Opinion ID: 1058710
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Limitations on Appellate Jurisdiction

Text: Finally, we address the State's argument that Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-35-401 limits the jurisdiction of the Court of Criminal Appeals. The State argues that the legislature has limited the appellate court's general grant of jurisdiction [12] in section 40-35-401 such that it cannot review and vacate the conviction upon a sentencing appeal. Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-35-401(c) (2003) specifies how the appellate court may proceed when a defendant appeals his sentence, providing that if a sentence is appealed, the appellate court may: 1. Dismiss the appeal; 2. Affirm, reduce, vacate or set aside the sentence imposed; 3. Remand the case or direct the entry of an appropriate sentence or order; or 4. Direct any further proceedings appropriate or required under the circumstances. The State contends that, under the statutory construction doctrine of ejusdem generis, [13] section 40-35-401(c)(4) limits the court to direct only additional sentencing proceedings. We find that the State's reliance on section 40-35-401(c)(4) is misplaced and that the statute does not restrict the jurisdiction of the Court of Criminal Appeals in the manner suggested. Section 40-35-401 simply limits the relief that the appellate court may offer when reviewing appeals of sentences and does not prevent the court from considering issues besides those related to sentencing. The provision applies equally to situations in which the defendant pleaded guilty and appeals his sentence and to those in which he pleaded not guilty, is found guilty, and appeals the sentence and conviction. Therefore, section 40-35-401(c)(4) is not relevant to the issues before the Court.