Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-18-102 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 18 / Section 16-18-102
Contents of ordinance
Status: in_force

The ordinance providing for the office of municipal judge shall provide: (1) That the municipal judge is vested with the judicial powers and functions of the mayor or city recorder of such municipality, and is subject to the provisions of law and the municipality's charter governing the mayor's court or the municipal court presided over by the mayor or city recorder; (2) For qualifications of the municipal judge; (3) That the municipal judge shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality, to serve at the pleasure of the governing body; (4) That vacancies in the office shall be filled for the unexpired term by the governing body; (5) For oath of office and bonding of the municipal judge before entering upon the duties of this office; (6) That the cost of making the bond of the municipal judge shall be paid by the municipality; (7) That the salary of the municipal judge shall be fixed by the governing body before the municipal judge's appointment, and shall not be altered during the municipal judge's term of service; and (8) For the designation of a person to serve as judge during the absence or disability of the municipal judge. Acts 1973, ch. 330, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 231, § 1; T.C.A., § 17-123; modified; T.C.A., § 17-1-502.
The ordinance providing for the office of municipal judge shall provide:
(1) That the municipal judge is vested with the judicial powers and functions of the mayor or city recorder of such municipality, and is subject to the provisions of law and the municipality's charter governing the mayor's court or the municipal court presided over by the mayor or city recorder;
(2) For qualifications of the municipal judge;
(3) That the municipal judge shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality, to serve at the pleasure of the governing body;
(4) That vacancies in the office shall be filled for the unexpired term by the governing body;
(5) For oath of office and bonding of the municipal judge before entering upon the duties of this office;
(6) That the cost of making the bond of the municipal judge shall be paid by the municipality;
(7) That the salary of the municipal judge shall be fixed by the governing body before the municipal judge's appointment, and shall not be altered during the municipal judge's term of service; and
(8) For the designation of a person to serve as judge during the absence or disability of the municipal judge.
Acts 1973, ch. 330, §§ 1, 2; 1975, ch. 231, § 1; T.C.A., § 17-123; modified; T.C.A., § 17-1-502.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-406 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-406
Laws in conflict with rules nullified
Status: in_force

After the rules have become effective, all laws in conflict with the rules shall be of no further force or effect. Acts 1965, ch. 227, § 5; T.C.A., § 16-116.
After the rules have become effective, all laws in conflict with the rules shall be of no further force or effect.
Acts 1965, ch. 227, § 5; T.C.A., § 16-116.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-4-103 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / Section 16-4-103
Tenure and compensation of judges
Status: in_force

The tenure of office is eight (8) years, and the judges shall receive compensation as fixed in § 8-23-103 . Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 3; Shan. Supp., § 6325a3; mod. Code 1932, § 10608; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-403.
The tenure of office is eight (8) years, and the judges shall receive compensation as fixed in § 8-23-103 .
Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 3; Shan. Supp., § 6325a3; mod. Code 1932, § 10608; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-403.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-5-108 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / Section 16-5-108
Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

(a) The jurisdiction of the court of criminal appeals shall be appellate only, and shall extend to review of the final judgments of trial courts in: (1) Criminal cases, both felony and misdemeanor; (2) Habeas corpus and Post-Conviction Procedure Act proceedings attacking the validity of a final judgment of conviction or the sentence in a criminal case, and other cases or proceedings instituted with reference to or arising out of a criminal case; (3) Civil or criminal contempt arising out of a criminal matter; and (4) Extradition cases. (b) The court or any judge of the court shall also have jurisdiction to grant petitions for certiorari and supersedeas in proper cases within its jurisdiction as provided by law. Acts 1967, ch. 226, § 8; 1971, ch. 156, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-448; Acts 1989, ch. 40, § 1; 1994, ch. 609, § 1.
(a) The jurisdiction of the court of criminal appeals shall be appellate only, and shall extend to review of the final judgments of trial courts in: (1) Criminal cases, both felony and misdemeanor; (2) Habeas corpus and Post-Conviction Procedure Act proceedings attacking the validity of a final judgment of conviction or the sentence in a criminal case, and other cases or proceedings instituted with reference to or arising out of a criminal case; (3) Civil or criminal contempt arising out of a criminal matter; and (4) Extradition cases.
(1) Criminal cases, both felony and misdemeanor;
(2) Habeas corpus and Post-Conviction Procedure Act proceedings attacking the validity of a final judgment of conviction or the sentence in a criminal case, and other cases or proceedings instituted with reference to or arising out of a criminal case;
(3) Civil or criminal contempt arising out of a criminal matter; and
(4) Extradition cases.
(b) The court or any judge of the court shall also have jurisdiction to grant petitions for certiorari and supersedeas in proper cases within its jurisdiction as provided by law.
Acts 1967, ch. 226, § 8; 1971, ch. 156, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-448; Acts 1989, ch. 40, § 1; 1994, ch. 609, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-18-310 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 18 / Section 16-18-310
Clerk of municipal court - Conviction notification to Tennessee bureau of investigation
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, at all times there shall be a person elected, appointed or otherwise designated to serve as clerk of the municipal court. Immediately upon each such election, appointment or designation, the chief administrative officer of the municipality shall promptly certify the results of the election, appointment or designation to the administrative office of the courts and shall supply such additional information concerning the clerk as required by the administrative director. (b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the clerk of the municipal court shall maintain an accurate and detailed record and summary report of all financial transactions and affairs of the court. The record and report shall accurately reflect all disposed cases, assessments, collections, suspensions, waivers and transmittals of litigation taxes, court costs, forfeitures, fines, fees and any other receipts and disbursements. An audit of the financial records and transactions of the municipal court shall be made each year as part of any audit performed pursuant to § 6-56-105 . (c) The clerk of the municipal court, when exercising concurrent general sessions court jurisdiction, shall notify the Tennessee bureau of investigation by electronic submission of final disposition of criminal proceedings against a person as soon as practicable but no later than three (3) business days after final disposition of the criminal proceedings. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 554,s 3, eff. 3/11/2024. Amended by 2023EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 2,s 5, eff. 9/8/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 716, s 2, eff. 3/18/2022. Acts 2004, ch. 914, § 2.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, at all times there shall be a person elected, appointed or otherwise designated to serve as clerk of the municipal court. Immediately upon each such election, appointment or designation, the chief administrative officer of the municipality shall promptly certify the results of the election, appointment or designation to the administrative office of the courts and shall supply such additional information concerning the clerk as required by the administrative director.
(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the clerk of the municipal court shall maintain an accurate and detailed record and summary report of all financial transactions and affairs of the court. The record and report shall accurately reflect all disposed cases, assessments, collections, suspensions, waivers and transmittals of litigation taxes, court costs, forfeitures, fines, fees and any other receipts and disbursements. An audit of the financial records and transactions of the municipal court shall be made each year as part of any audit performed pursuant to § 6-56-105 .
(c) The clerk of the municipal court, when exercising concurrent general sessions court jurisdiction, shall notify the Tennessee bureau of investigation by electronic submission of final disposition of criminal proceedings against a person as soon as practicable but no later than three (3) business days after final disposition of the criminal proceedings.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 554,s 3, eff. 3/11/2024.
Amended by 2023EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 2,s 5, eff. 9/8/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 716, s 2, eff. 3/18/2022.
Acts 2004, ch. 914, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-303 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-303
Adjournment from day to day
Status: in_force

(a) Any judge in attendance at any time may adjourn court, in the absence of the other judges, from day to day, until they are able to attend. (b) The clerk or sheriff may also adjourn the court from day to day, for one (1) week at the first of the term, if no judge attends. Code 1858, §§ 4506, 4507 (deriv. Acts 1817, ch. 199, § 4); Shan., §§ 6340, 6341; Code 1932, §§ 10642, 10643; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-318.
(a) Any judge in attendance at any time may adjourn court, in the absence of the other judges, from day to day, until they are able to attend.
(b) The clerk or sheriff may also adjourn the court from day to day, for one (1) week at the first of the term, if no judge attends.
Code 1858, §§ 4506, 4507 (deriv. Acts 1817, ch. 199, § 4); Shan., §§ 6340, 6341; Code 1932, §§ 10642, 10643; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-318.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-10-102 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / Section 16-10-102
Criminal jurisdiction
Status: in_force

The circuit court has exclusive original jurisdiction of all crimes and misdemeanors, either at common law or by statute, unless otherwise expressly provided by statute or this code. Code 1858, § 4226 (deriv. Acts 1835-1836, ch. 19, § 3); Shan., § 6064; mod. Code 1932, § 10319; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-502.
The circuit court has exclusive original jurisdiction of all crimes and misdemeanors, either at common law or by statute, unless otherwise expressly provided by statute or this code.
Code 1858, § 4226 (deriv. Acts 1835-1836, ch. 19, § 3); Shan., § 6064; mod. Code 1932, § 10319; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-502.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-304 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-304
Adjournment to court in course
Status: in_force

(a) The clerk, at the expiration of the week specified in § 16-3-303 , or the single judge in attendance in the case mentioned in § 16-3-303(a) , if satisfied that a quorum cannot be had, may adjourn to the court in course. (b) Adjournment works no discontinuance in any case, but the business stands over until the next term, and may then be disposed of, and all process, recognizances, or other obligations enforced as if no continuance had been made. Code 1858, §§ 4508, 4509; Shan., §§ 6342, 6343; Code 1932, §§ 10644, 10645; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-319.
(a) The clerk, at the expiration of the week specified in § 16-3-303 , or the single judge in attendance in the case mentioned in § 16-3-303(a) , if satisfied that a quorum cannot be had, may adjourn to the court in course.
(b) Adjournment works no discontinuance in any case, but the business stands over until the next term, and may then be disposed of, and all process, recognizances, or other obligations enforced as if no continuance had been made.
Code 1858, §§ 4508, 4509; Shan., §§ 6342, 6343; Code 1932, §§ 10644, 10645; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-319.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-18-312 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 18 / Section 16-18-312
Special substitute judges - Sitting by interchange for other judges
Status: in_force

(a) If a municipal judge is unable to preside over municipal court for any reason, then a special substitute municipal judge shall be determined pursuant to an ordinance of the governing body of such municipal court. In the absence of such an ordinance, then the municipal judge may designate in writing, to be filed with the clerk of the municipal court, the name of a special substitute judge to hold court in the municipal judge's place and stead. The special substitute judge must meet the qualifications of a municipal judge and the special substitute judge shall take the same oath and have the same authority as the regular municipal judge to hold court for the occasion. Such appointment of a special substitute judge is effective for no more than thirty (30) days, after which a new appointment is required. (b) Municipal court judges and general sessions court judges are empowered to sit by interchange for other municipal court judges. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 72, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2006, ch. 1004, § 5.
(a) If a municipal judge is unable to preside over municipal court for any reason, then a special substitute municipal judge shall be determined pursuant to an ordinance of the governing body of such municipal court. In the absence of such an ordinance, then the municipal judge may designate in writing, to be filed with the clerk of the municipal court, the name of a special substitute judge to hold court in the municipal judge's place and stead. The special substitute judge must meet the qualifications of a municipal judge and the special substitute judge shall take the same oath and have the same authority as the regular municipal judge to hold court for the occasion. Such appointment of a special substitute judge is effective for no more than thirty (30) days, after which a new appointment is required.
(b) Municipal court judges and general sessions court judges are empowered to sit by interchange for other municipal court judges.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 72, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2006, ch. 1004, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-807 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-807
Tennessee judicial information system fund
Status: in_force

(a) The state treasurer is authorized and directed to establish within the general fund the Tennessee judicial information system fund, as a restricted revolving account in the state treasury. (b) The source of funding for this account shall be judicial branch appropriations made in the general appropriations act and unexpended funds carried forward in accordance with subsection (d). (c) The funds for the Tennessee judicial information system established by this section may be invested by the state treasurer pursuant to policy guidelines, established by resolution of the funding board, created by § 9-9-101 . The funding board shall establish the policy guidelines for the investment of the Tennessee judicial information system fund in a manner that is lawful for investment of state funds. All interest or other earnings shall be added to the corpus of the fund and shall remain a part of the fund. (d) Any unencumbered or unexpended balance of this account at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall be carried forward until expended in accordance with this section. (e) The balance of the fund shall be used for the acquisition of equipment, software, supplies, personnel, services and other costs incidental to the acquisition, development, operation and administration of information services, telecommunications, systems, software, supplies and equipment, including the payment of principal and interest on items paid in installments. Acts 1994, ch. 1005, § 5.
(a) The state treasurer is authorized and directed to establish within the general fund the Tennessee judicial information system fund, as a restricted revolving account in the state treasury.
(b) The source of funding for this account shall be judicial branch appropriations made in the general appropriations act and unexpended funds carried forward in accordance with subsection (d).
(c) The funds for the Tennessee judicial information system established by this section may be invested by the state treasurer pursuant to policy guidelines, established by resolution of the funding board, created by § 9-9-101 . The funding board shall establish the policy guidelines for the investment of the Tennessee judicial information system fund in a manner that is lawful for investment of state funds. All interest or other earnings shall be added to the corpus of the fund and shall remain a part of the fund.
(d) Any unencumbered or unexpended balance of this account at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall be carried forward until expended in accordance with this section.
(e) The balance of the fund shall be used for the acquisition of equipment, software, supplies, personnel, services and other costs incidental to the acquisition, development, operation and administration of information services, telecommunications, systems, software, supplies and equipment, including the payment of principal and interest on items paid in installments.
Acts 1994, ch. 1005, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-11-205 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / Section 16-11-205
Process to other counties in general
Status: in_force

If the suit is properly instituted, attachments, injunctions, and all other process known to the court, and necessary to attain the ends of justice, may be issued to any other county. Code 1858, § 4307; Shan., § 6117; Code 1932, § 10385; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-626.
If the suit is properly instituted, attachments, injunctions, and all other process known to the court, and necessary to attain the ends of justice, may be issued to any other county.
Code 1858, § 4307; Shan., § 6117; Code 1932, § 10385; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-626.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-815 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-815
Creation of the integrated criminal justice steering committee - Purpose
Status: in_force

There is created an integrated criminal justice steering committee, which shall be administratively attached to the administrative office of the courts. The purpose of the integrated criminal justice steering committee is to provide the governmental and technical information systems infrastructure necessary for accomplishing state and local government public safety and justice functions in the most effective manner, by appropriately and efficiently sharing criminal justice and juvenile justice information among law enforcement agencies, judicial agencies, corrections agencies, executive agencies and political subdivisions. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 97,s 1, eff. 4/8/2013. Acts 2006, ch. 917, § 1.
There is created an integrated criminal justice steering committee, which shall be administratively attached to the administrative office of the courts. The purpose of the integrated criminal justice steering committee is to provide the governmental and technical information systems infrastructure necessary for accomplishing state and local government public safety and justice functions in the most effective manner, by appropriately and efficiently sharing criminal justice and juvenile justice information among law enforcement agencies, judicial agencies, corrections agencies, executive agencies and political subdivisions.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 97,s 1, eff. 4/8/2013.
Acts 2006, ch. 917, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-6-101 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 6 / Section 16-6-101
Chapter definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter: (1) "Nonadversarial approach" means that the district attorney general and the defense attorney work together for the benefit of the veterans treatment court program participants and the program; and (2) "Veterans treatment court program" means a stand-alone veterans treatment court program established by a judge of a court of this state exercising criminal jurisdiction or a veterans court track created within an existing certified drug court. Acts 2015, ch. 453, § 3.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Nonadversarial approach" means that the district attorney general and the defense attorney work together for the benefit of the veterans treatment court program participants and the program; and
(2) "Veterans treatment court program" means a stand-alone veterans treatment court program established by a judge of a court of this state exercising criminal jurisdiction or a veterans court track created within an existing certified drug court.
Acts 2015, ch. 453, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-2-106 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 2 / Section 16-2-106
§ 16-2-106
Status: in_force

In judicial districts that have a separate circuit and chancery court or in districts that have more than one (1) division of circuit or chancery court, if a civil cause of action is filed in the improper court or the improper division of court within the judicial district, upon the motion of either party, or upon the court's own motion, the civil cause of action may be transferred to the proper court or proper division within such district.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-10-202 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / Section 16-10-202
Days court not held
Status: in_force

If, from any cause, the court is not held on any day after it has been opened, there shall be no discontinuance; but, as soon as the cause is removed, the court may proceed to business as before. Code 1858, § 4222 (deriv. Acts 1835-1836, ch. 5, § 5); Shan., § 6060; Code 1932, § 10315; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-516; Acts 1984, ch. 931, § 18.
If, from any cause, the court is not held on any day after it has been opened, there shall be no discontinuance; but, as soon as the cause is removed, the court may proceed to business as before.
Code 1858, § 4222 (deriv. Acts 1835-1836, ch. 5, § 5); Shan., § 6060; Code 1932, § 10315; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-516; Acts 1984, ch. 931, § 18.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-21-104 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 21 / Section 16-21-104
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 420,s 16, eff. 5/21/2019. Acts 1943, ch. 130, § 2a, as added by Acts 1947, ch. 47, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 738.3 (Williams, § 738.6b); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-904.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 420,s 16, eff. 5/21/2019.
Acts 1943, ch. 130, § 2a, as added by Acts 1947, ch. 47, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 738.3 (Williams, § 738.6b); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-904.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-4-106 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / Section 16-4-106
Clerks and marshals
Status: in_force

The clerks and marshals of the supreme court shall also be the clerks and marshals of the court of appeals, and shall perform the same duties and be subject to the same liabilities and receive the same compensation as are prescribed by law. Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 15; Shan. Supp., § 6325a15; Code 1932, §10628; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-406.
The clerks and marshals of the supreme court shall also be the clerks and marshals of the court of appeals, and shall perform the same duties and be subject to the same liabilities and receive the same compensation as are prescribed by law.
Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 15; Shan. Supp., § 6325a15; Code 1932, §10628; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-406.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-901 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-901
Creation
Status: in_force

There is created the private probation services council. Acts 1998, ch. 1067, § 2.
There is created the private probation services council.
Acts 1998, ch. 1067, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-805 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-805
Office, equipment, and supplies
Status: in_force

The administrative director of the courts shall be provided with suitable office space and with all office equipment and supplies necessary to perform the duties and functions of the office. Acts 1993, ch. 65, § 2.
The administrative director of the courts shall be provided with suitable office space and with all office equipment and supplies necessary to perform the duties and functions of the office.
Acts 1993, ch. 65, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-822 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-822
Development of centralized case management system - System requirements - Written update timing and requirements
Status: in_force

(a) The administrative office of the courts (AOC) is directed to define and develop a centralized system of case management, document management, electronic case filing, electronic payment methods, data reporting, and any other capability deemed necessary for collection and reporting of all state and local court public case level data. The system may consist of software solutions capable of integrating with existing state and local systems to report case dispositions, statistics, and other related data with the goal that information in such system should be easily reportable, retrievable, accessible, and uniform and consistent throughout the state. The development of the centralized system must include projections for ongoing costs and maintenance of such a system. (b) Beginning on January 31, 2025, and every six (6) months thereafter until initial implementation of the system, the AOC shall submit a written update as to the progress of the development, including projections for ongoing costs and maintenance of such a system to the speakers and chief clerks of each house of the general assembly; the governor; the chairs of the finance, ways and means committees of the house of representatives and senate; the chair of the civil justice committee of the house of representatives; the chair of the judiciary committee of the senate; and the office of legislative budget analysis. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 947,s 1, eff. 5/6/2024.
(a) The administrative office of the courts (AOC) is directed to define and develop a centralized system of case management, document management, electronic case filing, electronic payment methods, data reporting, and any other capability deemed necessary for collection and reporting of all state and local court public case level data. The system may consist of software solutions capable of integrating with existing state and local systems to report case dispositions, statistics, and other related data with the goal that information in such system should be easily reportable, retrievable, accessible, and uniform and consistent throughout the state. The development of the centralized system must include projections for ongoing costs and maintenance of such a system.
(b) Beginning on January 31, 2025, and every six (6) months thereafter until initial implementation of the system, the AOC shall submit a written update as to the progress of the development, including projections for ongoing costs and maintenance of such a system to the speakers and chief clerks of each house of the general assembly; the governor; the chairs of the finance, ways and means committees of the house of representatives and senate; the chair of the civil justice committee of the house of representatives; the chair of the judiciary committee of the senate; and the office of legislative budget analysis.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 947,s 1, eff. 5/6/2024.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-4-112 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / Section 16-4-112
Concurrent sessions
Status: in_force

The court shall sit in sections concurrently as ordered by the presiding judge in Knoxville, Nashville and Jackson, for the purpose of hearing and determining cases before it and for such length of time as may, in the judgment of the court, be required for the dispatch of the business before the court at such places. Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 8; Shan. Supp., § 6325a8; mod. Code 1932, § 10616; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-412; Acts 1987, ch. 256, § 1.
The court shall sit in sections concurrently as ordered by the presiding judge in Knoxville, Nashville and Jackson, for the purpose of hearing and determining cases before it and for such length of time as may, in the judgment of the court, be required for the dispatch of the business before the court at such places.
Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 8; Shan. Supp., § 6325a8; mod. Code 1932, § 10616; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-412; Acts 1987, ch. 256, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-903 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-903
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Council" means the private probation services council; (2) "Governing authority" means the elected body of any county, municipality or metropolitan government with statutory power to enter into written contracts with corporations, enterprises or entities to provide public services; and (3) "Private entity" means a privately owned and operated corporation, enterprise or entity that contracts to provide general probation supervision, counseling or collection services for persons convicted of a misdemeanor and placed on probation. Acts 1998, ch. 1067, § 4.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Council" means the private probation services council;
(2) "Governing authority" means the elected body of any county, municipality or metropolitan government with statutory power to enter into written contracts with corporations, enterprises or entities to provide public services; and
(3) "Private entity" means a privately owned and operated corporation, enterprise or entity that contracts to provide general probation supervision, counseling or collection services for persons convicted of a misdemeanor and placed on probation.
Acts 1998, ch. 1067, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-1-112 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 1 / Section 16-1-112
Justice of the peace - Name change throughout code
Status: in_force

Tennessee Code Annotated is amended in each of its provisions providing the judicial powers, duties, functions or jurisdiction of the justice of the peace to delete references to "justice of the peace" or any variation of those words and to substitute instead references to the "court of general sessions" or "judge of the court of general sessions" or a variation of those words. The Tennessee code commission is granted the authority to reword the provisions to conform to the appropriate reference and sentence structure and to make grammatical changes necessary to effect those word changes without any change of substantive law. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A., § 19-102.
Tennessee Code Annotated is amended in each of its provisions providing the judicial powers, duties, functions or jurisdiction of the justice of the peace to delete references to "justice of the peace" or any variation of those words and to substitute instead references to the "court of general sessions" or "judge of the court of general sessions" or a variation of those words. The Tennessee code commission is granted the authority to reword the provisions to conform to the appropriate reference and sentence structure and to make grammatical changes necessary to effect those word changes without any change of substantive law.
Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A., § 19-102.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-18-304 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 18 / Section 16-18-304
Court costs as prescribed by municipal law or ordinance - Allocation of fees - Training and continuing education for judges and clerks - Fees when exercising concurrent general sessions court jurisdiction
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, municipal court costs shall be set and collected in the amount prescribed by municipal law or ordinance. From such amount, one dollar ($1.00) shall be forwarded by the municipal court clerk to the state treasurer for deposit and shall be credited to the account for the administrative office of the courts (AOC) for the sole purpose of defraying the administrative director's expenses in providing training and continuing education courses for municipal court judges and municipal court clerks. The AOC shall allocate fifty percent (50%) of such funds exclusively for the purpose of providing training and continuing education for municipal court clerks. The AOC is authorized to contract with qualified persons, entities or organizations in order to provide required training or continuing education for municipal court judges. The AOC shall contract with the municipal technical advisory service of the University of Tennessee institute for public service in order to provide required training or continuing education for municipal court clerks and may contract with other qualified persons, entities or organizations to provide additional or alternate training to municipal court clerks. (b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, to the extent that a municipal court is exercising its duly conferred, concurrent general sessions court jurisdiction in a given case, this section does not apply and costs in such case shall be assessed, collected and distributed in the same manner as such costs are assessed, collected and distributed in the court of general sessions. Acts 2004, ch. 914, § 2.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, municipal court costs shall be set and collected in the amount prescribed by municipal law or ordinance. From such amount, one dollar ($1.00) shall be forwarded by the municipal court clerk to the state treasurer for deposit and shall be credited to the account for the administrative office of the courts (AOC) for the sole purpose of defraying the administrative director's expenses in providing training and continuing education courses for municipal court judges and municipal court clerks. The AOC shall allocate fifty percent (50%) of such funds exclusively for the purpose of providing training and continuing education for municipal court clerks. The AOC is authorized to contract with qualified persons, entities or organizations in order to provide required training or continuing education for municipal court judges. The AOC shall contract with the municipal technical advisory service of the University of Tennessee institute for public service in order to provide required training or continuing education for municipal court clerks and may contract with other qualified persons, entities or organizations to provide additional or alternate training to municipal court clerks.
(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, to the extent that a municipal court is exercising its duly conferred, concurrent general sessions court jurisdiction in a given case, this section does not apply and costs in such case shall be assessed, collected and distributed in the same manner as such costs are assessed, collected and distributed in the court of general sessions.
Acts 2004, ch. 914, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-4-111 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / Section 16-4-111
Effect of judgments
Status: in_force

The court of appeals is a court of record, and its judgment shall be executed as provided in the Tennessee rules of appellate procedure. Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 13; Shan. Supp., § 6325a13; mod. Code 1932, § 10627; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 10627; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §16-411; Acts 1981, ch. 449, § 2.
The court of appeals is a court of record, and its judgment shall be executed as provided in the Tennessee rules of appellate procedure.
Acts 1925, ch. 100, § 13; Shan. Supp., § 6325a13; mod. Code 1932, § 10627; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 10627; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §16-411; Acts 1981, ch. 449, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-11-108 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / Section 16-11-108
Persons adjudicated incompetent
Status: in_force

The chancery court has jurisdiction, concurrent with the county court, over persons adjudicated incompetent and their estates. Code 1858, § 4298 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 163, § 1); Shan., § 6107; Code 1932, § 10375; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-609; Acts 2011, ch. 47, § 13.
The chancery court has jurisdiction, concurrent with the county court, over persons adjudicated incompetent and their estates.
Code 1858, § 4298 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 163, § 1); Shan., § 6107; Code 1932, § 10375; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-609; Acts 2011, ch. 47, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-211 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-211
Seminars
Status: in_force

All general sessions court judges shall be required to attend seminars offered for the particular benefit of the judges. Guidelines for the seminars, workshops, and training sessions are to be established by the administrative director of the courts. Travel and mileage expenses relative to attendance at the seminars shall be paid on an individual basis by each general sessions court judge. Acts 1982, ch. 945, § 3; 1993, ch. 66, § 24.
All general sessions court judges shall be required to attend seminars offered for the particular benefit of the judges. Guidelines for the seminars, workshops, and training sessions are to be established by the administrative director of the courts. Travel and mileage expenses relative to attendance at the seminars shall be paid on an individual basis by each general sessions court judge.
Acts 1982, ch. 945, § 3; 1993, ch. 66, § 24.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-22-102 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 22 / Section 16-22-102
Legislative intent - Goals
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly recognizes that a critical need exists in this state for criminal justice system programs to reduce the incidence of drug use, drug addiction and crimes committed as a result of drug use and drug addiction. It is the intent of the general assembly by this chapter to create a program to facilitate the implementation of new and the continuation of existing drug court treatment programs. (b) The goals of the drug court treatment programs created under this chapter include the following: (1) To reduce the use of jail and prison beds and other correctional services by nonviolent chemically dependent offenders by diverting them into rehabilitative programs; (2) To reduce incidences of drug use and drug addiction among offenders; (3) To reduce crimes committed as a result of drug use and addiction; (4) To promote public safety through these reductions; (5) To increase the personal, familial and societal accountability of offenders; and (6) To promote effective interaction and the use of resources among local criminal justice agencies and community agencies. Acts 2003, ch. 335, § 1.
(a) The general assembly recognizes that a critical need exists in this state for criminal justice system programs to reduce the incidence of drug use, drug addiction and crimes committed as a result of drug use and drug addiction. It is the intent of the general assembly by this chapter to create a program to facilitate the implementation of new and the continuation of existing drug court treatment programs.
(b) The goals of the drug court treatment programs created under this chapter include the following: (1) To reduce the use of jail and prison beds and other correctional services by nonviolent chemically dependent offenders by diverting them into rehabilitative programs; (2) To reduce incidences of drug use and drug addiction among offenders; (3) To reduce crimes committed as a result of drug use and addiction; (4) To promote public safety through these reductions; (5) To increase the personal, familial and societal accountability of offenders; and (6) 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 nonviolent chemically dependent offenders by diverting them into rehabilitative programs;
(2) To reduce incidences of drug use and drug addiction among offenders;
(3) To reduce crimes committed as a result of drug use and addiction;
(4) To promote public safety through these reductions;
(5) To increase the personal, familial and societal accountability of offenders; and
(6) To promote effective interaction and the use of resources among local criminal justice agencies and community agencies.
Acts 2003, ch. 335, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-819 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-819
Compensation
Status: in_force

The members of the steering committee, advisory council and subcommittees shall serve without compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Acts 2006, ch. 917, § 1.
The members of the steering committee, advisory council and subcommittees shall serve without compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Acts 2006, ch. 917, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-101 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / Section 16-3-101
Composition - Election of judges - Qualifications - Concurrence necessary for decisions
Status: in_force

(a) The supreme court shall consist of five (5) judges, one (1) of whom shall reside in each grand division, and no more than two (2) in the same grand division. (b) A judge must have been a resident of the grand division from which the judge is appointed for at least one (1) year immediately preceding appointment. For purposes of this subsection (b), "resident" has the same meaning as defined in § 2-1-104 . (c) Each judge shall be at least thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of appointment, shall have been a resident of the state for at least five (5) consecutive years immediately preceding appointment, and shall be licensed to practice law in this state. For purposes of this subsection (c), "resident" has the same meaning as defined in § 2-1-104 . (d) A judge's term of office shall be eight (8) years. (e) The concurrence of three (3) of the judges is necessary to a decision in every case. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 528,Secs.s2, s3 eff. 1/28/2016. Code 1858, § 4495 (deriv. Acts 1835-1836, ch. 3, § 1); Acts 1870, ch. 24, §§ 1, 6, 9, 10 (as mod. by Const., art. 6, §§ 2, 3); Shan., §§ 375, 6328; Code 1932, §§ 632, 10630; modified; Acts 1974, ch. 708, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 2-308, 2-3-202; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-301.
(a) The supreme court shall consist of five (5) judges, one (1) of whom shall reside in each grand division, and no more than two (2) in the same grand division.
(b) A judge must have been a resident of the grand division from which the judge is appointed for at least one (1) year immediately preceding appointment. For purposes of this subsection (b), "resident" has the same meaning as defined in § 2-1-104 .
(c) Each judge shall be at least thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of appointment, shall have been a resident of the state for at least five (5) consecutive years immediately preceding appointment, and shall be licensed to practice law in this state. For purposes of this subsection (c), "resident" has the same meaning as defined in § 2-1-104 .
(d) A judge's term of office shall be eight (8) years.
(e) The concurrence of three (3) of the judges is necessary to a decision in every case.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 528,Secs.s2, s3 eff. 1/28/2016.
Code 1858, § 4495 (deriv. Acts 1835-1836, ch. 3, § 1); Acts 1870, ch. 24, §§ 1, 6, 9, 10 (as mod. by Const., art. 6, §§ 2, 3); Shan., §§ 375, 6328; Code 1932, §§ 632, 10630; modified; Acts 1974, ch. 708, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 2-308, 2-3-202; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-301.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-5-107 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / Section 16-5-107
Places of sitting - Terms - Out of term sittings - Panels and en banc sessions - Majority required for decisions
Status: in_force

(a) The court of criminal appeals shall sit at Knoxville, Nashville, Jackson and such other places as the presiding judge may from time to time designate for the purpose of hearing and deciding cases and such other matters as may come before it for its consideration and determination. (b) The regular terms of the court of criminal appeals shall be the fourth Monday in June at Knoxville; the third Monday in February at Nashville; and the second Monday in October at Jackson. (c) The court of criminal appeals may sit at such places as the presiding judge may designate without reference to terms, for the purpose of hearing and deciding cases and other matters before it, and for such period of time as may in the judgment of the court be necessary or required for the prompt and orderly dispatch of the business before the court at such time. (d) The court of criminal appeals shall sit in panels of three (3) judges. The court may sit en banc, or in panels of five (5) or seven (7) judges, at any regular or special term, in the discretion of the presiding judge thereof, entered upon the minutes of the particular court in each instance. In each such event, the concurrence of a majority of the judges so sitting shall be necessary to constitute a decision of the court. Acts 1967, ch. 226, § 7; 1969, ch. 330, § 4; 1973, ch. 395, § 1; 1974, ch. 520, § 1; 1976, ch. 636, § 3; T.C.A., § 16-447; Acts 1996, ch. 704, § 1.
(a) The court of criminal appeals shall sit at Knoxville, Nashville, Jackson and such other places as the presiding judge may from time to time designate for the purpose of hearing and deciding cases and such other matters as may come before it for its consideration and determination.
(b) The regular terms of the court of criminal appeals shall be the fourth Monday in June at Knoxville; the third Monday in February at Nashville; and the second Monday in October at Jackson.
(c) The court of criminal appeals may sit at such places as the presiding judge may designate without reference to terms, for the purpose of hearing and deciding cases and other matters before it, and for such period of time as may in the judgment of the court be necessary or required for the prompt and orderly dispatch of the business before the court at such time.
(d) The court of criminal appeals shall sit in panels of three (3) judges. The court may sit en banc, or in panels of five (5) or seven (7) judges, at any regular or special term, in the discretion of the presiding judge thereof, entered upon the minutes of the particular court in each instance. In each such event, the concurrence of a majority of the judges so sitting shall be necessary to constitute a decision of the court.
Acts 1967, ch. 226, § 7; 1969, ch. 330, § 4; 1973, ch. 395, § 1; 1974, ch. 520, § 1; 1976, ch. 636, § 3; T.C.A., § 16-447; Acts 1996, ch. 704, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-302 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / Section 16-15-302
Salaries of court officers in metropolitan government counties
Status: in_force

In counties governed by a metropolitan government as provided in title 7, the salaries of court officers of circuit, chancery and general sessions courts shall be the same and equal to the salaries of the court officers of the criminal courts of those counties. Acts 1971, ch. 201, § 1; 1972, ch. 710, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-1125.
In counties governed by a metropolitan government as provided in title 7, the salaries of court officers of circuit, chancery and general sessions courts shall be the same and equal to the salaries of the court officers of the criminal courts of those counties.
Acts 1971, ch. 201, § 1; 1972, ch. 710, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-1125.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-16-112 — TN Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16 / Section 16-16-112
Enforcement of small liens
Status: in_force

(a) Jurisdiction is conferred upon the county court to enforce vendors' liens and foreclose mortgages upon all sums under fifty dollars ($50.00), and also to enforce all liens on all sums under fifty dollars ($50.00) in such cases as the chancery court alone would have jurisdiction if the amount were more than fifty dollars ($50.00). The rules of practice and pleading in use in the chancery court on sums above fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be adopted or followed. (b) Subsection (a) shall only apply in counties having a population, according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, of: not less than not more than 12,800 12,900 27,100 27,200 43,100 43,200 62,300 62,400 182,000 182,100 (c) In counties having a population of not less than thirty-nine thousand fifty (39,050) nor more than thirty-nine thousand one hundred fifty (39,150), according to the 2000 federal census of population or any subsequent federal census, the circuit court clerk, who also serves as the general sessions court clerk, shall serve as the clerk of the court with probate jurisdiction in any such counties. Acts 1887, ch. 141, §§ 1, 2; 1889, ch. 30, § 1; Shan., §§ 6035, 6036; mod. Code 1932, §§ 10232, 10233; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-714; Acts 2003, ch. 310, §§ 1, 6-10; 2005, ch. 24, §§ 1, 2.
(a) Jurisdiction is conferred upon the county court to enforce vendors' liens and foreclose mortgages upon all sums under fifty dollars ($50.00), and also to enforce all liens on all sums under fifty dollars ($50.00) in such cases as the chancery court alone would have jurisdiction if the amount were more than fifty dollars ($50.00). The rules of practice and pleading in use in the chancery court on sums above fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be adopted or followed.
(b) Subsection (a) shall only apply in counties having a population, according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, of: not less than not more than 12,800 12,900 27,100 27,200 43,100 43,200 62,300 62,400 182,000 182,100
not less than not more than 12,800 12,900 27,100 27,200 43,100 43,200 62,300 62,400 182,000 182,100
not less than
not more than
12,800
12,900
27,100
27,200
43,100
43,200
62,300
62,400
182,000
182,100
(c) In counties having a population of not less than thirty-nine thousand fifty (39,050) nor more than thirty-nine thousand one hundred fifty (39,150), according to the 2000 federal census of population or any subsequent federal census, the circuit court clerk, who also serves as the general sessions court clerk, shall serve as the clerk of the court with probate jurisdiction in any such counties.
Acts 1887, ch. 141, §§ 1, 2; 1889, ch. 30, § 1; Shan., §§ 6035, 6036; mod. Code 1932, §§ 10232, 10233; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 16-714; Acts 2003, ch. 310, §§ 1, 6-10; 2005, ch. 24, §§ 1, 2.