Tennessee

       The state's trial court system consists of the Tennessee Circuit Court, Tennessee Chancery Court, and the Tennessee Criminal Court.  The Tennessee Circuit Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction.  It has exclusive original jurisdiction over probate of wills, mistakes in deeds and land registration, eminent domain, and land condemnation for nonpayment of taxes.  In the criminal area it has original jurisdiction over all offenses.  The Tennessee Chancery Court has original......Click Here For More

       The state's trial court system consists of the Tennessee Circuit Court, Tennessee Chancery Court, and the Tennessee Criminal Court.  The Tennessee Circuit Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction.  It has exclusive original jurisdiction over probate of wills, mistakes in deeds and land registration, eminent domain, and land condemnation for nonpayment of taxes.  In the criminal area it has original jurisdiction over all offenses.  The Tennessee Chancery Court has original jurisdiction over equity matters exceeding $50 in controversy or as provided by law.  It has concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court over divorces, workers' compensation cases, wills, estates, adoptions, receiverships, trusts, and creditors' bills.  The Tennessee Criminal Court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases not specifically assigned to another court.  The Tennessee Probate Court has jurisdiction over administration of estates, will probate, and guardianships.  The Tennessee General Sessions Court has civil jurisdiction in cases up to $15,000 in controversy.  In larger counties, this amount goes up to $25,000.  The court's criminal jurisdiction includes cases where the punishment is a fine up to $50 and/or one year confinement.  The Tennessee Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction in matters where a child is alleged to be delinquent, unruly, dependent, or neglected.  The Tennessee Municipal Court has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinance.

       Circuit Court Judges, Criminal Court Judges, General Sessions Court Judges, and Chancellors of the Chancery Court are elected for eight-year terms.   Juvenile Court Judges are elected to terms determined by local statute.  Municipal Court Judges are elected in some cities and appointed by the Mayor in others.