The judicial system in the state of Tennessee gets it power from a foundation that is written right into the state's constitution, which says, “The judicial power of this state shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such Circuit, Chancery, and other inferior courts as the legislature shall from time to time ordain and establish …”

Each state in this country has its own system for determine which court records are made available for review by the public. If you are in need of information that may be available through Tennessee court records, it is important that you understand the structure of the court system in this state.

The highest court in the state is the Supreme Court. However, the state of Tennessee also maintains a wide variety of additional courts as well. These courts include two separate intermediate appellate courts, as well as circuit courts, criminal courts, chancery courts and probate courts. At the bottom tier of the Tennessee court system are the locally funded courts, including the juvenile court, general sessions and municipal courts.

Who Determine The Definition of Public Court Records in Tennessee?

It is up to each individual state to decide how to handle public court records. Most of the states have a specific person or office that is responsible for the compiling and distribution of public court records. This is done so that decisions will run through the specific channels, reducing miscommunication effectively.

Tennessee court records are maintained by the office of the courts, which provides access to court information, public court reports and other valuable records. You may access Tennessee court records by going through the administrative office and searching the archives for the court where the case in question was heard. In addition, you can also gain access to Tennessee court records by searching the Tennessee State Library.

Accessing Tennessee Court Records

According to Tennessee law, the public is considered residents of the state of Tennessee. If you need to gain access to Tennessee court records, but you are not a resident of that state, your best bet is to find someone living within the state limits that can make the request for you.

The list of information that is exempt from public release is rather extensive in the state of Tennessee. Therefore, it is a good idea to make sure that the information that you need is not protected before you make your request for Tennessee court records. This may save you a considerable amount of time in the search process.

One of the best things about public court records is that you do not have to divulge your reason for requesting access to such files in order to obtain access. This is of course with the exception of some Tennessee court records that relate to law enforcement.

In addition, you will not be granted access to review student records, medical records or information related to the personal identities of state employees. Nor will you able to access any court records that contain information contained in reports kept by the department of corrections, parole or probation status of any convicted felon or criminal proceeding.

• Tennessee State Court Districts

• Tennessee State Legislature