to the extent of the judge's amount of compensation, prevail over this part, and the base salary of the judge shall be the salary paid to the holder of that office on August 31, 1998, pursuant to the public or private act plus a percentage increase equivalent to the same percentage increase given by subdivision (h)(1) to a judge of a Class 6 county determined as of August 31, 1998.
(i) (1) Notwithstanding any law or public chapter to the contrary, effective September 1, 2006, the annual salary for a general sessions court judge who is compensated under this section shall be increased over the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments that each judge actually received as of August 31, 2006, by the lesser of: (A) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or (B) Twenty percent (20%) of the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments as of August 31, 2006. (2) A judge of a general sessions court may not be paid compensation based on both this part and the compensation provisions of a private act. (3) Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (i) to the contrary, each general sessions court judge in a Class 1 county who is compensated under this section shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in a Class 1 county who is compensated under this section. (4) Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (i) to the contrary, each general sessions court judge in a Class 2-7 county who is compensated under this section and who receives the maximum amount of annual supplements shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in the same county classification who is compensated under this section. All other general sessions court judges in Class 2-7 counties who are compensated under this section shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in the same county classification with the same jurisdiction who is compensated under this section; provided, however, that no judge shall be paid a salary that reflects jurisdictional supplements that the judge is not entitled to exercise by law. (5) Instead of the annual adjustments authorized in subsection (e), on July 1, 2007, and each succeeding July 1, the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments established under this section shall be adjusted in accordance with § 8-23-103 . (6) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting a county, by public or private act, from compensating its general sessions court judge or judges at levels in excess of what is required by this section. Any public or private act in effect on September 1, 2006, that provides greater compensation for a general sessions court judge than is required by this section shall, to the extent of the judge's amount of compensation, prevail over this section. Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (i) to the contrary, a general sessions court judge in a Class 6 county who receives no supplements and who is compensated under a private or public act and not under this section shall receive the same increase provided in subdivision (i)(1). (7) On or before July 15, 2006, each general sessions court judge shall certify to the administrative office of the courts (AOC) the total amount of the judge's actual compensation as of August 31, 2006, the jurisdictions exercised by the judge, the legal basis for exercising the jurisdiction, and whether the judge is compensated under this section or under a public or private act. Included in the information submitted by the judge to the AOC shall be a certification of the county's chief financial officer of the actual compensation of the judge as of August 31, 2006, or other verifiable proof of the judge's actual compensation. When all judges have certified the required information to the AOC, the AOC shall report to each general sessions court judge the amount of compensation to be paid to the general sessions court judge beginning on September 1, 2006, based on the information provided by the judge. Thereafter, when a new court is created, a new judge takes office or any similar change occurs, or upon the completion of a new federal census, the administrative office of the courts shall report the amount of compensation to be paid to any judge affected by the change. (8) The judges of the general sessions court in any county with a population of not less than three hundred eighty-two thousand (382,000) nor more than three hundred eighty-two thousand one hundred (382,100), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, and that has a charter form of government shall receive the same annual compensation as the general sessions judges in those counties with a metropolitan form of government and a population in excess of five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census. (9) No general sessions judge who engages in the private practice of law shall receive any increase in salary pursuant to this subsection (i), if the judge is prohibited by law from engaging in private practice.
(1) Notwithstanding any law or public chapter to the contrary, effective September 1, 2006, the annual salary for a general sessions court judge who is compensated under this section shall be increased over the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments that each judge actually received as of August 31, 2006, by the lesser of: (A) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or (B) Twenty percent (20%) of the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments as of August 31, 2006.
(A) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or
(B) Twenty percent (20%) of the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments as of August 31, 2006.
(2) A judge of a general sessions court may not be paid compensation based on both this part and the compensation provisions of a private act.
(3) Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (i) to the contrary, each general sessions court judge in a Class 1 county who is compensated under this section shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in a Class 1 county who is compensated under this section.
(4) Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (i) to the contrary, each general sessions court judge in a Class 2-7 county who is compensated under this section and who receives the maximum amount of annual supplements shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in the same county classification who is compensated under this section. All other general sessions court judges in Class 2-7 counties who are compensated under this section shall receive the same compensation as the most highly compensated general sessions court judge in the same county classification with the same jurisdiction who is compensated under this section; provided, however, that no judge shall be paid a salary that reflects jurisdictional supplements that the judge is not entitled to exercise by law.
(5) Instead of the annual adjustments authorized in subsection (e), on July 1, 2007, and each succeeding July 1, the annual compensation and supplements and annual adjustments established under this section shall be adjusted in accordance with § 8-23-103 .
(6) Nothing in this part shall be construed as prohibiting a county, by public or private act, from compensating its general sessions court judge or judges at levels in excess of what is required by this section. Any public or private act in effect on September 1, 2006, that provides greater compensation for a general sessions court judge than is required by this section shall, to the extent of the judge's amount of compensation, prevail over this section. Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection (i) to the contrary, a general sessions court judge in a Class 6 county who receives no supplements and who is compensated under a private or public act and not under this section shall receive the same increase provided in subdivision (i)(1).
(7) On or before July 15, 2006, each general sessions court judge shall certify to the administrative office of the courts (AOC) the total amount of the judge's actual compensation as of August 31, 2006, the jurisdictions exercised by the judge, the legal basis for exercising the jurisdiction, and whether the judge is compensated under this section or under a public or private act. Included in the information submitted by the judge to the AOC shall be a certification of the county's chief financial officer of the actual compensation of the judge as of August 31, 2006, or other verifiable proof of the judge's actual compensation. When all judges have certified the required information to the AOC, the AOC shall report to each general sessions court judge the amount of compensation to be paid to the general sessions court judge beginning on September 1, 2006, based on the information provided by the judge. Thereafter, when a new court is created, a new judge takes office or any similar change occurs, or upon the completion of a new federal census, the administrative office of the courts shall report the amount of compensation to be paid to any judge affected by the change.
(8) The judges of the general sessions court in any county with a population of not less than three hundred eighty-two thousand (382,000) nor more than three hundred eighty-two thousand one hundred (382,100), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, and that has a charter form of government shall receive the same annual compensation as the general sessions judges in those counties with a metropolitan form of government and a population in excess of five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
(9) No general sessions judge who engages in the private practice of law shall receive any increase in salary pursuant to this subsection (i), if the judge is prohibited by law from engaging in private practice.
(j) Notwithstanding any provision of law or this part to the contrary, no judge of a general sessions court shall be paid a salary which is greater than the salary paid to a judge of a circuit court.
(k) In addition to the base salary provided by this section, a judge of the general sessions court in any county with a population of not less than eighteen thousand three hundred one (18,301) nor more than eighteen thousand four hundred (18,400), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census, shall receive an additional twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) in salary upon adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the county legislative body approving the increased salary and if such position is full time.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 921, s 1, eff. 5/1/2018.
Acts 1988, ch. 698, § 3; 1990, ch. 637, § 2; 1997 , ch. 555, §§ 2, 5; 1998, ch. 1131, § 1; 2000, ch. 947, § 8A; 2002, ch. 723, §§ 2, 3; 2005, ch. 324, § 1; 2006, ch. 957, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-1-101 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 1 / Section 16-1-101
Vesting of judicial power
Status: in_force

The judicial power of the state is vested in judges of the courts of general sessions, recorders of certain towns and cities, circuit courts, criminal courts, common law and chancery courts, chancery courts, courts of appeals, and the supreme court, and other courts created by law. Code 1858, §§ 4094, 4095 (deriv. Const. 1834, art. 6, § 1); Shan., § 5907; mod. Code 1932, § 10107; modified; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-101.
The judicial power of the state is vested in judges of the courts of general sessions, recorders of certain towns and cities, circuit courts, criminal courts, common law and chancery courts, chancery courts, courts of appeals, and the supreme court, and other courts created by law.
Code 1858, §§ 4094, 4095 (deriv. Const. 1834, art. 6, § 1); Shan., § 5907; mod. Code 1932, § 10107; modified; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-101.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-19-102 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 19 / Section 16-19-102
Legislative intent
Status: in_force

(a) It is the intent of the general assembly through this chapter to create programs to facilitate the implementation of new, and the continuation of existing, mental health treatment court programs in all counties within this state. (b) The goals of the mental health treatment court programs created under this chapter include the following: (1) To reduce the use of jail and prison beds and other correctional services by offenders with mental health disorders by diverting them into treatment programs; (2) To improve court efficiency by substituting a problem-solving model for traditional criminal court processing and linking defendants to effective treatment and supports for mental illness; (3) To improve the quality of life of people with severe and persistent mental illnesses and increase their participation in effective treatment; (4) To promote the public safety by reducing the incidence of crimes committed as a result of mental health disorders; and (5) To promote effective interaction and the use of resources among local criminal justice agencies and community agencies. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1071, s 1, eff. 5/25/2022.
(a) It is the intent of the general assembly through this chapter to create programs to facilitate the implementation of new, and the continuation of existing, mental health treatment court programs in all counties within this state.
(b) The goals of the mental health treatment court programs created under this chapter include the following: (1) To reduce the use of jail and prison beds and other correctional services by offenders with mental health disorders by diverting them into treatment programs; (2) To improve court efficiency by substituting a problem-solving model for traditional criminal court processing and linking defendants to effective treatment and supports for mental illness; (3) To improve the quality of life of people with severe and persistent mental illnesses and increase their participation in effective treatment; (4) To promote the public safety by reducing the incidence of crimes committed as a result of mental health disorders; and (5) To promote effective interaction and the use of resources among local criminal justice agencies and community agencies.
(1) To reduce the use of jail and prison beds and other correctional services by offenders with mental health disorders by diverting them into treatment programs;
(2) To improve court efficiency by substituting a problem-solving model for traditional criminal court processing and linking defendants to effective treatment and supports for mental illness;
(3) To improve the quality of life of people with severe and persistent mental illnesses and increase their participation in effective treatment;
(4) To promote the public safety by reducing the incidence of crimes committed as a result of mental health disorders; and
(5) To promote effective interaction and the use of resources among local criminal justice agencies and community agencies.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1071, s 1, eff. 5/25/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-5004 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-5004
Concurrent jurisdiction - Domestic relations - Workers' compensation - Probate cases - Mental commitments
Status: in_force

(a) In any county having a population of not less than seventy-seven thousand seven hundred (77,700) nor more than seventy-seven thousand eight hundred (77,800), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census, on July 1 of each year, the general session judges shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over domestic relations cases. When the general sessions court of any such county is exercising domestic relations jurisdiction under the authority conferred by this subsection (a) or § 16-15-501(b)(4) , the clerk and master of the county shall serve as the clerk of the general sessions court. (b) In counties of the second class having a population of not less than forty-seven thousand five hundred seventy-five (47,575) nor more than forty-seven thousand six hundred fifteen (47,615), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (1) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over domestic relations cases. The circuit court clerk shall be designated as the clerk of the general sessions domestic relations court; and (2) The base salary of the general sessions judge in those counties shall be as provided by this part. (c) In counties of the third class having a population of not less than thirty-two thousand six hundred (32,600) nor more than thirty-two thousand seven hundred (32,700), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (1) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over workers' compensation cases. The clerk and master of the chancery court shall be designated as the clerk of the general sessions workers' compensation court; and (2) The base salary of the general sessions judge in the counties shall be as provided by this part. (d) In counties of the sixth class having a population of not less than fourteen thousand eight hundred (14,800) nor more than fourteen thousand eight hundred fifty (14,850), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (1) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over domestic relations cases, probate cases and mental health commitments; and (2) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, domestic relations cases, probate cases and mental health commitments shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases are currently filed. When the general sessions court of the county is exercising any of the jurisdiction set out in subdivision (d)(1), the appropriate clerk shall also serve as the clerk of the general sessions court. (e) (1) In counties of the fourth class having a population of not less than twenty five thousand three hundred (25,300) nor more than twenty five thousand three hundred fifty (25,350), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (A) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over probate cases and mental health commitments; and (B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, probate cases and mental health commitments shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases are currently filed. (2) Notwithstanding the limitation on annual supplements in § 16-15-5003(c)(2) , the judge of the court of general sessions to which subdivision (e)(1) is applicable shall receive the total amount of the supplements authorized by law for the judge. (3) This subsection (e) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of any county to which it may apply. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the county legislative body and certified to the secretary of state. (f) (1) In counties of the fourth class having a population of not less than twenty-six thousand one hundred (26,100) nor more than twenty-six thousand two hundred (26,200), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (A) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over workers' compensation cases, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates; and (B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, workers' compensation cases, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases were filed on June 30, 1999. (2) Subdivision (f)(1) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of any county to which it may apply. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the county legislative body and certified to the secretary of state. (g) (1) In counties of the sixth class having a population of not less than seventeen thousand two hundred fifty (17,250) nor more than seventeen thousand five hundred fifty (17,550), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (A) The general sessions court has concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates; (B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases were filed on June 30, 2000. (2) Subdivision (g)(1) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of any county to which it applies. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the legislative body and certified to the secretary of state. Acts 1988, ch. 698, §§ 9, 12, 13; 1989, ch. 81, §§ 1, 3; 1991, ch. 396, § 1; 1991, ch. 501, §§ 1, 2; 1999, ch. 352, § 1; 2000, ch. 877, § 1.
(a) In any county having a population of not less than seventy-seven thousand seven hundred (77,700) nor more than seventy-seven thousand eight hundred (77,800), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census, on July 1 of each year, the general session judges shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over domestic relations cases. When the general sessions court of any such county is exercising domestic relations jurisdiction under the authority conferred by this subsection (a) or § 16-15-501(b)(4) , the clerk and master of the county shall serve as the clerk of the general sessions court.
(b) In counties of the second class having a population of not less than forty-seven thousand five hundred seventy-five (47,575) nor more than forty-seven thousand six hundred fifteen (47,615), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (1) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over domestic relations cases. The circuit court clerk shall be designated as the clerk of the general sessions domestic relations court; and (2) The base salary of the general sessions judge in those counties shall be as provided by this part.
(1) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over domestic relations cases. The circuit court clerk shall be designated as the clerk of the general sessions domestic relations court; and
(2) The base salary of the general sessions judge in those counties shall be as provided by this part.
(c) In counties of the third class having a population of not less than thirty-two thousand six hundred (32,600) nor more than thirty-two thousand seven hundred (32,700), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (1) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over workers' compensation cases. The clerk and master of the chancery court shall be designated as the clerk of the general sessions workers' compensation court; and (2) The base salary of the general sessions judge in the counties shall be as provided by this part.
(1) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over workers' compensation cases. The clerk and master of the chancery court shall be designated as the clerk of the general sessions workers' compensation court; and
(2) The base salary of the general sessions judge in the counties shall be as provided by this part.
(d) In counties of the sixth class having a population of not less than fourteen thousand eight hundred (14,800) nor more than fourteen thousand eight hundred fifty (14,850), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (1) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over domestic relations cases, probate cases and mental health commitments; and (2) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, domestic relations cases, probate cases and mental health commitments shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases are currently filed. When the general sessions court of the county is exercising any of the jurisdiction set out in subdivision (d)(1), the appropriate clerk shall also serve as the clerk of the general sessions court.
(1) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over domestic relations cases, probate cases and mental health commitments; and
(2) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, domestic relations cases, probate cases and mental health commitments shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases are currently filed. When the general sessions court of the county is exercising any of the jurisdiction set out in subdivision (d)(1), the appropriate clerk shall also serve as the clerk of the general sessions court.
(e) (1) In counties of the fourth class having a population of not less than twenty five thousand three hundred (25,300) nor more than twenty five thousand three hundred fifty (25,350), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (A) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over probate cases and mental health commitments; and (B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, probate cases and mental health commitments shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases are currently filed. (2) Notwithstanding the limitation on annual supplements in § 16-15-5003(c)(2) , the judge of the court of general sessions to which subdivision (e)(1) is applicable shall receive the total amount of the supplements authorized by law for the judge. (3) This subsection (e) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of any county to which it may apply. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the county legislative body and certified to the secretary of state.
(1) In counties of the fourth class having a population of not less than twenty five thousand three hundred (25,300) nor more than twenty five thousand three hundred fifty (25,350), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (A) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over probate cases and mental health commitments; and (B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, probate cases and mental health commitments shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases are currently filed.
(A) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over probate cases and mental health commitments; and
(B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, probate cases and mental health commitments shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases are currently filed.
(2) Notwithstanding the limitation on annual supplements in § 16-15-5003(c)(2) , the judge of the court of general sessions to which subdivision (e)(1) is applicable shall receive the total amount of the supplements authorized by law for the judge.
(3) This subsection (e) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of any county to which it may apply. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the county legislative body and certified to the secretary of state.
(f) (1) In counties of the fourth class having a population of not less than twenty-six thousand one hundred (26,100) nor more than twenty-six thousand two hundred (26,200), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (A) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over workers' compensation cases, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates; and (B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, workers' compensation cases, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases were filed on June 30, 1999. (2) Subdivision (f)(1) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of any county to which it may apply. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the county legislative body and certified to the secretary of state.
(1) In counties of the fourth class having a population of not less than twenty-six thousand one hundred (26,100) nor more than twenty-six thousand two hundred (26,200), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (A) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over workers' compensation cases, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates; and (B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, workers' compensation cases, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases were filed on June 30, 1999.
(A) The general sessions court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over workers' compensation cases, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates; and
(B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, workers' compensation cases, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases were filed on June 30, 1999.
(2) Subdivision (f)(1) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of any county to which it may apply. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the county legislative body and certified to the secretary of state.
(g) (1) In counties of the sixth class having a population of not less than seventeen thousand two hundred fifty (17,250) nor more than seventeen thousand five hundred fifty (17,550), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (A) The general sessions court has concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates; (B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases were filed on June 30, 2000. (2) Subdivision (g)(1) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of any county to which it applies. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the legislative body and certified to the secretary of state.
(1) In counties of the sixth class having a population of not less than seventeen thousand two hundred fifty (17,250) nor more than seventeen thousand five hundred fifty (17,550), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census: (A) The general sessions court has concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates; (B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases were filed on June 30, 2000.
(A) The general sessions court has concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit and chancery courts over divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates;
(B) Regardless of the court exercising jurisdiction, divorce and all other domestic relations cases, mental health commitment cases, probate cases and cases involving decedents' estates shall continue to be filed in the clerk's office where the cases were filed on June 30, 2000.
(2) Subdivision (g)(1) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the legislative body of any county to which it applies. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the legislative body and certified to the secretary of state.
Acts 1988, ch. 698, §§ 9, 12, 13; 1989, ch. 81, §§ 1, 3; 1991, ch. 396, § 1; 1991, ch. 501, §§ 1, 2; 1999, ch. 352, § 1; 2000, ch. 877, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-18-203 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 18 / Section 16-18-203
Term of office
Status: in_force

The term of office of the city judge elected pursuant to this part shall be eight (8) years, except for any initial term that may be shorter. Once the ordinance is adopted providing for the popularly elected judge, the municipal governing body may appoint a qualified person to serve in that position until the next regular August general state election. The first city judge popularly elected pursuant to this part shall be elected at the next regular August general state election that takes place at least thirty (30) days after the ordinance is passed calling for the judge's election. The person elected at this election shall serve only until replaced by a successor to be chosen at the next regular judicial election held in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee, Article VII, § 5. All subsequent elections for city judge pursuant to this part shall be held in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee, Article VII, § 5. Acts 1993, ch. 115, § 1.
The term of office of the city judge elected pursuant to this part shall be eight (8) years, except for any initial term that may be shorter. Once the ordinance is adopted providing for the popularly elected judge, the municipal governing body may appoint a qualified person to serve in that position until the next regular August general state election. The first city judge popularly elected pursuant to this part shall be elected at the next regular August general state election that takes place at least thirty (30) days after the ordinance is passed calling for the judge's election. The person elected at this election shall serve only until replaced by a successor to be chosen at the next regular judicial election held in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee, Article VII, § 5. All subsequent elections for city judge pursuant to this part shall be held in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee, Article VII, § 5.
Acts 1993, ch. 115, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-10-213 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / Section 16-10-213
Information to be collected and reported to the federal bureau of investigation-NICS index and the department of safety by those circuit courts and criminal courts in which commitments to a mental institution are ordered
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Adjudication as a mental defective or adjudicated as a mental defective" means: (A) A determination by a court in this state that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incompetency, condition or disease: (i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or (ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect; (B) A finding of insanity or that a person is incompetent to stand trial by a court in a criminal proceeding; or (C) A finding that a person is incompetent to stand trial or is found not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to §§ 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( 10 U.S.C. §§ 850a , 876b ); (2) "Judicial commitment to a mental institution" means a judicially ordered involuntary admission to a private or state hospital or treatment resource in proceedings conducted pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or 7; (3) "Mental institution" means a mental health facility, mental hospital, sanitarium, psychiatric facility and any other facility that provides diagnoses by a licensed professional of mental retardation or mental illness, including, but not limited to, a psychiatric ward in a general hospital; and (4) "Treatment resource" means any public or private facility, service or program providing treatment or rehabilitation services for mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, including, but not limited to, detoxification centers, hospitals, community mental health centers, clinics or programs, halfway houses and rehabilitation centers. (b) Those circuit courts and criminal courts wherein commitments to a mental institution are ordered pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or 7 or persons are adjudicated as a mental defective shall enter a standing and continuing order instructing the clerk to collect and report as soon as practicable, but no later than the third business day following the date of such an order or adjudication, information described in subsection (c) regarding individuals who have been adjudicated as a mental defective or judicially committed to a mental institution for the purposes of complying with the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007, P.L. 110-180. (c) The following information shall be collected and reported to the federal bureau of investigation-NICS Index and the department of safety, pursuant to subsection (b): (1) Complete name and all aliases of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, including, but not limited to, any names that the individual may have had or currently has by reason of marriage or otherwise; (2) Case or docket number of the judicial commitment or the adjudication as a mental defective; (3) Date judicial commitment ordered or adjudication as a mental defective was made; (4) Private or state hospital or treatment resource to which the individual was judicially committed; (5) Date of birth of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, if such information has been provided to the clerk; (6) Race and sex of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective; and (7) Social security number of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective if available. (d) The information in subdivisions (c)(1)-(5), the confidentiality of which is protected by other statutes or regulations, shall be maintained as confidential and not subject to public inspection pursuant to applicable statutes or regulations, except for such use as may be necessary in the conduct of any proceedings pursuant to §§ 38-6-109 , 39-17-1316 , and 39-17-1352 - 39-17-1354. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 784,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 799, s 5, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 799, s 2, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 300, s 3, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 2009 , ch. 578, § 1.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Adjudication as a mental defective or adjudicated as a mental defective" means: (A) A determination by a court in this state that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incompetency, condition or disease: (i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or (ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect; (B) A finding of insanity or that a person is incompetent to stand trial by a court in a criminal proceeding; or (C) A finding that a person is incompetent to stand trial or is found not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to §§ 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( 10 U.S.C. §§ 850a , 876b ); (2) "Judicial commitment to a mental institution" means a judicially ordered involuntary admission to a private or state hospital or treatment resource in proceedings conducted pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or 7; (3) "Mental institution" means a mental health facility, mental hospital, sanitarium, psychiatric facility and any other facility that provides diagnoses by a licensed professional of mental retardation or mental illness, including, but not limited to, a psychiatric ward in a general hospital; and (4) "Treatment resource" means any public or private facility, service or program providing treatment or rehabilitation services for mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, including, but not limited to, detoxification centers, hospitals, community mental health centers, clinics or programs, halfway houses and rehabilitation centers.
(1) "Adjudication as a mental defective or adjudicated as a mental defective" means: (A) A determination by a court in this state that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incompetency, condition or disease: (i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or (ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect; (B) A finding of insanity or that a person is incompetent to stand trial by a court in a criminal proceeding; or (C) A finding that a person is incompetent to stand trial or is found not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to §§ 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( 10 U.S.C. §§ 850a , 876b );
(A) A determination by a court in this state that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incompetency, condition or disease: (i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or (ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect;
(i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or
(ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect;
(B) A finding of insanity or that a person is incompetent to stand trial by a court in a criminal proceeding; or
(C) A finding that a person is incompetent to stand trial or is found not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to §§ 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( 10 U.S.C. §§ 850a , 876b );
(2) "Judicial commitment to a mental institution" means a judicially ordered involuntary admission to a private or state hospital or treatment resource in proceedings conducted pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or 7;
(3) "Mental institution" means a mental health facility, mental hospital, sanitarium, psychiatric facility and any other facility that provides diagnoses by a licensed professional of mental retardation or mental illness, including, but not limited to, a psychiatric ward in a general hospital; and
(4) "Treatment resource" means any public or private facility, service or program providing treatment or rehabilitation services for mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, including, but not limited to, detoxification centers, hospitals, community mental health centers, clinics or programs, halfway houses and rehabilitation centers.
(b) Those circuit courts and criminal courts wherein commitments to a mental institution are ordered pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or 7 or persons are adjudicated as a mental defective shall enter a standing and continuing order instructing the clerk to collect and report as soon as practicable, but no later than the third business day following the date of such an order or adjudication, information described in subsection (c) regarding individuals who have been adjudicated as a mental defective or judicially committed to a mental institution for the purposes of complying with the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007, P.L. 110-180.
(c) The following information shall be collected and reported to the federal bureau of investigation-NICS Index and the department of safety, pursuant to subsection (b): (1) Complete name and all aliases of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, including, but not limited to, any names that the individual may have had or currently has by reason of marriage or otherwise; (2) Case or docket number of the judicial commitment or the adjudication as a mental defective; (3) Date judicial commitment ordered or adjudication as a mental defective was made; (4) Private or state hospital or treatment resource to which the individual was judicially committed; (5) Date of birth of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, if such information has been provided to the clerk; (6) Race and sex of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective; and (7) Social security number of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective if available.
(1) Complete name and all aliases of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, including, but not limited to, any names that the individual may have had or currently has by reason of marriage or otherwise;
(2) Case or docket number of the judicial commitment or the adjudication as a mental defective;
(3) Date judicial commitment ordered or adjudication as a mental defective was made;
(4) Private or state hospital or treatment resource to which the individual was judicially committed;
(5) Date of birth of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, if such information has been provided to the clerk;
(6) Race and sex of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective; and
(7) Social security number of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective if available.
(d) The information in subdivisions (c)(1)-(5), the confidentiality of which is protected by other statutes or regulations, shall be maintained as confidential and not subject to public inspection pursuant to applicable statutes or regulations, except for such use as may be necessary in the conduct of any proceedings pursuant to §§ 38-6-109 , 39-17-1316 , and 39-17-1352 - 39-17-1354.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 784,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 799, s 5, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 799, s 2, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 300, s 3, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 2009 , ch. 578, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-11-206 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / Section 16-11-206
Information to be collected and reported to the federal bureau of investigation-NICS index and the department of safety by those chancery courts in which commitments to a mental institution are ordered
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Adjudication as a mental defective or adjudicated as a mental defective" means: (A) A determination by a court in this state that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incompetency, condition or disease: (i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or (ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect; (B) A finding of insanity or that a person is incompetent to stand trial by a court in a criminal proceeding; or (C) A finding that a person is incompetent to stand trial or is found not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to §§ 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( 10 U.S.C. §§ 850a , 876b ); (2) "Judicial commitment to a mental institution" means a judicially ordered involuntary admission to a private or state hospital or treatment resource in proceedings conducted pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or 7; (3) "Mental institution" means a mental health facility, mental hospital, sanitarium, psychiatric facility and any other facility that provides diagnoses by a licensed professional of mental retardation or mental illness, including, but not limited to, a psychiatric ward in a general hospital; and (4) "Treatment resource" means any public or private facility, service or program providing treatment or rehabilitation services for mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, including, but not limited to, detoxification centers, hospitals, community mental health centers, clinics or programs, halfway houses and rehabilitation centers. (b) Those chancery courts wherein commitments to a mental institution are ordered pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or chapter 7 or persons are adjudicated as a mental defective shall enter a standing and continuing order instructing the clerk to collect and report as soon as practicable, but no later than the third business day following the date of such an order or adjudication, information described in subsection (c) regarding individuals who have been adjudicated as a mental defective or judicially committed to a mental institution for the purposes of complying with the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007, P.L. 110-180. (c) The following information shall be collected and reported to the federal bureau of investigation-NICS index and the department of safety, pursuant to subsection (b): (1) Complete name and all aliases of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, including, but not limited to, any names that the individual may have had or currently has by reason of marriage or otherwise; (2) Case or docket number of the judicial commitment or the adjudication as a mental defective; (3) Date judicial commitment ordered or adjudication as a mental defective was made; (4) Private or state hospital or treatment resource to which the individual was judicially committed; (5) Date of birth of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, if such information has been provided to the clerk; (6) Race and sex of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective; and (7) Social security number of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective if available. (d) The information in subdivisions (c)(1)-(7), the confidentiality of which is protected by other statutes or regulations, shall be maintained as confidential and not subject to public inspection pursuant to such statutes or regulations, except for such use as may be necessary in the conduct of any proceeding pursuant to §§ 38-6-109 , 39-17-1316 , and 39-17-1352 - 39-17-1354. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 784,s 5, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 6, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 5, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 300, s 4, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 2009 , ch. 578, § 2.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Adjudication as a mental defective or adjudicated as a mental defective" means: (A) A determination by a court in this state that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incompetency, condition or disease: (i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or (ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect; (B) A finding of insanity or that a person is incompetent to stand trial by a court in a criminal proceeding; or (C) A finding that a person is incompetent to stand trial or is found not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to §§ 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( 10 U.S.C. §§ 850a , 876b ); (2) "Judicial commitment to a mental institution" means a judicially ordered involuntary admission to a private or state hospital or treatment resource in proceedings conducted pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or 7; (3) "Mental institution" means a mental health facility, mental hospital, sanitarium, psychiatric facility and any other facility that provides diagnoses by a licensed professional of mental retardation or mental illness, including, but not limited to, a psychiatric ward in a general hospital; and (4) "Treatment resource" means any public or private facility, service or program providing treatment or rehabilitation services for mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, including, but not limited to, detoxification centers, hospitals, community mental health centers, clinics or programs, halfway houses and rehabilitation centers.
(1) "Adjudication as a mental defective or adjudicated as a mental defective" means: (A) A determination by a court in this state that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incompetency, condition or disease: (i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or (ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect; (B) A finding of insanity or that a person is incompetent to stand trial by a court in a criminal proceeding; or (C) A finding that a person is incompetent to stand trial or is found not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to §§ 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( 10 U.S.C. §§ 850a , 876b );
(A) A determination by a court in this state that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incompetency, condition or disease: (i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or (ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect;
(i) Is a danger to such person or to others; or
(ii) Lacks the ability to contract or manage such person's own affairs due to mental defect;
(B) A finding of insanity or that a person is incompetent to stand trial by a court in a criminal proceeding; or
(C) A finding that a person is incompetent to stand trial or is found not guilty by reason of insanity pursuant to §§ 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( 10 U.S.C. §§ 850a , 876b );
(2) "Judicial commitment to a mental institution" means a judicially ordered involuntary admission to a private or state hospital or treatment resource in proceedings conducted pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or 7;
(3) "Mental institution" means a mental health facility, mental hospital, sanitarium, psychiatric facility and any other facility that provides diagnoses by a licensed professional of mental retardation or mental illness, including, but not limited to, a psychiatric ward in a general hospital; and
(4) "Treatment resource" means any public or private facility, service or program providing treatment or rehabilitation services for mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, including, but not limited to, detoxification centers, hospitals, community mental health centers, clinics or programs, halfway houses and rehabilitation centers.
(b) Those chancery courts wherein commitments to a mental institution are ordered pursuant to title 33, chapter 6 or chapter 7 or persons are adjudicated as a mental defective shall enter a standing and continuing order instructing the clerk to collect and report as soon as practicable, but no later than the third business day following the date of such an order or adjudication, information described in subsection (c) regarding individuals who have been adjudicated as a mental defective or judicially committed to a mental institution for the purposes of complying with the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007, P.L. 110-180.
(c) The following information shall be collected and reported to the federal bureau of investigation-NICS index and the department of safety, pursuant to subsection (b): (1) Complete name and all aliases of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, including, but not limited to, any names that the individual may have had or currently has by reason of marriage or otherwise; (2) Case or docket number of the judicial commitment or the adjudication as a mental defective; (3) Date judicial commitment ordered or adjudication as a mental defective was made; (4) Private or state hospital or treatment resource to which the individual was judicially committed; (5) Date of birth of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, if such information has been provided to the clerk; (6) Race and sex of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective; and (7) Social security number of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective if available.
(1) Complete name and all aliases of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, including, but not limited to, any names that the individual may have had or currently has by reason of marriage or otherwise;
(2) Case or docket number of the judicial commitment or the adjudication as a mental defective;
(3) Date judicial commitment ordered or adjudication as a mental defective was made;
(4) Private or state hospital or treatment resource to which the individual was judicially committed;
(5) Date of birth of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective, if such information has been provided to the clerk;
(6) Race and sex of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective; and
(7) Social security number of the individual judicially committed or adjudicated as a mental defective if available.
(d) The information in subdivisions (c)(1)-(7), the confidentiality of which is protected by other statutes or regulations, shall be maintained as confidential and not subject to public inspection pursuant to such statutes or regulations, except for such use as may be necessary in the conduct of any proceeding pursuant to §§ 38-6-109 , 39-17-1316 , and 39-17-1352 - 39-17-1354.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 784,s 5, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 6, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 262, s 5, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 300, s 4, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 2009 , ch. 578, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-1-115 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 1 / Section 16-1-115
Electronic signatures
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, courts in this state may implement procedures for the use of electronic signatures in the signing of pleadings, court orders, judgment orders, affidavits of complaint, arrest warrants, a mittimus or other court documents. An electronic signature may be used to sign a document and shall have the same force and effect as a written signature. Acts 1997 , ch. 505, § 1.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, courts in this state may implement procedures for the use of electronic signatures in the signing of pleadings, court orders, judgment orders, affidavits of complaint, arrest warrants, a mittimus or other court documents. An electronic signature may be used to sign a document and shall have the same force and effect as a written signature.
Acts 1997 , ch. 505, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-10-111 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / Section 16-10-111
Equity powers
Status: in_force

Any suit of an equitable nature, brought in the circuit court, where objection has not been taken to the jurisdiction, may be transferred to the chancery court of the county, or heard and determined by the circuit court upon the principles of a court of equity, with power to order and take all proper accounts, and otherwise to perform the functions of a chancery court. Code 1858, § 4236 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 152, § 9); Shan., § 6074; mod. Code 1932, § 10329; Acts 1972, ch. 565, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-511.
Any suit of an equitable nature, brought in the circuit court, where objection has not been taken to the jurisdiction, may be transferred to the chancery court of the county, or heard and determined by the circuit court upon the principles of a court of equity, with power to order and take all proper accounts, and otherwise to perform the functions of a chancery court.
Code 1858, § 4236 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 152, § 9); Shan., § 6074; mod. Code 1932, § 10329; Acts 1972, ch. 565, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-511.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-16-201 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16 / Section 16-16-201
Probate jurisdiction and administration of estates in chancery court
Status: in_force

(a) In all counties where not otherwise specifically provided by public, private, special or local acts, all jurisdiction relating to the probate of wills and the administration of estates of every nature, including the estates of decedents and of wards under guardianships or conservatorships and related matters previously vested in the county court, the county judge or county chair, is vested in the chancery court of the respective counties. The chancery court in such counties shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the probate of wills and the administration of estates of every nature, including the estates of decedents and of wards under guardianships or conservatorships, and all matters relating thereto, previously vested in the county court. (b) The clerk and master in such counties shall be authorized and empowered to grant letters of administration and letters testamentary, letters of guardianship and letters of conservatorship, appoint administrators and executors, appoint guardians and conservators, receive and adjudicate all claims, probate wills in common form, determine allowances to the surviving spouse and family of the deceased, preside over the assignment of homestead, preside over proceedings for the elective share, take and state all accounts and settlements, subject to the approval of the chancellor, direct and approve final distributions, and hear and determine all probate matters whether enumerated or not in this subsection (b). The chancellor shall hear all probates in solemn form and may hear such other probate matters as the chancellor may deem proper. All accounts, settlements and final orders of distribution shall be made subject to the approval of the chancellor. All action taken by the clerk and master shall be subject to review by the chancellor by simple motion, petition or the filing of exceptions as may be appropriate. (c) The court of appeals shall have jurisdiction of appeals from the decisions of the chancery court in such probate matters. (d) Notwithstanding any private act to the contrary, effective July 1, 2014, in counties having a population of not less than forty-one thousand (41,000) nor more than forty-one thousand one hundred (41,100), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census, all jurisdiction relating to the probate of wills and the administration of estates of every nature, including the estates of decedents and of wards under guardianships or conservatorships and related matters presently in the court of general sessions shall be transferred to chancery court. On such date, the chancellor shall assume all duties and responsibilities with respect to the administration of estates, guardian appointments and other probate matters. All probate files, records and other documents maintained in the general sessions or circuit court in such counties shall be transferred to the custody of the clerk and master. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 756,s 2, eff. 4/22/2014. Acts 1980, ch. 875, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-1301; Acts 1982, ch. 858, § 1; 1985, ch. 140, § 3; 2003, ch. 114, § 1.
(a) In all counties where not otherwise specifically provided by public, private, special or local acts, all jurisdiction relating to the probate of wills and the administration of estates of every nature, including the estates of decedents and of wards under guardianships or conservatorships and related matters previously vested in the county court, the county judge or county chair, is vested in the chancery court of the respective counties. The chancery court in such counties shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the probate of wills and the administration of estates of every nature, including the estates of decedents and of wards under guardianships or conservatorships, and all matters relating thereto, previously vested in the county court.
(b) The clerk and master in such counties shall be authorized and empowered to grant letters of administration and letters testamentary, letters of guardianship and letters of conservatorship, appoint administrators and executors, appoint guardians and conservators, receive and adjudicate all claims, probate wills in common form, determine allowances to the surviving spouse and family of the deceased, preside over the assignment of homestead, preside over proceedings for the elective share, take and state all accounts and settlements, subject to the approval of the chancellor, direct and approve final distributions, and hear and determine all probate matters whether enumerated or not in this subsection (b). The chancellor shall hear all probates in solemn form and may hear such other probate matters as the chancellor may deem proper. All accounts, settlements and final orders of distribution shall be made subject to the approval of the chancellor. All action taken by the clerk and master shall be subject to review by the chancellor by simple motion, petition or the filing of exceptions as may be appropriate.
(c) The court of appeals shall have jurisdiction of appeals from the decisions of the chancery court in such probate matters.
(d) Notwithstanding any private act to the contrary, effective July 1, 2014, in counties having a population of not less than forty-one thousand (41,000) nor more than forty-one thousand one hundred (41,100), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census, all jurisdiction relating to the probate of wills and the administration of estates of every nature, including the estates of decedents and of wards under guardianships or conservatorships and related matters presently in the court of general sessions shall be transferred to chancery court. On such date, the chancellor shall assume all duties and responsibilities with respect to the administration of estates, guardian appointments and other probate matters. All probate files, records and other documents maintained in the general sessions or circuit court in such counties shall be transferred to the custody of the clerk and master.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 756,s 2, eff. 4/22/2014.
Acts 1980, ch. 875, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-1301; Acts 1982, ch. 858, § 1; 1985, ch. 140, § 3; 2003, ch. 114, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-804 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-804
Execution on real property
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any execution issued by a general sessions court is levied on real estate, and ten (10) days from date of the levy has expired, the title to real estate shall not be affected as to third parties until the execution or the papers in the cause are filed in the circuit court of the county in which the land lies. (b) The officer making the levy shall, within ten (10) days thereafter, return the execution to the circuit court, where the cause will be at once docketed, and the officer will return the fact of the return of the execution to the circuit court to the general sessions court issuing the execution, whereupon the general sessions court shall file the remaining papers in the cause in the circuit court as required by subdivision (c)(1). (c) (1) When an execution issued by a general sessions court is levied on real estate, it shall be the duty of the general sessions court to whom the execution is returned to send the execution, together with the judgment and the papers in the cause, to the next circuit court of the general sessions court's county for condemnation. (2) The circuit court, upon the return made pursuant to subdivision (c)(1), may condemn the land, and order the land, or so much of the land as it may see proper, to be sold by the sheriff of the county in satisfaction of the judgment and costs. (d) If the circuit court condemns the land to be sold, the clerk shall enter on the minutes the warrant, attachment or other leading process, with the officer's return on the warrant, attachment or other leading process, the prosecution and other bonds where the condition has not been discharged, affidavits for attachment or other process, the judgment of the general sessions court, the execution levied with the officer's return and the judgment of the court. (e) When several executions in favor of the same plaintiff are returned at the same term of the court, levied on the same tract of land, they shall all be included in one (1) judgment of condemnation, and only one (1) order of sale shall issue. (f) (1) The clerk of the circuit court may issue execution for the unsatisfied debt and costs, in all cases where a general sessions court's execution has been levied on land, and return made of the execution to the general sessions court, according to law, and the real estate executed fails, for any cause, to satisfy the judgment. (2) Executions under subdivision (f)(1) may be issued to any county from which the plaintiff shall receive the same benefit, and the officer into whose hands it may come shall have the same authority to proceed as if the execution had issued from a general sessions court on a judgment rendered by it in the county to which the execution is directed. Code 1858, §§ 3076, 3077, 3080-3083 (deriv. Acts 1786, ch. 14, § 10; Acts 1825, ch. 23, § 1; Acts 1825, ch. 66, § 1; Acts 1829, ch. 12, § 1; Acts 1835-1836, ch. 17, § 11; Acts 1839-1840, ch. 161, § 1); Acts 1899, ch. 39, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 4804, 4805, 4808-4811; mod. Code 1932, §§ 8935, 8936, 8939-8945; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 19-605 -- 19-612; Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 53; T.C.A., § 19-3-104.
(a) Whenever any execution issued by a general sessions court is levied on real estate, and ten (10) days from date of the levy has expired, the title to real estate shall not be affected as to third parties until the execution or the papers in the cause are filed in the circuit court of the county in which the land lies.
(b) The officer making the levy shall, within ten (10) days thereafter, return the execution to the circuit court, where the cause will be at once docketed, and the officer will return the fact of the return of the execution to the circuit court to the general sessions court issuing the execution, whereupon the general sessions court shall file the remaining papers in the cause in the circuit court as required by subdivision (c)(1).
(c) (1) When an execution issued by a general sessions court is levied on real estate, it shall be the duty of the general sessions court to whom the execution is returned to send the execution, together with the judgment and the papers in the cause, to the next circuit court of the general sessions court's county for condemnation. (2) The circuit court, upon the return made pursuant to subdivision (c)(1), may condemn the land, and order the land, or so much of the land as it may see proper, to be sold by the sheriff of the county in satisfaction of the judgment and costs.
(1) When an execution issued by a general sessions court is levied on real estate, it shall be the duty of the general sessions court to whom the execution is returned to send the execution, together with the judgment and the papers in the cause, to the next circuit court of the general sessions court's county for condemnation.
(2) The circuit court, upon the return made pursuant to subdivision (c)(1), may condemn the land, and order the land, or so much of the land as it may see proper, to be sold by the sheriff of the county in satisfaction of the judgment and costs.
(d) If the circuit court condemns the land to be sold, the clerk shall enter on the minutes the warrant, attachment or other leading process, with the officer's return on the warrant, attachment or other leading process, the prosecution and other bonds where the condition has not been discharged, affidavits for attachment or other process, the judgment of the general sessions court, the execution levied with the officer's return and the judgment of the court.
(e) When several executions in favor of the same plaintiff are returned at the same term of the court, levied on the same tract of land, they shall all be included in one (1) judgment of condemnation, and only one (1) order of sale shall issue.
(f) (1) The clerk of the circuit court may issue execution for the unsatisfied debt and costs, in all cases where a general sessions court's execution has been levied on land, and return made of the execution to the general sessions court, according to law, and the real estate executed fails, for any cause, to satisfy the judgment. (2) Executions under subdivision (f)(1) may be issued to any county from which the plaintiff shall receive the same benefit, and the officer into whose hands it may come shall have the same authority to proceed as if the execution had issued from a general sessions court on a judgment rendered by it in the county to which the execution is directed.
(1) The clerk of the circuit court may issue execution for the unsatisfied debt and costs, in all cases where a general sessions court's execution has been levied on land, and return made of the execution to the general sessions court, according to law, and the real estate executed fails, for any cause, to satisfy the judgment.
(2) Executions under subdivision (f)(1) may be issued to any county from which the plaintiff shall receive the same benefit, and the officer into whose hands it may come shall have the same authority to proceed as if the execution had issued from a general sessions court on a judgment rendered by it in the county to which the execution is directed.
Code 1858, §§ 3076, 3077, 3080-3083 (deriv. Acts 1786, ch. 14, § 10; Acts 1825, ch. 23, § 1; Acts 1825, ch. 66, § 1; Acts 1829, ch. 12, § 1; Acts 1835-1836, ch. 17, § 11; Acts 1839-1840, ch. 161, § 1); Acts 1899, ch. 39, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 4804, 4805, 4808-4811; mod. Code 1932, §§ 8935, 8936, 8939-8945; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 19-605 -- 19-612; Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 53; T.C.A., § 19-3-104.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-706 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-706
Infants or incompetents - Representation
Status: in_force

Whenever an infant or incompetent person has a representative, such as a general guardian, conservator or other like fiduciary, the representative may sue or defend on behalf of the infant or incompetent person. If an infant or incompetent person does not have a duly appointed representative, or if justice requires, the infant or incompetent person may sue by a next friend. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to defend an action for an infant or incompetent person who does not have a duly appointed representative, or whenever justice requires. The court may, in its discretion, allow the guardian ad litem a reasonable fee for the guardian's services, to be taxed as costs. Acts 1972, ch. 564, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-1128.
Whenever an infant or incompetent person has a representative, such as a general guardian, conservator or other like fiduciary, the representative may sue or defend on behalf of the infant or incompetent person. If an infant or incompetent person does not have a duly appointed representative, or if justice requires, the infant or incompetent person may sue by a next friend. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to defend an action for an infant or incompetent person who does not have a duly appointed representative, or whenever justice requires. The court may, in its discretion, allow the guardian ad litem a reasonable fee for the guardian's services, to be taxed as costs.
Acts 1972, ch. 564, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-1128.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-18-205 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 18 / Section 16-18-205
Salary
Status: in_force

(a) The salary of the popularly elected city judge shall be established in one (1) of the following ways: (1) The salary may be fixed by the governing body by ordinance or resolution prior to the term of office and shall not be increased nor diminished during the term; (2) (A) The salary shall be set in private act or general law charter provisions or other general law provisions applicable to the particular city or town. Present salary provisions in charters that are applicable to nonpopularly elected city judges may be used for popularly elected judges, and may be amended from time to time as long as the salary is neither increased nor diminished during the term of office; (B) If there is no charter or general law provision applicable to the particular city or town setting the city judge's salary, the salary of the popularly elected judge shall be as follows: Municipalities with a populationof 100,000 or more ....................$2,000 per month. Municipalities with a populationof 25,000 to 99,999....................1,000 per month. Municipalities with a populationless than 25,000....................500 per month; (C) All populations shall be as determined by the latest federal census. This salary shall prevail until a different one is set for the city or town by charter or general law. This salary, however, may not be increased nor diminished during a term of office. The salary of the popularly elected city judge shall be paid monthly from the general fund of the city or town. (b) Except as otherwise provided in this section relative to the salary of the popularly elected judge, the city governing body shall set the annual budget of the city court. Acts 1993, ch. 115, § 1.
(a) The salary of the popularly elected city judge shall be established in one (1) of the following ways: (1) The salary may be fixed by the governing body by ordinance or resolution prior to the term of office and shall not be increased nor diminished during the term; (2) (A) The salary shall be set in private act or general law charter provisions or other general law provisions applicable to the particular city or town. Present salary provisions in charters that are applicable to nonpopularly elected city judges may be used for popularly elected judges, and may be amended from time to time as long as the salary is neither increased nor diminished during the term of office; (B) If there is no charter or general law provision applicable to the particular city or town setting the city judge's salary, the salary of the popularly elected judge shall be as follows: Municipalities with a populationof 100,000 or more ....................$2,000 per month. Municipalities with a populationof 25,000 to 99,999....................1,000 per month. Municipalities with a populationless than 25,000....................500 per month; (C) All populations shall be as determined by the latest federal census. This salary shall prevail until a different one is set for the city or town by charter or general law. This salary, however, may not be increased nor diminished during a term of office. The salary of the popularly elected city judge shall be paid monthly from the general fund of the city or town.
(1) The salary may be fixed by the governing body by ordinance or resolution prior to the term of office and shall not be increased nor diminished during the term;
(2) (A) The salary shall be set in private act or general law charter provisions or other general law provisions applicable to the particular city or town. Present salary provisions in charters that are applicable to nonpopularly elected city judges may be used for popularly elected judges, and may be amended from time to time as long as the salary is neither increased nor diminished during the term of office; (B) If there is no charter or general law provision applicable to the particular city or town setting the city judge's salary, the salary of the popularly elected judge shall be as follows: Municipalities with a populationof 100,000 or more ....................$2,000 per month. Municipalities with a populationof 25,000 to 99,999....................1,000 per month. Municipalities with a populationless than 25,000....................500 per month; (C) All populations shall be as determined by the latest federal census. This salary shall prevail until a different one is set for the city or town by charter or general law. This salary, however, may not be increased nor diminished during a term of office. The salary of the popularly elected city judge shall be paid monthly from the general fund of the city or town.
(A) The salary shall be set in private act or general law charter provisions or other general law provisions applicable to the particular city or town. Present salary provisions in charters that are applicable to nonpopularly elected city judges may be used for popularly elected judges, and may be amended from time to time as long as the salary is neither increased nor diminished during the term of office;
(B) If there is no charter or general law provision applicable to the particular city or town setting the city judge's salary, the salary of the popularly elected judge shall be as follows: Municipalities with a populationof 100,000 or more ....................$2,000 per month. Municipalities with a populationof 25,000 to 99,999....................1,000 per month. Municipalities with a populationless than 25,000....................500 per month;
Municipalities with a populationof 100,000 or more ....................$2,000 per month.
Municipalities with a populationof 25,000 to 99,999....................1,000 per month.
Municipalities with a populationless than 25,000....................500 per month;
(C) All populations shall be as determined by the latest federal census. This salary shall prevail until a different one is set for the city or town by charter or general law. This salary, however, may not be increased nor diminished during a term of office. The salary of the popularly elected city judge shall be paid monthly from the general fund of the city or town.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section relative to the salary of the popularly elected judge, the city governing body shall set the annual budget of the city court.
Acts 1993, ch. 115, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-734 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-734
Motion by surety or stayor
Status: in_force

When any surety or stayor is compelled to pay a general sessions court's judgment against a principal debtor for which the surety or stayor is liable, the surety or stayor may, by motion, before the general sessions court having legal custody of the judgment, recover judgment against the principal debtor for the judgment with interest and costs, or against a cosurety or stayor, for the ratable part thereof, which judgment is not liable to be stayed, except by consent of the surety or stayor in writing. Code 1858, § 4171 (deriv. Acts 1849-1850, ch. 38, § 3); Shan., § 5983; mod. Code 1932, § 10184; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 19-505; Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 52; T.C.A., § 19-2-102.
When any surety or stayor is compelled to pay a general sessions court's judgment against a principal debtor for which the surety or stayor is liable, the surety or stayor may, by motion, before the general sessions court having legal custody of the judgment, recover judgment against the principal debtor for the judgment with interest and costs, or against a cosurety or stayor, for the ratable part thereof, which judgment is not liable to be stayed, except by consent of the surety or stayor in writing.
Code 1858, § 4171 (deriv. Acts 1849-1850, ch. 38, § 3); Shan., § 5983; mod. Code 1932, § 10184; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 19-505; Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 52; T.C.A., § 19-2-102.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-18-202 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 18 / Section 16-18-202
Qualifications
Status: in_force

Any city judge elected by popular vote must meet the requirements established in Tenn. Const. art. VI, § 4 for judges of inferior courts. Acts 1993, ch. 115, § 1.
Any city judge elected by popular vote must meet the requirements established in Tenn. Const. art. VI, § 4 for judges of inferior courts.
Acts 1993, ch. 115, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-905 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-905
Constructive service
Status: in_force

In cases where constructive service of process is permissible under the statutes of this state, constructive service shall be made in the manner prescribed by those statutes, unless otherwise expressly provided in this part. Acts 2002, ch. 794, § 2.
In cases where constructive service of process is permissible under the statutes of this state, constructive service shall be made in the manner prescribed by those statutes, unless otherwise expressly provided in this part.
Acts 2002, ch. 794, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-5002 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-5002
Time judge must devote to office - Practice of law or other employment
Status: in_force

(a) All general sessions judges in Class 1, 2 or 3 counties shall devote full time to the duties of such office and shall be prohibited from the practice of law or any other employment which conflicts with the performance of their duties as judge. (b) General sessions judges in Class 4 through Class 8 counties shall be considered part-time judges and shall not be prohibited from the practice of law or other gainful employment while serving as judge except to the extent the practice or employment constitutes a conflict of interest. (c) Notwithstanding this section to the contrary, a judge of the general sessions court in any county with a population of not less than eighteen thousand two hundred (18,200) nor more than eighteen thousand four hundred (18,400), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census, upon adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the county legislative body, shall devote full time to the duties of such office and shall be prohibited from the practice of law or any other employment which conflicts with the performance of their duties as judge. (d) Notwithstanding this section to the contrary, a judge of the general sessions court in any county with a population of not less than twenty-one thousand eight hundred (21,800) nor more than twenty-one thousand nine hundred (21,900), according to the 2020 federal census or any subsequent federal census, shall devote full time to the duties of such office and shall be prohibited from the practice of law or any other employment which conflicts with the performance of their duties as judge. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 775,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 254, s 1, eff. 4/28/2021. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 921, s 2, eff. 5/1/2018. Acts 1988, ch. 698, § 2.
(a) All general sessions judges in Class 1, 2 or 3 counties shall devote full time to the duties of such office and shall be prohibited from the practice of law or any other employment which conflicts with the performance of their duties as judge.
(b) General sessions judges in Class 4 through Class 8 counties shall be considered part-time judges and shall not be prohibited from the practice of law or other gainful employment while serving as judge except to the extent the practice or employment constitutes a conflict of interest.
(c) Notwithstanding this section to the contrary, a judge of the general sessions court in any county with a population of not less than eighteen thousand two hundred (18,200) nor more than eighteen thousand four hundred (18,400), according to the 2010 federal census or any subsequent federal census, upon adoption of a resolution by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the county legislative body, shall devote full time to the duties of such office and shall be prohibited from the practice of law or any other employment which conflicts with the performance of their duties as judge.
(d) Notwithstanding this section to the contrary, a judge of the general sessions court in any county with a population of not less than twenty-one thousand eight hundred (21,800) nor more than twenty-one thousand nine hundred (21,900), according to the 2020 federal census or any subsequent federal census, shall devote full time to the duties of such office and shall be prohibited from the practice of law or any other employment which conflicts with the performance of their duties as judge.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 775,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 254, s 1, eff. 4/28/2021.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 921, s 2, eff. 5/1/2018.
Acts 1988, ch. 698, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-10-110 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / Section 16-10-110
Abatement of nuisances
Status: in_force

The circuit court is clothed with all the powers of the chancery court to abate nuisances, in an action brought for recovery of damages resulting from a nuisance, upon the finding of a jury that the subject matter of a complaint is a nuisance, and judgment entered thereon. Code 1858, § 4235; Shan., § 6073; Code 1932, § 10328; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-510.
The circuit court is clothed with all the powers of the chancery court to abate nuisances, in an action brought for recovery of damages resulting from a nuisance, upon the finding of a jury that the subject matter of a complaint is a nuisance, and judgment entered thereon.
Code 1858, § 4235; Shan., § 6073; Code 1932, § 10328; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-510.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-18-307 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 18 / Section 16-18-307
Appeal of municipal court judgment - Bond
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any person dissatisfied with the judgment of a municipal court, in any case or cases heard and determined by the court acting pursuant to § 16-18-302(a) , may, within ten (10) days thereafter, Sundays exclusive, appeal to the circuit court of the county, upon giving bond in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for the person's appearance and the faithful prosecution of the appeal. As used in this section, person includes, but is not limited to, a natural person, corporation, business entity or the municipality. Acts 2004, ch. 914, § 2.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any person dissatisfied with the judgment of a municipal court, in any case or cases heard and determined by the court acting pursuant to § 16-18-302(a) , may, within ten (10) days thereafter, Sundays exclusive, appeal to the circuit court of the county, upon giving bond in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for the person's appearance and the faithful prosecution of the appeal. As used in this section, person includes, but is not limited to, a natural person, corporation, business entity or the municipality.
Acts 2004, ch. 914, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-404 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-404
Hearing causes at any time
Status: in_force

Each general sessions court judge is authorized to try any cause that may be brought before the judge at any time and at any place within the county, unless expressly prohibited by some positive provision of this code. Code 1858, § 4128 (deriv. Acts 1835-1836, ch. 17, § 3); Shan., § 5940; Code 1932, § 10141; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 19-205.
Each general sessions court judge is authorized to try any cause that may be brought before the judge at any time and at any place within the county, unless expressly prohibited by some positive provision of this code.
Code 1858, § 4128 (deriv. Acts 1835-1836, ch. 17, § 3); Shan., § 5940; Code 1932, § 10141; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 19-205.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-803 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-803
Administrative director - Powers and duties
Status: in_force

(a) The administrative director of the courts shall work under the supervision and direction of the chief justice and shall, as the chief administrative officer of the state court system, assist the chief justice in the administration of the state court system to the end that litigation may be expedited and the administration of justice improved. (b) The administrative director of the courts shall attend to duties that may be assigned by the supreme court or chief justice of the supreme court. (c) (1) Acting in accordance with procedures established pursuant to § 9-4-5103 , the administrative director of the courts shall annually prepare, approve and submit a budget for the maintenance and operation of the state court system. When the budget for the maintenance and operation of the state court system is submitted to the department of finance and administration, the administrative director of the courts shall also submit copies of the budget to the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives for referral and consideration by the appropriate standing committees of the general assembly. (2) The administrative director of the courts shall administer the accounts of the state court system, including all accounts related to the state court system as may be designated by the comptroller of the treasury and the chief justice. The administrative director of the courts shall draw and approve all requisitions for the payment of public moneys appropriated for the maintenance and operation of the state court system, and shall audit claims and prepare vouchers for presentation to the department of finance and administration, including payroll warrants, expense warrants and warrants covering the necessary cost of supplies, materials and other obligations by the various offices with respect to which the administrative director of the courts shall exercise fiscal responsibility. (d) The administrative director of the courts shall, within budgetary limitations, provide the judges of the trial courts of record with minimum law libraries, the nature and extent of which shall be determined in every instance by the administrative director on the basis of need. All books furnished shall remain the property of the state, and shall be returned to the custody of the administrative director by each judge upon the retirement or expiration of the official duties of the judge. (e) All functions performed by the administrative director of the courts that involve expenditures of state funds shall be subject to the same auditing procedures by the commissioner of finance and administration and the comptroller of the treasury as required in connection with the expenditure of all other state funds. (f) (1) The administrative director of the courts shall, within the limit of appropriated funds, prepare for the supreme court's approval an annual judicial education plan providing for the orientation and continuing training and education of all elected or appointed judges of trial and appellate courts of record of this state. (2) To the extent practicable, the annual judicial education plan shall provide that the orientation programs approved by the supreme court shall be made available to all newly elected or appointed judges of trial and appellate courts of record within one (1) year from the date of their initial appointment or election. The plan shall also provide, to the extent practicable, that all judges of trial and appellate courts of record whose terms exceed three (3) years shall, within two (2) years of the date of their initial election or appointment, be given the opportunity to attend judicial training programs approved by the supreme court. (3) For the purpose of implementing the annual judicial education plan, the administrative director of the courts, with the approval of the chief justice, may apply for and expend grant funds from whatever source. (4) The administrative director of the courts is authorized to recommend to the supreme court a plan whereby judges of trial and appellate courts of record who, on September 1, 1984, have not participated in training programs similar to those included in the annual judicial education plan, may be permitted to attend future orientation and training programs for judges made available through the annual plan. (5) Nothing in this subsection (f) nor in any annual judicial education plan prepared by the administrative director of the courts and approved by the supreme court shall be construed to require judges whose salaries and other related expenses are not paid by state government to participate in any training or orientation program provided for in this subsection (f). With the agreement of appropriate units of local government to pay for the reasonable costs of the orientation and training programs, the administrative director of the courts may authorize judges whose salaries are paid by units of local government to participate in orientation or training programs made available in accordance with the approved annual plan. (g) The administrative director of the courts shall continuously survey and study the operation of the state court system, the volume and condition of business in the courts of the state, whether of record or not, the procedures employed by those courts, and the quality and responsiveness of all of the courts with regard to the needs of civil litigants and the needs of the criminal justice system throughout the state. (h) The administrative director of the courts shall establish criteria, develop procedures and implement a Tennessee court information system (TnCIS). The system shall provide an integrated case management and accounting software system addressing the statutory responsibilities of the clerks of the general sessions, chancery, circuit and juvenile courts. The system shall also provide state-wide reporting and data transfer capabilities for the administrative office of the courts (AOC), department of human services, Tennessee bureau of investigation, department of safety and other state agencies determined by the AOC or as statutorily mandated. To ensure comparable data from all courts, the system shall be designed to report cases according to a standard definition of a case as set forth in § 16-1-117 . (i) It is the duty of the administrative office of the courts to collect, develop and maintain uniform statistical information relative to court caseloads in Tennessee. For the purposes of monitoring the operation of the court system, reducing unnecessary delay and assessing the responsiveness of the court system to the needs of litigants, victims of crime and the citizens of the state, the administrative director of the courts shall have the responsibility for annually collecting, compiling, analyzing and publishing caseload statistics pertaining to the court system. It is the responsibility of the administrative director of the courts to develop, define, update and disseminate standard, uniform measures, definitions and criteria for collecting statistics pertaining to the court system. These standards and reporting requirements shall be used for uniform statistical data collection in all courts throughout the state, as established by statute or by the rules of the supreme court. (j) The administrative director of the courts shall prepare and distribute an annual report reflecting the operation of the courts of the state and highlighting those changes, innovations, or recommendations made or introduced to enhance the effectiveness of the courts. (k) The administrative director of the courts shall conduct ongoing internal review, analysis and planning for the future needs of the state court system. The analysis shall be designed to devise ways of simplifying court system procedure, expediting the transaction of court system business and correcting weaknesses in the administration of justice. (l) The administrative director of the courts shall: (1) File a copy of the supreme court's policies and guidelines governing the reimbursement of expenses for judicial officers with the civil justice committee of the house of representatives, the judiciary committee of the senate, and the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and the house of representatives, the fiscal review committee, the comptroller of the treasury and the commissioner of finance and administration; and (2) Respond in a timely manner to any appropriate request by these committees or officials for information concerning reimbursements made pursuant to the policies and guidelines. (m) The administrative director of the courts shall annually prepare and distribute to the judiciary committee of the senate and civil justice committee of the house of representatives: (1) A report detailing the expenditure of moneys in the civil legal representation of indigents fund; and (2) A copy of any rules and policies adopted by the supreme court governing the expenditure and application of funds in the civil legal representation of indigents fund. (n) The administrative office of the courts shall collect, develop and maintain statistical information relative to sentencing in Tennessee. To assist the administrative office of the courts, the clerks of the circuit and criminal courts shall send a copy of each judgment document for a felony conviction to the administrative office of the courts. These copies shall be forwarded to the administrative office of the courts no less than one (1) time each month so that all judgments rendered in one (1) month have been received by the fifteenth day of the following month. When an electronic transfer system is operational and approved by the administrative office of the courts, the judgment document for all felony convictions shall be electronically transmitted to the administrative office of the courts in the same manner required by this subsection (n) for paper copies. (o) The administrative director of the courts shall administer finances related to the office's control and supervision of the existing state law libraries, including the: (1) Operation and maintenance of the libraries; (2) Preparation of warrants for the payment of obligations related to the operation and maintenance of the libraries; and (3) Recording of all transactions related to the administration of such finances in accordance with the laws and regulations governing state fiscal operations. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 13, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 420, Secs.s 9, s 10 eff. 5/21/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 21, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 619, s 4, eff. 3/22/2016. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 45, eff. 4/19/2013. Acts 1993, ch. 65, § 2; 1993, ch. 196, § 10; 1994, ch. 1005, § 1; 1995, ch. 550, § 3; 1999, ch. 486, § 1; 2001, ch. 408, §§ 1 - 3; 2002, ch. 791, § 1.
(a) The administrative director of the courts shall work under the supervision and direction of the chief justice and shall, as the chief administrative officer of the state court system, assist the chief justice in the administration of the state court system to the end that litigation may be expedited and the administration of justice improved.
(b) The administrative director of the courts shall attend to duties that may be assigned by the supreme court or chief justice of the supreme court.
(c) (1) Acting in accordance with procedures established pursuant to § 9-4-5103 , the administrative director of the courts shall annually prepare, approve and submit a budget for the maintenance and operation of the state court system. When the budget for the maintenance and operation of the state court system is submitted to the department of finance and administration, the administrative director of the courts shall also submit copies of the budget to the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives for referral and consideration by the appropriate standing committees of the general assembly. (2) The administrative director of the courts shall administer the accounts of the state court system, including all accounts related to the state court system as may be designated by the comptroller of the treasury and the chief justice. The administrative director of the courts shall draw and approve all requisitions for the payment of public moneys appropriated for the maintenance and operation of the state court system, and shall audit claims and prepare vouchers for presentation to the department of finance and administration, including payroll warrants, expense warrants and warrants covering the necessary cost of supplies, materials and other obligations by the various offices with respect to which the administrative director of the courts shall exercise fiscal responsibility.
(1) Acting in accordance with procedures established pursuant to § 9-4-5103 , the administrative director of the courts shall annually prepare, approve and submit a budget for the maintenance and operation of the state court system. When the budget for the maintenance and operation of the state court system is submitted to the department of finance and administration, the administrative director of the courts shall also submit copies of the budget to the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives for referral and consideration by the appropriate standing committees of the general assembly.
(2) The administrative director of the courts shall administer the accounts of the state court system, including all accounts related to the state court system as may be designated by the comptroller of the treasury and the chief justice. The administrative director of the courts shall draw and approve all requisitions for the payment of public moneys appropriated for the maintenance and operation of the state court system, and shall audit claims and prepare vouchers for presentation to the department of finance and administration, including payroll warrants, expense warrants and warrants covering the necessary cost of supplies, materials and other obligations by the various offices with respect to which the administrative director of the courts shall exercise fiscal responsibility.
(d) The administrative director of the courts shall, within budgetary limitations, provide the judges of the trial courts of record with minimum law libraries, the nature and extent of which shall be determined in every instance by the administrative director on the basis of need. All books furnished shall remain the property of the state, and shall be returned to the custody of the administrative director by each judge upon the retirement or expiration of the official duties of the judge.
(e) All functions performed by the administrative director of the courts that involve expenditures of state funds shall be subject to the same auditing procedures by the commissioner of finance and administration and the comptroller of the treasury as required in connection with the expenditure of all other state funds.
(f) (1) The administrative director of the courts shall, within the limit of appropriated funds, prepare for the supreme court's approval an annual judicial education plan providing for the orientation and continuing training and education of all elected or appointed judges of trial and appellate courts of record of this state. (2) To the extent practicable, the annual judicial education plan shall provide that the orientation programs approved by the supreme court shall be made available to all newly elected or appointed judges of trial and appellate courts of record within one (1) year from the date of their initial appointment or election. The plan shall also provide, to the extent practicable, that all judges of trial and appellate courts of record whose terms exceed three (3) years shall, within two (2) years of the date of their initial election or appointment, be given the opportunity to attend judicial training programs approved by the supreme court. (3) For the purpose of implementing the annual judicial education plan, the administrative director of the courts, with the approval of the chief justice, may apply for and expend grant funds from whatever source. (4) The administrative director of the courts is authorized to recommend to the supreme court a plan whereby judges of trial and appellate courts of record who, on September 1, 1984, have not participated in training programs similar to those included in the annual judicial education plan, may be permitted to attend future orientation and training programs for judges made available through the annual plan. (5) Nothing in this subsection (f) nor in any annual judicial education plan prepared by the administrative director of the courts and approved by the supreme court shall be construed to require judges whose salaries and other related expenses are not paid by state government to participate in any training or orientation program provided for in this subsection (f). With the agreement of appropriate units of local government to pay for the reasonable costs of the orientation and training programs, the administrative director of the courts may authorize judges whose salaries are paid by units of local government to participate in orientation or training programs made available in accordance with the approved annual plan.
(1) The administrative director of the courts shall, within the limit of appropriated funds, prepare for the supreme court's approval an annual judicial education plan providing for the orientation and continuing training and education of all elected or appointed judges of trial and appellate courts of record of this state.
(2) To the extent practicable, the annual judicial education plan shall provide that the orientation programs approved by the supreme court shall be made available to all newly elected or appointed judges of trial and appellate courts of record within one (1) year from the date of their initial appointment or election. The plan shall also provide, to the extent practicable, that all judges of trial and appellate courts of record whose terms exceed three (3) years shall, within two (2) years of the date of their initial election or appointment, be given the opportunity to attend judicial training programs approved by the supreme court.
(3) For the purpose of implementing the annual judicial education plan, the administrative director of the courts, with the approval of the chief justice, may apply for and expend grant funds from whatever source.
(4) The administrative director of the courts is authorized to recommend to the supreme court a plan whereby judges of trial and appellate courts of record who, on September 1, 1984, have not participated in training programs similar to those included in the annual judicial education plan, may be permitted to attend future orientation and training programs for judges made available through the annual plan.
(5) Nothing in this subsection (f) nor in any annual judicial education plan prepared by the administrative director of the courts and approved by the supreme court shall be construed to require judges whose salaries and other related expenses are not paid by state government to participate in any training or orientation program provided for in this subsection (f). With the agreement of appropriate units of local government to pay for the reasonable costs of the orientation and training programs, the administrative director of the courts may authorize judges whose salaries are paid by units of local government to participate in orientation or training programs made available in accordance with the approved annual plan.
(g) The administrative director of the courts shall continuously survey and study the operation of the state court system, the volume and condition of business in the courts of the state, whether of record or not, the procedures employed by those courts, and the quality and responsiveness of all of the courts with regard to the needs of civil litigants and the needs of the criminal justice system throughout the state.
(h) The administrative director of the courts shall establish criteria, develop procedures and implement a Tennessee court information system (TnCIS). The system shall provide an integrated case management and accounting software system addressing the statutory responsibilities of the clerks of the general sessions, chancery, circuit and juvenile courts. The system shall also provide state-wide reporting and data transfer capabilities for the administrative office of the courts (AOC), department of human services, Tennessee bureau of investigation, department of safety and other state agencies determined by the AOC or as statutorily mandated. To ensure comparable data from all courts, the system shall be designed to report cases according to a standard definition of a case as set forth in § 16-1-117 .
(i) It is the duty of the administrative office of the courts to collect, develop and maintain uniform statistical information relative to court caseloads in Tennessee. For the purposes of monitoring the operation of the court system, reducing unnecessary delay and assessing the responsiveness of the court system to the needs of litigants, victims of crime and the citizens of the state, the administrative director of the courts shall have the responsibility for annually collecting, compiling, analyzing and publishing caseload statistics pertaining to the court system. It is the responsibility of the administrative director of the courts to develop, define, update and disseminate standard, uniform measures, definitions and criteria for collecting statistics pertaining to the court system. These standards and reporting requirements shall be used for uniform statistical data collection in all courts throughout the state, as established by statute or by the rules of the supreme court.
(j) The administrative director of the courts shall prepare and distribute an annual report reflecting the operation of the courts of the state and highlighting those changes, innovations, or recommendations made or introduced to enhance the effectiveness of the courts.
(k) The administrative director of the courts shall conduct ongoing internal review, analysis and planning for the future needs of the state court system. The analysis shall be designed to devise ways of simplifying court system procedure, expediting the transaction of court system business and correcting weaknesses in the administration of justice.
(l) The administrative director of the courts shall: (1) File a copy of the supreme court's policies and guidelines governing the reimbursement of expenses for judicial officers with the civil justice committee of the house of representatives, the judiciary committee of the senate, and the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and the house of representatives, the fiscal review committee, the comptroller of the treasury and the commissioner of finance and administration; and (2) Respond in a timely manner to any appropriate request by these committees or officials for information concerning reimbursements made pursuant to the policies and guidelines.
(1) File a copy of the supreme court's policies and guidelines governing the reimbursement of expenses for judicial officers with the civil justice committee of the house of representatives, the judiciary committee of the senate, and the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and the house of representatives, the fiscal review committee, the comptroller of the treasury and the commissioner of finance and administration; and
(2) Respond in a timely manner to any appropriate request by these committees or officials for information concerning reimbursements made pursuant to the policies and guidelines.
(m) The administrative director of the courts shall annually prepare and distribute to the judiciary committee of the senate and civil justice committee of the house of representatives: (1) A report detailing the expenditure of moneys in the civil legal representation of indigents fund; and (2) A copy of any rules and policies adopted by the supreme court governing the expenditure and application of funds in the civil legal representation of indigents fund.
(1) A report detailing the expenditure of moneys in the civil legal representation of indigents fund; and
(2) A copy of any rules and policies adopted by the supreme court governing the expenditure and application of funds in the civil legal representation of indigents fund.
(n) The administrative office of the courts shall collect, develop and maintain statistical information relative to sentencing in Tennessee. To assist the administrative office of the courts, the clerks of the circuit and criminal courts shall send a copy of each judgment document for a felony conviction to the administrative office of the courts. These copies shall be forwarded to the administrative office of the courts no less than one (1) time each month so that all judgments rendered in one (1) month have been received by the fifteenth day of the following month. When an electronic transfer system is operational and approved by the administrative office of the courts, the judgment document for all felony convictions shall be electronically transmitted to the administrative office of the courts in the same manner required by this subsection (n) for paper copies.
(o) The administrative director of the courts shall administer finances related to the office's control and supervision of the existing state law libraries, including the: (1) Operation and maintenance of the libraries; (2) Preparation of warrants for the payment of obligations related to the operation and maintenance of the libraries; and (3) Recording of all transactions related to the administration of such finances in accordance with the laws and regulations governing state fiscal operations.
(1) Operation and maintenance of the libraries;
(2) Preparation of warrants for the payment of obligations related to the operation and maintenance of the libraries; and
(3) Recording of all transactions related to the administration of such finances in accordance with the laws and regulations governing state fiscal operations.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 13, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 420, Secs.s 9, s 10 eff. 5/21/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 21, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 619, s 4, eff. 3/22/2016.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 45, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 1993, ch. 65, § 2; 1993, ch. 196, § 10; 1994, ch. 1005, § 1; 1995, ch. 550, § 3; 1999, ch. 486, § 1; 2001, ch. 408, §§ 1 - 3; 2002, ch. 791, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-4-105 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / Section 16-4-105
Presiding judges
Status: in_force

The entire court shall have one (1) presiding judge, chosen by the members of the court, and, when sitting in sections, each section shall at all times have a presiding judge to be chosen by its members. Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 6; Shan. Supp., § 6325a6; Code 1932, §10614; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-405.
The entire court shall have one (1) presiding judge, chosen by the members of the court, and, when sitting in sections, each section shall at all times have a presiding judge to be chosen by its members.
Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 6; Shan. Supp., § 6325a6; Code 1932, §10614; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-405.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-11-114 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / Section 16-11-114
Venue of suits
Status: in_force

The local jurisdiction of the chancery court is subject to the following rules: (1) All bills filed in any court seeking to divest or clear the title to land, or to enforce the specific execution of contracts relating to realty, or to foreclose a mortgage or deed of trust by a sale of personal property or realty, shall be filed in the county in which the land, or a material part of it, lies, or in which the deed or mortgage is registered; (2) Bills seeking to enjoin proceedings at law may be filed in the county in which the suit is pending, or to which execution has issued; (3) Bills against nonresidents, or persons whose names or residences are unknown, may be filed in the county in which the cause of action arose, or the act on which the suit is predicated was to be performed, or in which is the subject of the suit, or any material part thereof; and (4) When attachment of property is allowed in lieu of personal service of process, the bill may be filed in the county in which the property, or any material part of the property sought to be attached, is found at the commencement of the suit. Code 1858, § 4311 (deriv. Acts 1787, ch. 22, § 1; 1801, ch. 6, § 2; 1825, ch. 22, §§ 1, 2; 1827, ch. 42, § 1; 1833, ch. 52); Acts 1877, ch. 107, § 1; Shan., § 6121; Code 1932, § 10388; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-617; Acts 1994, ch. 560, § 1.
The local jurisdiction of the chancery court is subject to the following rules:
(1) All bills filed in any court seeking to divest or clear the title to land, or to enforce the specific execution of contracts relating to realty, or to foreclose a mortgage or deed of trust by a sale of personal property or realty, shall be filed in the county in which the land, or a material part of it, lies, or in which the deed or mortgage is registered;
(2) Bills seeking to enjoin proceedings at law may be filed in the county in which the suit is pending, or to which execution has issued;
(3) Bills against nonresidents, or persons whose names or residences are unknown, may be filed in the county in which the cause of action arose, or the act on which the suit is predicated was to be performed, or in which is the subject of the suit, or any material part thereof; and
(4) When attachment of property is allowed in lieu of personal service of process, the bill may be filed in the county in which the property, or any material part of the property sought to be attached, is found at the commencement of the suit.
Code 1858, § 4311 (deriv. Acts 1787, ch. 22, § 1; 1801, ch. 6, § 2; 1825, ch. 22, §§ 1, 2; 1827, ch. 42, § 1; 1833, ch. 52); Acts 1877, ch. 107, § 1; Shan., § 6121; Code 1932, § 10388; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-617; Acts 1994, ch. 560, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-19-101 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 19 / Section 16-19-101
Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter is known and may be cited as the "Mental Health Treatment Act of 2022." Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1071, s 1, eff. 5/25/2022.
This chapter is known and may be cited as the "Mental Health Treatment Act of 2022."
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1071, s 1, eff. 5/25/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-5-102 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / Section 16-5-102
Judges - Qualifications
Status: in_force

The court of criminal appeals shall be composed of twelve (12) judges, of whom no more than four (4) shall reside in any grand division of the state. Immediately preceding appointment, each judge shall be at least thirty (30) years of age, shall have been a resident of the state for at least five (5) consecutive years, shall have been a resident of the grand division from which the judge is appointed for at least one (1) year. For purposes of this section, "resident" has the same meaning as defined in § 2-1-104 . The judges shall be duly licensed to practice law in this state. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 528,s 5, eff. 1/28/2016. Acts 1967, ch. 226, § 2; 1969, ch. 330, §§ 1, 2; 1976, ch. 636, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-442; Acts 1996, ch. 847, §§ 1, 2.
The court of criminal appeals shall be composed of twelve (12) judges, of whom no more than four (4) shall reside in any grand division of the state. Immediately preceding appointment, each judge shall be at least thirty (30) years of age, shall have been a resident of the state for at least five (5) consecutive years, shall have been a resident of the grand division from which the judge is appointed for at least one (1) year. For purposes of this section, "resident" has the same meaning as defined in § 2-1-104 . The judges shall be duly licensed to practice law in this state.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 528,s 5, eff. 1/28/2016.
Acts 1967, ch. 226, § 2; 1969, ch. 330, §§ 1, 2; 1976, ch. 636, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-442; Acts 1996, ch. 847, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-1-118 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 1 / Section 16-1-118
Utilization of electronic court filing system provider authorized by the administrative office of the courts
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise provided by law, all courts in this state that implement an electronic court filing system pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 46 and Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 5B shall utilize only a system provider authorized by the administrative office of the courts. The administrative office of the courts shall establish technical standards with the goals of ensuring integrity of filings, assuring an environment that promotes uniformity and ease of filing, and providing the framework for future compatibility among e-filing solutions implemented by local and state courts. Nothing in this section shall require the administrative office of the courts to begin implementing a statewide e-filing system. Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 279,s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Unless otherwise provided by law, all courts in this state that implement an electronic court filing system pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 46 and Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 5B shall utilize only a system provider authorized by the administrative office of the courts. The administrative office of the courts shall establish technical standards with the goals of ensuring integrity of filings, assuring an environment that promotes uniformity and ease of filing, and providing the framework for future compatibility among e-filing solutions implemented by local and state courts. Nothing in this section shall require the administrative office of the courts to begin implementing a statewide e-filing system.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 279,s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-401 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-401
General powers
Status: in_force

(a) Each general sessions court judge is vested with power to: (1) Grant writs of attachment, returnable to the circuit court, in the same manner and to the same extent as the circuit judge; (2) Enter up judgment by confession of a defendant to any amount within the judge's jurisdiction in the particular case; (3) Issue an execution in the judge's county upon a certified execution from another county; (4) Issue a subpoena for witnesses, in any matter to be tried before the judge, to the judge's own or an adjoining county; (5) Issue scire facias to revive judgments against the personal representatives and heirs of deceased parties, to any county in the state; (6) Issue alias and pluries executions whenever necessary; (7) Issue counterpart writs to any county in the state for the principal maker of any bill, bond, or note, at the instance of the surety or endorser who is sued thereon; and (8) Punish persons disturbing them in the discharge of their official duties. (b) Judges of general sessions courts have the same authority as circuit court judges or chancellors to grant fiats for writs of injunction, attachments and other extraordinary process. They also have the same jurisdiction relative to the suspension and revocation of sentences imposed by them as that conferred upon all trial judges by title 40, chapter 29. (c) The judges of courts of general sessions of counties of the third class, as defined in [former] § 16-15-204 [repealed], having a population of not less than forty-seven thousand eight hundred fifty (47,850) nor more than forty-seven thousand eight hundred seventy-five (47,875), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, in addition to the jurisdiction and powers conferred elsewhere in this chapter, have the authority to sit by interchange for the county judge in nonsupport, probate, juvenile and lunacy proceedings. Code 1858, § 4125 (deriv. Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 19; 1801, ch. 7, § 4; 1805, ch. 66, §§ 4, 6; 1837-1838, ch. 102, § 1; 1843-1844, ch. 112, § 1; 1847-1848, ch. 55, § 15; 1849-1850, ch. 103, § 1; 1851-1852, ch. 181, § 3); Shan., § 5937; Code 1932, § 10138; Acts 1959, ch. 109, § 2; 1961, ch. 138, § 1; 1965, ch. 114, § 1; 1967, ch. 276, § 1; 1968, ch. 635, § 2; 1969, ch. 44, § 2; 1973, ch. 88, § 2; 1973, ch. 355, § 2; 1974, ch. 432, § 2; impl. am. 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; modified; T.C.A., § 19-202; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-1104; Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 9.
(a) Each general sessions court judge is vested with power to: (1) Grant writs of attachment, returnable to the circuit court, in the same manner and to the same extent as the circuit judge; (2) Enter up judgment by confession of a defendant to any amount within the judge's jurisdiction in the particular case; (3) Issue an execution in the judge's county upon a certified execution from another county; (4) Issue a subpoena for witnesses, in any matter to be tried before the judge, to the judge's own or an adjoining county; (5) Issue scire facias to revive judgments against the personal representatives and heirs of deceased parties, to any county in the state; (6) Issue alias and pluries executions whenever necessary; (7) Issue counterpart writs to any county in the state for the principal maker of any bill, bond, or note, at the instance of the surety or endorser who is sued thereon; and (8) Punish persons disturbing them in the discharge of their official duties.
(1) Grant writs of attachment, returnable to the circuit court, in the same manner and to the same extent as the circuit judge;
(2) Enter up judgment by confession of a defendant to any amount within the judge's jurisdiction in the particular case;
(3) Issue an execution in the judge's county upon a certified execution from another county;
(4) Issue a subpoena for witnesses, in any matter to be tried before the judge, to the judge's own or an adjoining county;
(5) Issue scire facias to revive judgments against the personal representatives and heirs of deceased parties, to any county in the state;
(6) Issue alias and pluries executions whenever necessary;
(7) Issue counterpart writs to any county in the state for the principal maker of any bill, bond, or note, at the instance of the surety or endorser who is sued thereon; and
(8) Punish persons disturbing them in the discharge of their official duties.
(b) Judges of general sessions courts have the same authority as circuit court judges or chancellors to grant fiats for writs of injunction, attachments and other extraordinary process. They also have the same jurisdiction relative to the suspension and revocation of sentences imposed by them as that conferred upon all trial judges by title 40, chapter 29.
(c) The judges of courts of general sessions of counties of the third class, as defined in [former] § 16-15-204 [repealed], having a population of not less than forty-seven thousand eight hundred fifty (47,850) nor more than forty-seven thousand eight hundred seventy-five (47,875), according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, in addition to the jurisdiction and powers conferred elsewhere in this chapter, have the authority to sit by interchange for the county judge in nonsupport, probate, juvenile and lunacy proceedings.
Code 1858, § 4125 (deriv. Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 19; 1801, ch. 7, § 4; 1805, ch. 66, §§ 4, 6; 1837-1838, ch. 102, § 1; 1843-1844, ch. 112, § 1; 1847-1848, ch. 55, § 15; 1849-1850, ch. 103, § 1; 1851-1852, ch. 181, § 3); Shan., § 5937; Code 1932, § 10138; Acts 1959, ch. 109, § 2; 1961, ch. 138, § 1; 1965, ch. 114, § 1; 1967, ch. 276, § 1; 1968, ch. 635, § 2; 1969, ch. 44, § 2; 1973, ch. 88, § 2; 1973, ch. 355, § 2; 1974, ch. 432, § 2; impl. am. 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; modified; T.C.A., § 19-202; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-1104; Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-210 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-210
Scheduling of districts
Status: in_force

The court may class the judicial districts to set the causes from each district for trial on certain weeks of the term, and make publication of the classes before the beginning of the term. Code 1858, § 4505; Shan., § 6338; mod. Code 1932, § 10640; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-314.
The court may class the judicial districts to set the causes from each district for trial on certain weeks of the term, and make publication of the classes before the beginning of the term.
Code 1858, § 4505; Shan., § 6338; mod. Code 1932, § 10640; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-314.