Tennessee Supreme Court

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The Tennessee Supreme Court is the highest court in the state of Tennessee. Established in 1796, it serves as the court of last resort for the state, hearing appeals of civil and criminal cases from lower state courts. The court is composed of five justices, who are appointed by the Governor of Tennessee and confirmed by the Tennessee General Assembly. Justices serve eight-year terms and may be reappointed.

Jurisdiction

The Tennessee Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over cases involving state law and the Tennessee Constitution. It also has original jurisdiction in certain cases, such as those involving the discipline of attorneys and judges. The court has the authority to interpret the constitutionality of state laws and to oversee the administration of the state's judicial system.

Locations

The court holds sessions in three cities: Nashville, Knoxville, and Jackson. This allows for greater accessibility to the court for residents across the state.

Appointment and Terms

Justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court are appointed by the Governor of Tennessee and must be confirmed by the Tennessee General Assembly. Once appointed, justices serve eight-year terms. They may be reappointed for additional terms. The court's chief justice is selected by the justices from among their number and serves a term of two years.

Notable Cases

The Tennessee Supreme Court has presided over numerous significant cases throughout its history, impacting state law and the interpretation of the Tennessee Constitution. Some of these cases have had wide-reaching implications beyond the state of Tennessee.

Related Pages

• Tennessee Court of Appeals
• Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals
• Tennessee General Assembly
• Governor of Tennessee
• Tennessee Constitution

See Also

• List of state supreme courts in the United States
• Judiciary of Tennessee
• Supreme Court of the United States