What are Tennessee Court Records?

What are Tennessee Court Records?

Tennessee is the 15th most populous state in the United States. Its court system, which includes courts of limited jurisdiction, trial courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court, serves the state population, estimated at over 7.1 million. Each of these courts has a court clerk who helps the court to run efficiently. They accept filings, schedule hearings, and maintain court records, among other administrative duties.

Court records are official records, information, or documents collected from court proceedings involving different cases, including civil and criminal cases. Generally, they may be in the form of papers, letters, sound recordings, books, and any other material related to court proceedings. Court records may be used for several purposes, including legal research, historical research, and as vital evidence in a court of law. Unless expressly marked as confidential under state law or sealed by court orders, most Tennessee court records are public and open to inspection under the state's Public Records Act. The following are some of the items that make up a typical Tennessee Court record:

Docket

This is a summarized log of the complete history of court proceedings arranged in chronological form.

Case File

This is a complete pack of original documents submitted about a case in any court proceedings.

Transcript

This is created in a court proceeding as a written, word-for-word document from what was said in the court. The proceeding may either be a trial or other formal conversation, like an oral disposition or a hearing.

Evidence

This is any proof presented in a court case, especially at trial, to convince the judge to decide the case in favor of the party proving it. It may be in the form of a document or testimony of a witness.

Pleading

This is a written statement that a party to a case files with the court describing their objective assertion or position about the case. In other words, it is a document in which a party articulates or responds to claims, allegations, defenses, or denials.

Opinion

This is a judge's written explanation of the court's decision.

Brief

A brief is a written statement or argument prepared and submitted by the lawyer for each party in a lawsuit to support their case. It may be submitted in a trial or appellate proceedings to explain why a judge should rule in favor of the attorney's client.

Affidavit

This is a printed or written statement made under oath by the party to a case.

Complaint

Typically, a complaint is what starts off a civil case. It is a written statement in which the plaintiff states the alleged misdeeds of the defendant or claims against such an individual.

Indictment

A criminal case often begins with an indictment. An indictment is a formal accusation voted by a grand jury upon request by a prosecutor to charge an individual with a crime. It indicates there is enough proof that the alleged offender committed a crime to justify starting a trial.

Motion

This is a specific request (written or oral) by a party to a case asking the judge to issue an order or ruling in their favor. It may be during or after a trial.

Types of Court Cases

Various types of cases are filed with Tennessee courts under two broad categories - Criminal cases and civil cases.

Criminal Cases

In Tennessee, a criminal case is a legal matter in which an accused person is charged in court for criminal offenses. Criminal offenses that may result in criminal charges are broadly categorized as felonies and misdemeanors under state law. Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors and include kidnapping, assault, robbery, burglary, arson, manslaughter, and murder. Examples of misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee include prostitution, reckless driving, domestic assault, theft, DUI, and other petty theft.

Typically, criminal cases in Tennessee are brought against accused individuals by the state and not by any person. In a criminal case hearing, the person representing the state (prosecutor) must prove to the court beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant (accused person) is indeed guilty of the crime allegedly committed. If found guilty of a crime in a criminal case, the defendant risks prison term, fine, or both. In extreme cases, the penalty may also be the death penalty.

Civil Cases

These are legal matters involving disputes between individuals or companies over injury, personal rights, or money. To initiate a civil case in Tennessee, a person or company (the plaintiff) files a complaint with the court stating they have been harmed by the actions of another individual or entity. Typically, a judge or jury is required to determine the facts of the case, apply the relevant law to such facts, and make their decisions or final judgment based on the analysis of the law and facts.

Generally, the judge or jury in most civil cases makes their final judgments based on a standard of proof known as preponderance of the evidence. Based on this standard, the narrative of the party in whose favor the judge or jury rules or decides is more likely than not. In other words, the judge or jury believes more in their evidence than the evidence presented by the other party. Common examples of civil cases in Tennessee include landlord-tenant cases, breach of contract cases, torts, divorce cases, property disputes, and small claims.

Most civil cases in Tennessee go through a few stages, although the stages are not cast in stone as the procedure may be altered depending on the case and the court. Generally, there is a pre-filing stage where a dispute arises, and the parties involved compile information. They may also try to bargain a resolution or prepare for the possibility of going to trial. At the pleading stage, the plaintiff files a complaint to initiate a civil case, and the defendant files a response. Afterward, both parties will exchange information in what is known as the discovery stage. Following this is the pre-trial stage, where both sides prepare for trial, obtain evidence, and probably get witnesses. The case is heard and decided by the judge or jury at the trial stage. There may also be a post-trial stage, during which one party to the case may appeal the decision of the trial court.

What Are the Different Courts in Tennessee?

The Supreme Court, two appellate courts, four trial courts, and some other courts with limited jurisdiction make up the Tennessee court system. The courts with limited jurisdiction may only hear certain legal matters, and they include the juvenile courts, general session courts, and municipal courts.

Tennessee Trial Courts

The four trial courts in Tennessee are the Circuit, Chancery, Criminal, and Probate Courts. The state, comprising 95 counties, is divided into 32 judicial districts, and as provided by the state constitution, each district is served by Chancery and Circuit courts. Probate and Criminal courts, which are legislatively established courts, also operate in some districts.

Circuit Courts

These are Tennessee's trial courts of general jurisdiction. They hear all criminal and civil cases, including appeals of decisions made by Juvenile, Municipal, and General Sessions Courts. The Circuit Court tries criminal cases in Tennessee except in districts with separate Criminal Courts. Sometimes, the Circuit Courts' jurisdiction overlaps the Chancery Courts'.

Chancery Courts

Unlike other courts in Tennessee, the judges (Chancellors) of Chancery Courts make decisions based on what is fair. They are courts of equity operated based on the English system in which the Chancellor is the presiding judge, acting as the "King's conscience". Tennessee Chancery Courts exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over all matters of an equitable nature where the amount in controversy exceeds $50. They also have jurisdiction over all election contests within their divisions and may hear most types of civil cases, including name changes, contract disputes, adoptions, divorces, workers' compensation, and applications for injunctions.

Criminal Courts

The Tennessee Criminal Courts were established by the state's legislature to help with the heavy caseload in the Circuit Courts. They do not operate in every part of the state. The Courts have jurisdiction over criminal cases and may hear misdemeanor appeals from the lower courts. In districts with Criminal and Circuit Courts, the Criminal Courts handle all the criminal cases. Where there are no Criminal Courts, the Circuit Courts are responsible for handling the criminal cases.

Probate Courts

Tennessee Probate Courts have jurisdiction over cases such as probate of wills and the administration of estates, including decedents' estate administration and the administration of wards under conservatorships or guardianships. The two Probate Courts in Tennessee are located in Davidson and Shelby Counties.

Tennessee Courts With Limited Jurisdiction

The courts with limited jurisdiction in Tennessee are the general sessions, juvenile and family, and municipal courts.

General Sessions Courts

Every county in Tennessee is served by a General Sessions Court, but the jurisdiction varies by county based on state statutes and privacy acts. Generally, these courts hear both criminal and civil cases. However, the court's criminal jurisdiction is restricted to preliminary hearings in felony matters and misdemeanor trials in which an accused person waives the right to a trial by jury in a Criminal or Circuit Court and a grand jury investigation. Similarly, its civil jurisdiction is limited to specific types of actions and monetary limits, typically with amounts less than $25,000.

Juvenile and Family Courts

Court cases involving children under 18 who may be dependent, delinquent, neglected, abused, and unruly are heard by the Juvenile and Family Courts in Tennessee. These include cases like child support, paternity cases, child custody, and other cases involving children whose parents were never married. In counties with no separate Juvenile Courts, the General Sessions Courts perform the roles of the Juvenile Courts.

The operations of Tennessee's Juvenile Courts, including administrative practices and case management procedures, vary and typically reflect the preferences and needs of the residents in a particular area or jurisdiction. The state has 98 juvenile courts with 45 magistrates and 109 juvenile court judges.

Municipal Courts

In Tennessee, the Municipal Courts handle cases involving violations of the ordinances and laws of the municipality. Also known as city courts, they primarily seek to ensure public welfare and safety. Municipal Courts are empowered to impose up to a $50 fine for code violations and, in certain circumstances, a civil penalty of up to $500. They are typically supervised by Municipal Judges.

Tennessee Appellate Courts

Tennessee's residents are served by two appellate courts, namely the Court of Appeals and the Court of Criminal Appeals. There are no witnesses, juries, or testimonies at the state's appellate courts. Generally, attorneys representing both parties in a case submit their briefs (written arguments) to the court. The judge makes their decision based on the briefs. If a party is not pleased with the appellate court's decision, they may appeal to the state's Supreme Court. Cases involving the death penalty are automatically appealed.

Court of Appeals

The Tennessee Court ofAppeal's jurisdiction is appellate only. It hears all civil matters except expedited, anonymous juvenile appeals and workers' compensation cases. In addition, the Court of Appeals may hear appeals from some state-run boards and commissions. The 12 members of the Tennessee Court of Appeals sit in panels (groups) of three, and they meet monthly in Nashville, Jackson, and Knoxville or any other alternate locations when necessary.

Court of Criminal Appeals

The jurisdiction of the Court of Criminal Appeals in Tennessee extends to appeals of criminal cases (misdemeanors and felonies) and post-conviction petitions. They may also hear appeals of criminal or civil contempt arising from criminal cases. Like the Court of Appeals, the state's Court of Criminal Appeals has 12 members who are also divided into panels of three.

The Tennessee Supreme Court

This is Tennessee's highest court and the court of last resort. It has no original jurisdiction. Rather, the Supreme Court hears and decides appeals of criminal and civil cases from the state's lower courts and interprets laws and Constitutions of Tennessee and the United States. Juries, testimonies, or witnesses do not exist at the Tennessee Supreme Court level. Typically, the only thing the Supreme Court considers in deciding an appeal is the briefs prepared by the lawyers to the parties involved in the case. When quicker justice dispensation is required, the Supreme Court may take over undecided cases from the state's appellate courts.

The Tennessee Supreme Court is served by five justices who are elected and evaluated every 8 years. As required by the state constitution, the court typically meets in Knoxville, Nashville, and Jackson. However, they may meet in alternate places whenever necessary.

How Many Federal Courts Are in Tennessee?

How Many Federal Courts Are in Tennessee?

There are three federal courts in Tennessee. These are:

These courts exercise jurisdiction over federal cases originating in the state. They may only hear cases that involve questions about federal law and diversity. Cases of diversity jurisdiction are legal matters in which the amount in controversy is over $75,000 involving two citizens from another state. The judges sitting on the three federal courts in Tennessee are nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The distribution of judges in each federal district court in the state is five judges for the Western District, four judges for the Middle District, and five for the Eastern District. Each judge serves a lifetime term.

How Many Court Cases Are Filed Each Year in Tennessee?

Over the recent years, the total number of case filings in Tennessee trial courts dropped while the number of case dispositions went up marginally. Generally, both criminal and civil filings declined. However, while civil dispositions declined, criminal dispositions increased.

Over 260,000 court cases are filed with the Tennessee trial courts yearly. On average, the state's criminal courts receive over 150,000 case filings, followed by the chancery courts, which receive about 56,000 filings annually. About 43,000 court cases are filed with the circuit courts every year. The probate courts have the least case filings yearly, usually around 5,500 court cases.

The majority of the cases filed with Tennessee criminal courts yearly are drug-related cases. At least 25,000 drug cases are filed with the court annually. Similarly, about 24,000 probation violation matters and 19,000 burglary cases are filed with the state's criminal courts yearly. At least 9,500 of the cases filed with the state's circuit courts are cases relating to torts/damages. The majority of the cases filed with the chancery courts are probate/trust matters, usually around 15,000 annually.

How Do I Look Up Court Cases in Tennessee?

How Do I Look Up Court Cases in Tennessee?

The clerks of courts in Tennessee are responsible for filing court documents and disseminating court records in the state. The ideal way to look up court records or cases in the state is to identify the courts in the custody of those records and submit a request. Such a request can be made in person or by email. Requesters are usually required to provide certain information to facilitate the search, including the names of the parties involved in the case, the case number, and the filing date.

The Public Case History also allows interested persons to look up the status of appealed cases in the Tennessee appellate courts. Users can search the database using the case number, case style, party name, or business/organization name. There is currently no state-run online database for looking up court cases or records in Tennessee.

What Court Records Are Not Available to the Public in Tennessee?

Some court records in Tennessee are restricted from public disclosure, either because they are sealed or marked confidential by state or federal law. For instance, records of family law cases involving minors are limited from public disclosure in the state. Similarly, most juvenile court records are not available for public inspection or copying.

Per Rule 34(2)(C) of the Public Access or Court Records, the following court records are not open to public inspection and must be treated as confidential:

  • Court documents expressly exempted from public disclosure by the state's Public Records Act.
  • Copies of motions, briefs, petitions, and other similar documents filed with the court and already presented to a judge for their personal use unless such documents were intentionally filed as part of the case record.
  • Court documents protected from public disclosure rule or order of court, including sealed documents or records.
  • Information maintained by a judge regarding their recusal from particular court cases unless it was intentionally filed as part of the case record.

Tennessee Counties