TNCODE

Chapter 1
Witnesses and Privileged Communications

Part 1
[Reserved]

Part 2
Privileged Communications

24-1-201. Married persons.

In either a civil or criminal proceeding, no married person has privilege to refuse to take the witness stand solely because that person's spouse is a party to the proceeding.
In a civil proceeding, confidential communications between married persons are privileged and inadmissible if either spouse objects. This communications privilege shall not apply to proceedings between spouses or to proceedings concerning abuse of one (1) of the spouses or abuse of a minor in the custody of or under the dominion and control of either spouse, including, but not limited to, proceedings arising under title 36, chapter 1, part 1; title 37, chapter 1, parts 1, 4 and 6; title 37, chapter 2, part 4; and title 71, chapter 6, part 1. This confidential communications privilege shall not apply to any insured's obligations under a contract of insurance in civil proceedings.
1. In a criminal proceeding a marital confidential communication shall be privileged if:
  1. The communications originated in a confidence that they will not be disclosed;
  2. The element of confidentiality is essential to the full and satisfactory maintenance of the relation between the parties;
  3. The relation must be one which, in the opinion of the community, ought to be sedulously fostered; and
  4. The injury to the relation by disclosure of the communications outweighs the benefit gained for the correct disposal of litigation.
2. Upon a finding that a marital communication is privileged, it shall be inadmissible if either spouse objects. Such communication privileges shall not apply to proceedings concerning abuse of one (1) of the spouses or abuse of a minor in the custody of or under the dominion and control of either spouse, including, but not limited to proceedings arising under title 37, chapter 1, parts 1 and 4; title 37, chapter 2, part 4; and title 71, chapter 6, part 1.

Acts 1867-1868, ch. 75, § 1; 1868-1869, ch. 7, § 1; 1869-1870, ch. 19, § 2; 1869-1870, ch. 78; 1879, ch. 200, § 1; Shan., § 5596; Code 1932, § 9777; Acts 1949, ch. 55, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 9777; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-103; Acts 1995, ch. 53, § 1; 2000, ch. 831, §§ 1, 2.

Cross-References. Attorney, as to communications, § 23-3-105.

Confidentiality of public records, § 10-7-504.

Conviction of felony, effect, § 40-20-112.

Evidentiary privileges inapplicable in child sexual abuse cases, § 37-1-614.

Information obtained by certified public accountants in course of employment, § 62-1-116.

Witnesses entering or passing through state pursuant to summons, immunity, § 40-17-209.

Rule Reference. This title is referred to in Rule 7, § 12.13, of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee.

This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 501 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

Textbooks. Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), § 703.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 1 Tenn. Juris., Agency, §§ 4, 66; 9 Tenn. Juris., Discovery § 12; 11 Tenn. Juris., Evidence, §§ 164, 199; 21 Tenn. Juris., Privileged Communications, §§ 5, 6; 24 Tenn. Juris., Trusts and Trustees, § 21; 24 Tenn. Juris., Usury, § 26; 24 Tenn. Juris., Vendor and Purchaser, § 9; 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, §§ 11, 13, 19, 21.

Law Reviews.

A Meta-Analysis of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence (Neil P. Cohen), 57 Tenn. L. Rev. 1 (1989).

Admissibility in Tennessee of Spouses' Testimony Concerning Their Private Affairs, 3 Vand. L. Rev. 298.

Autopsy on Spousal Privilege (Donald F. Paine), 40 No. 6 Tenn. B.J. 32 (2004).

Character Evidence as Affecting the Credibility of Witnesses (J.A. Osoinach), 2 Tenn. L. Rev. 165.

Distinctive Features of the Tennessee Law of Trusts (Thomas H. Malone), 16 Tenn. L. Rev. 33.

Domestic Relations — Interspousal Tort Actions for Personal Injuries — Conflict of Laws, 23 Tenn. L. Rev. 1056.

Evidence — Confidential Communications Between Spouses — Admissibility of Testimony as to Conduct of Party Spouse, 3 Vand. L. Rev. 656.

Evidence — Privileged Communications Between Husband and Wife, 41 Tenn. L. Rev. 943.

Evidence — Privileged Communications in Divorce Actions: Psychiatrist-Patient and Presence of Third Parties, 40 Tenn. L. Rev. 110.

Evidence — State v. Hurley: Erosion of the Marital Privilege for Confidential Communications in Tennessee, 25 U. Mem. L. Rev. 835 (1995).

Evidence — Testimony of Spouses — Inadmissible in Divorce Action For Cruelty, 2 Vand. L. Rev. 130.

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Spouse Scorned — A Focus on Tennessee's Marital Privilege for Confidential Communications, 19 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 57 (1989).

Husband and Wife — Confidential Communications in Divorce Actions, 20 Tenn. L. Rev. 695.

Paine on Procedure: Death of the Spousal Privilege (Donald F. Paine), 37 No. 1 Tenn. B.J. 29 (2001).

Should Tennessee Bury the Dead Man Statute As Arkansas Has? (W. Dent Gitchel), 18 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 195 (1989).

Statutory Construction — Restriction of Application of Statute to Contemporary Circumstances — Parties as “Witnesses” under Tennessee Deposition Statute, 3 Vand. L. Rev. 666.

The Marital Privilege in the Twenty-First Century, 32 U. Mem. L. Rev. 137 (2001).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. In General.

The following conditions must exist before a communication may be considered privileged: (1) the communications must originate in a confidence that they will not be disclosed; (2) this element of confidentiality must be essential to the full and satisfactory maintenance of the relation between the parties; (3) the relation must be one which, in the opinion of the community, ought to be sedulously fostered; (4) the injury that would inure to the relation by the disclosure of the communications must be greater than the benefit thereby gained for the correct disposal of litigation. State v. Garland, 617 S.W.2d 176, 1981 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 340 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1981), superseded by statute as stated in, State v. Kennedy, 7 S.W.3d 58, 1999 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 136 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1999).

Under T.C.A. § 24-1-201(c)(1)(A)-(D), factor (A) focuses on the expectation of the communicating spouse at the time of the communication, whereas assessment for the presence of factors (B), (C), and (D) must be done from the facts as they exist at the time of the trial court's ruling. State v. Mitchell, 137 S.W.3d 630, 2003 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 670 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2003), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2003 Tenn. LEXIS 1169 (Tenn. Dec. 1, 2003).

No comment should be made by the prosecutor on the defendant's exercise of marital privilege. State v. Sexton, 368 S.W.3d 371, 2012 Tenn. LEXIS 377 (Tenn. May 29, 2012).

2. Construction with Other Law.

This statute concerns itself only with the admissibility of evidence and does not provide a common law or statutory cause of action. Quarles v. Sutherland, 215 Tenn. 651, 389 S.W.2d 249, 1965 Tenn. LEXIS 640, 20 A.L.R.3d 1103 (1965).

3. —Transactions with Decedent or Ward.

This section abolished the disqualification of parties and interested persons as witnesses, with certain exceptions including the one which was continued in force by § 24-1-203. Poole v. First Nat'l Bank, 29 Tenn. App. 327, 196 S.W.2d 563, 1946 Tenn. App. LEXIS 72 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1946).

Claimants suing a decedent estate jointly and individually on the same alleged oral contract of the decedent cannot testify for each other in their individual actions as to the transaction with the decedent because of § 24-1-203 since they are actually joint claimants even in their individual suits. Appolonio v. Baxter, 217 F.2d 267, 1954 U.S. App. LEXIS 3110 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1954).

4. —Emancipation Act.

The act emancipating married women, §§ 36-601, 36-602 (now §§ 36-3-504, 36-3-505), did not change the rule of incompetency of spouses to testify as to matters occurring between them as consequence of the marital relation. Crane & Co. v. Hall, 141 Tenn. 556, 213 S.W. 414, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 10 (1919).

5. —Transactions with Incompetents.

This section and § 24-1-202 are not to be construed in pari materia since reasons for enactment of sections are entirely different. Jackson v. Jackson, 186 Tenn. 337, 210 S.W.2d 332, 1948 Tenn. LEXIS 554 (1948).

6. Marital Relation Disqualifying.

7. —Examples.

All transactions and conversations had between the husband and wife in relation to their own affairs, not in the presence of some third person, fall within the prohibition of the statute. Kimbrough v. Mitchell, 38 Tenn. 539, 1858 Tenn. LEXIS 221 (1858); State use of Barker v. McAuley, 51 Tenn. 424, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 184 (1871); Hyden v. Hyden, 65 Tenn. 406, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 374 (1873); Patton v. Wilson, 70 Tenn. 101, 1878 Tenn. LEXIS 191 (1878); Orr v. Cox, 71 Tenn. 617, 1879 Tenn. LEXIS 122 (1879); Phoenix Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Shoemaker, 95 Tenn. 72, 31 S.W. 270, 1895 Tenn. LEXIS 65 (1895). See Allison v. Barrow, 43 Tenn. 414, 1866 Tenn. LEXIS 70 (1866); Pilcher v. Rylee, 2 Tenn. App. 348, — S.W. —, 1925 Tenn. App. LEXIS 111 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1925); Farmers Bank of Lynchburg v. Farrar, 4 Tenn. App. 186, 1926 Tenn. App. LEXIS 180 (1926); City Nat'l Bank v. Harle, 7 Tenn. App. 286, — S.W.2d —, 1928 Tenn. App. LEXIS 41 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1928); Cavert v. State, 158 Tenn. 531, 14 S.W.2d 735, 1928 Tenn. LEXIS 184 (1929).

In suit to set up a resulting trust in favor of the wife in husband's lands, neither, as against creditors, may testify as to an agreement between themselves as to the purchase, how land was to be paid for, or as to how title should be taken. Phoenix Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Shoemaker, 95 Tenn. 72, 31 S.W. 270, 1895 Tenn. LEXIS 65 (1895); Hornsby v. City Nat'l Bank, 60 S.W. 160, 1900 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 133 (1900).

Testimony of husband that land was purchased by him as agent of wife, with her means, under parol agreement between them that he should take title for convenience, is properly excluded. Hornsby v. City Nat'l Bank, 60 S.W. 160, 1900 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 133 (1900).

In an action on a note and to set aside a conveyance of land by defendant to his wife as fraudulent, evidence by defendant and his wife, that the recited consideration in the deed as being nominal merely was made by error of the draftsman, and that the defendant was largely indebted to his wife, was properly excluded. Crane & Co. v. Hall, 141 Tenn. 556, 213 S.W. 414, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 10 (1919).

In an action on a life insurance policy containing double indemnity provision in case of accidental death, a letter addressed by insured to his wife which relates to personal, family, and confidential matters between them and which has no relation to the issues in suit, but was written in recognition of the uncertainties of life and to be delivered after death, falls within the spirit and letter of this statute. New York Life Ins. Co. v. Ross, 30 F.2d 80, 1928 U.S. App. LEXIS 2277 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1928), cert. denied, New York L. Ins. Co. v. Ross, 279 U.S. 852, 49 S. Ct. 348, 73 L. Ed. 995, 1929 U.S. LEXIS 216 (1929).

Conversation between husband and wife as to advisability of bringing damage suit by husband against wife's brother was privileged and not admissible. Petway v. Hoover, 12 Tenn. App. 618, — S.W.2d —, 1931 Tenn. App. LEXIS 7 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1931).

The existence of a debt from husband to wife cannot be established by their uncorroborated testimony. Robertson v. Wade, 17 Tenn. App. 457, 68 S.W.2d 487, 1933 Tenn. App. LEXIS 80 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1933).

In wife's action as intervenor to recover proceeds from sale of racing mare which she alleged her husband had given her, all testimony relative to conversations and transaction between the husband and wife, not in presence of third person, was inadmissible while evidence as to ownership and possession of the mare, amounting to mere statements of fact, was admissible. State v. Caldwell, 21 Tenn. App. 396, 111 S.W.2d 377, 1937 Tenn. App. LEXIS 42 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1937).

Proof of the execution of a written agreement between husband and wife, both having died since the agreement, could not be supplied by testimony relating to statements made by the wife while not in the husband's presence since not only is this testimony hearsay but also it violates the rule that neither husband nor wife is competent to testify to matters occurring by virtue of, or in consequence of the marital relation and as the wife would therefore, be incompetent so are those to whom she made the statement. Pearson v. McCallum, 26 Tenn. App. 413, 173 S.W.2d 150, 1941 Tenn. App. LEXIS 144 (1941).

Where proof of the execution of an agreement between husband and his deceased wife rested altogether upon the testimony of wife's heirs to having heard wife read it, or the substance of it, and to having seen the signatures on it, but they did not read it or have it in their hands, it was held that all the testimony of this character was properly excluded as hearsay and because it was within the prohibition of this section. Pearson v. McCallum, 26 Tenn. App. 413, 173 S.W.2d 150, 1941 Tenn. App. LEXIS 144 (1941).

Right of spouse to testify for or against the other spouse in a direct proceeding between the two has been expressly reserved, and it has never been held that they can do so if a timely objection and exception preserved. Jackson v. Jackson, 186 Tenn. 337, 210 S.W.2d 332, 1948 Tenn. LEXIS 554 (1948).

Testimony of husband and wife as to a matter that occurred between them by virtue of their marriage was held inadmissible in the following case: Citizens & Southern Nat'l Bank v. Auer, 514 F. Supp. 634, 1978 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 18016 (E.D. Tenn. 1978), rev'd, Citizens & S. Nat'l Bank v. Auer, 640 F.2d 837, 1981 U.S. App. LEXIS 20446 (6th Cir. 1981) (conveyance between spouses).

8. —Presumptions.

All marital communications are, by implication, confidential, and a contrary intention must be made to appear by the circumstances of any given instance. Hazlett v. Bryant, 192 Tenn. 251, 241 S.W.2d 121, 1951 Tenn. LEXIS 399 (1951).

9. —Burden of Proof.

The burden of proof is upon a wife to show that sums paid to her husband or for him were loans. Robertson v. Wade, 17 Tenn. App. 457, 68 S.W.2d 487, 1933 Tenn. App. LEXIS 80 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1933).

10. —Criminal Cases.

Act qualifying husband and wife as competent witnesses for and against each other in civil actions, notwithstanding their marriage relation, with the exception of matters occurring between them by virtue of or in consequence of their marriage relation, is in effect a declaration that the general rule of incompetency as established by the common law shall remain and continue to be the rule in criminal cases against the one spouse when the other is offered as a witness. Norman v. State, 127 Tenn. 340, 155 S.W. 135, 1912 Tenn. LEXIS 33, 45 L.R.A. (n.s.) 399 (1913).

Because defendant's telephone call to spouse seeking a ride in the early morning hours was not intended to be confidential, the trial court correctly ruled that it was not privileged. State v. Price, 46 S.W.3d 785, 2000 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 597 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000), review or rehearing denied, — S.W.3d —, 2001 Tenn. LEXIS 146 (Tenn. Feb. 26, 2001).

Because defendant was on a public street when first seen by spouse wearing bloody clothing, the incident could not be described as “originating in a confidence,” and therefore, no privilege attached. State v. Price, 46 S.W.3d 785, 2000 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 597 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000), review or rehearing denied, — S.W.3d —, 2001 Tenn. LEXIS 146 (Tenn. Feb. 26, 2001).

Because there was no eyewitness to the murder and there was evidence that the defendant's marriage was already failing, the testimony of defendant's spouse offered a significant benefit to the trial of fact, a greater benefit than any injury to the marriage caused thereby. State v. Price, 46 S.W.3d 785, 2000 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 597 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000), review or rehearing denied, — S.W.3d —, 2001 Tenn. LEXIS 146 (Tenn. Feb. 26, 2001).

By telling the jury that defendant's wife had previously testified against him, but that she could not be compelled to testify at trial, the prosecutor invited an inference that her prior testimony was unfavorable to defendant and that he was claiming the marital privilege to suppress her incriminating testimony; therefore, commenting on the privilege was improper. State v. Sexton, 368 S.W.3d 371, 2012 Tenn. LEXIS 377 (Tenn. May 29, 2012).

11. —Death or Divorce.

On the point that divorce does not render husband and wife competent as to matters transpiring during the marriage, see Kimbrough v. Mitchell, 38 Tenn. 539, 1858 Tenn. LEXIS 221 (1858).

Public policy, as well as the statute, forbids marital disclosures, and neither husband nor wife shall be permitted in any suit to disclose as witnesses any facts acquired by virtue of their marital relation, and this rule continues even after the marriage has been dissolved by death or divorce. German v. German, 47 Tenn. 180, 1869 Tenn. LEXIS 31 (1869); Patton v. Wilson, 70 Tenn. 101, 1878 Tenn. LEXIS 191 (1878); Orr v. Cox, 71 Tenn. 617, 1879 Tenn. LEXIS 122 (1879); Washington v. Bedford, 78 Tenn. 243, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 169 (1882).

12. —Corroboration Required.

The existence of a debt from a husband to his wife cannot be established by their uncorroborated testimony. Robertson v. Wade, 17 Tenn. App. 457, 68 S.W.2d 487, 1933 Tenn. App. LEXIS 80 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1933); McDonald v. Baldwin, 24 Tenn. App. 670, 148 S.W.2d 385, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 79 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940).

Although there was some evidence in record that husband had given mare to wife by testimony of husband and wife but was not corroborated by other creditable proof, it was not sufficient to establish the gift. State v. Caldwell, 21 Tenn. App. 396, 111 S.W.2d 377, 1937 Tenn. App. LEXIS 42 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1937).

13. —Subscribing Witnesses Not Covered.

No one can be a competent subscribing witness to instrument where such one is not a competent witness to testify generally in a suit between the parties thereto, and, therefore, a wife is not a competent subscribing witness to a deed to which her husband is a party. The statute does not make devisees and other persons who were incompetent before it, competent as subscribing witnesses. Third Nat'l Bank v. O'Brien, 94 Tenn. 38, 28 S.W. 293, 1894 Tenn. LEXIS 24 (1894).

14. —Joint Title Transactions.

Where deed was made to husband and wife jointly, if the action were brought in the name of the husband alone, he would be a competent witness for himself, but where the title is made to husband and wife jointly, and they both bring suit, then neither can be a witness for or against the other. Self v. Haun, 2 Shan. 123 (1876).

15. Marital Relation Not Disqualifying.

16. —Examples.

Husband and wife may testify for and against each other, except as to facts acquired by virtue of their relation as husband and wife. Orr v. Cox, 71 Tenn. 617, 1879 Tenn. LEXIS 122 (1879); Washington v. Bedford, 78 Tenn. 243, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 169 (1882); Phoenix Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Shoemaker, 95 Tenn. 72, 31 S.W. 270, 1895 Tenn. LEXIS 65 (1895).

It is competent for wife to testify, as to an independent fact, that after a gift she held and claimed the proceeds and how she invested the same. Likewise statements by her to third persons, made when the property involved was purchased, are competent to show how and under what title it was to be held. Young v. Hurst, 48 S.W. 355, 1898 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 89 (1898).

While wife may not testify to prove a gift by husband to her, she may testify that she held and claimed the thing given and its proceeds after it was given, and that the proceeds were invested in property the title to which was in her name. Young v. Hurst, 48 S.W. 355, 1898 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 89 (1898).

In a suit against an executor to recover the amount of a note having been collected by him before the death of his testator, testimony of executor's wife that the defendant paid the amount to testator was admissible since information was not derived from the marital relation but was testimony to a fact arrived at as any third person might. Hill v. Fly, 52 S.W. 731, 1899 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 36 (1899).

Where wife who was separated from her husband testified against him in a trial for armed robbery as state's witness, privileged communication between spouses was inapplicable as husband was not aware of her surveillance until she asked him what he was doing and the actions of defendant observed by wife could have been equally observed by general public. Burton v. State, 501 S.W.2d 814, 1973 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 282 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1973).

The marital privilege does not apply to prevent the admission of testimony by a defendant's spouse concerning acts of violence or personal injury inflicted by the defendant upon the children of either spouse or upon minor children in the custody of or under the dominion and control of either spouse. Adams v. State, 563 S.W.2d 804, 1978 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 288 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1978).

In a murder case, defendant's wife's testimony pertaining to the alleged crime should not have been excluded by the trial court, because the marriage was over, as the parties were separated, the wife harbored no desire for a reconciliation, and, at the time of the trial court's ruling, the only reason that the wife had not filed for a divorce was lack of money. State v. Mitchell, 137 S.W.3d 630, 2003 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 670 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2003), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2003 Tenn. LEXIS 1169 (Tenn. Dec. 1, 2003).

In a felony murder case, spousal privilege was not violated by admitting a letter written by defendant to his wife, where, given that the marriage was irretrievably damaged, there was no risk of injury to it by disclosure of the communication to be balanced against the benefit from correct disposal of the prosecution; and the testimony of defendant's wife offered a significant benefit to the trier of fact, a greater benefit than any injury caused thereby. State v. Winters, 137 S.W.3d 641, 2003 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 944 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2003), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2004 Tenn. LEXIS 298 (Tenn. Mar. 22, 2004).

Petitioner failed to establish that the marital privilege applied to the statement in question, and even assuming his wife's statements were communications between the parties, nothing showed that the statement originated in confidence, nor were the other factors for application of the privilege shown; counsel was not ineffective for failing to further challenge the testimony on this basis after his objection was overruled, and petitioner was not entitled to post-conviction relief. Johnson v. State, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 297 (Tenn. Crim. App. Apr. 21, 2017), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. LEXIS 500 (Tenn. Aug. 16, 2017).

17. —Interspousal Tort Immunity Abolished.

Interspousal tort immunity is totally abolished in this state and all decisions to the contrary are overruled. Davis v. Davis, 657 S.W.2d 753, 1983 Tenn. LEXIS 723 (Tenn. 1983).

18. —Statements of Fact.

In suit filed by widow in name of administrator, who refused to sue, against defendant for killing of deceased, the widow was competent to testify concerning killing which she saw but in which she had no part though at the time she was married to deceased, as reason for public policy did not exist under facts of the case. Hale v. Kearly, 67 Tenn. 49, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 326 (1874).

Conversations and transaction between husband and wife, not in the presence of a third person, were inadmissible to prove that husband gave wife a horse, but evidence as to ownership and possession were statements of fact and were admissible. State v. Caldwell, 21 Tenn. App. 396, 111 S.W.2d 377, 1937 Tenn. App. LEXIS 42 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1937).

Testimony of wife that she invested her own money and testimony of husband that he used none of his own funds in exercising option to purchase lots were independent facts about which they could testify without violating this section. Marsh v. Galbraith, 31 Tenn. App. 482, 216 S.W.2d 968, 1948 Tenn. App. LEXIS 106 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1948).

19. —Waiver.

In suit by husband to impress trust on real estate conveyed by husband to wife wherein husband and wife both testified concerning same without any exception being raised to testimony there was a waiver of any alleged error of court in allowing parties to testify. Hunt v. Hunt, 169 Tenn. 1, 80 S.W.2d 666, 1934 Tenn. LEXIS 102 (1935).

The privilege that attaches to confidential communications between husband and wife may be waived, and the waiver belongs to the communicating spouse, the addressee of the communication not being entitled to object. Fraser v. United States, 145 F.2d 139, 1944 U.S. App. LEXIS 2423 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1944), cert. denied, Fraser v. Barton, 324 U.S. 849, 65 S. Ct. 684, 89 L. Ed. 1409, 1945 U.S. LEXIS 2417 (1945).

20. —Failure to Object.

If no exception was taken to the evidence in the court below, none can be taken in the appellate court. Gunn v. Mason, 34 Tenn. 637, 1855 Tenn. LEXIS 110 (1855); Birdsong v. Birdsong, 39 Tenn. 289, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 214 (Tenn. Apr. 1859); German v. German, 47 Tenn. 180, 1869 Tenn. LEXIS 31 (1869).

The testimony of the husband and wife as to matters occurring between them by virtue of or in consequence of the marital relation, even when admitted without objection, is insufficient to set up a contract between them to the prejudice of the husband's creditors, unless corroborated. Crane & Co. v. Hall, 141 Tenn. 556, 213 S.W. 414, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 10 (1919).

In a suit by a husband against his wife to impress a parol trust upon a joint interest in certain property held by the wife, where both testified as to trust agreement without objection and exception, except that counsel for the wife objected to the husband's testimony on the ground that it was contrary to the terms of a written instrument, no issue was raised by the testimony relating to matters growing out of marital relation which could be considered on appeal, especially where it was not made a ground for a new trial. Hunt v. Hunt, 169 Tenn. 1, 80 S.W.2d 666, 1934 Tenn. LEXIS 102 (1935).

21. —Tax Fraud.

The public policy which regards and protects as confidential the private communications, or the acts which are their equivalent, between husband and wife, does not necessarily extend to those communications and acts which are in furtherance of a fraud. Fraser v. United States, 145 F.2d 139, 1944 U.S. App. LEXIS 2423 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1944), cert. denied, Fraser v. Barton, 324 U.S. 849, 65 S. Ct. 684, 89 L. Ed. 1409, 1945 U.S. LEXIS 2417 (1945).

22. —Communications in Presence of Third Persons.

Conversations by husband and wife made in the presence of third persons are not privileged. Hazlett v. Bryant, 192 Tenn. 251, 241 S.W.2d 121, 1951 Tenn. LEXIS 399 (1951).

In a divorce action, it was erroneous for the trial judge to instruct a psychologist to testify about marital counseling sessions which included both spouses, over the objection of one spouse, because the presence of the objecting spouse at the joint counseling sessions did not constitute waiver of the psychologist-patient privilege. Guity v. Kandilakis, 821 S.W.2d 595, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 627 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991), rehearing denied, — S.W.2d —, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 652 (Tenn. Ct. App. Aug. 30, 1991).

23. —Resulting Trust.

Plaintiff, who filed a suit against stepson, to establish a resulting trust in his favor on property in name of stepson could not testify that he made an agreement with his wife to purchase property involved as tenants by the entirety, but he could testify that he paid for lot and house located thereon in the belief that title to property was in name of himself and wife as tenants by entirety, since it was the statement of an independent fact and not a conversation. Greenwood v. Maxey, 190 Tenn. 599, 231 S.W.2d 315, 1950 Tenn. LEXIS 586 (1950).

24. Divorce.

While the parties themselves may testify in a divorce proceeding as to statements made by the other spouse while both were in the presence of a psychiatrist and a confidential relationship between psychiatrist and patient existed, the psychiatrist cannot divulge the privileged communications whether it be the actual conversations or diagnosis drawn therefrom unless the patient waives the privilege or the communications fall within some exception to the privilege. Ellis v. Ellis, 63 Tenn. App. 361, 472 S.W.2d 741, 1971 Tenn. App. LEXIS 225 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1971).

While the statute on marital privilege codified in this section exempts disclosure of confidences in a divorce action, the psychologist-patient privilege statute, § 63-11-213, does not; therefore, only the spouses, not the psychologist who engages them in joint counseling, can testify about matters arising in the joint counseling. Guity v. Kandilakis, 821 S.W.2d 595, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 627 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991), rehearing denied, — S.W.2d —, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 652 (Tenn. Ct. App. Aug. 30, 1991).

25. —To Show Cohabitation.

If testimony of one spouse is admitted to show continuance of cohabitation pending suit for divorce, the other may testify in denial. Gower v. State, 155 Tenn. 138, 290 S.W. 978, 1926 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1927) (decided before 1949 amendment).

26. —Grounds.

No rule of public policy prevents wife from testifying as to acts constituting the grounds of divorce committed by her husband during the marriage. E. W. M. v. J. C. M., 2 Tenn. Ch. App. 463 (1897).

27. Interest.

28. —Credibility.

Generally interest alone is enough to make a witness's credibility a question for the jury, and a verdict may not be directed upon the testimony of an interested witness, even though he is not contradicted, impeached, or discredited. Poole v. First Nat'l Bank, 29 Tenn. App. 327, 196 S.W.2d 563, 1946 Tenn. App. LEXIS 72 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1946).

29. —Competency.

A joint maker of a note is a competent witness to prove that he was authorized to sign the name of his comaker as agent, the former rule to the contrary having been changed by statute. War Finance Corp. v. Ready, 2 Tenn. App. 61, — S.W. —, 1925 Tenn. App. LEXIS 93 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1925).

A partner is competent to testify in direct examination subject to cross-examination as to existence of partnership. Wyatt v. Brown, 39 Tenn. App. 28, 281 S.W.2d 64, 1955 Tenn. App. LEXIS 108 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1955).

30. —Directed Verdict.

Since the general abolishment of interest as a disqualification of witnesses, it has generally been held that interest alone is enough to make a witness's credibility a question for the jury, and that a verdict may not be directed upon the testimony of an interested witness, even though he is not contradicted, impeached, or discredited. Poole v. First Nat'l Bank, 29 Tenn. App. 327, 196 S.W.2d 563, 1946 Tenn. App. LEXIS 72 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1946).

24-1-202. Transactions with mentally incompetent party.

It is not lawful for any party to any action, suit, or proceeding to testify as to any transaction or conversation with, or statement by, any opposite party in interest, if such opposite party is incapacitated or disqualified to testify thereto, by reason of idiocy, lunacy, or insanity, unless called by the opposite side, and then only in the discretion of the court; provided, if a corporation be a party, this disqualification shall extend to its officers of every grade and its directors.

Acts 1879, ch. 200, § 2; Shan., § 5597; Code 1932, § 9779; Acts 1947, ch. 88, § 1; 1949, ch. 55, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 9779; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-104; Acts 2009, ch. 281, § 1.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, § 20.

Law Reviews.

Alienability of Future Interests in Tennessee, 5 Vand. L. Rev. 80.

Competency and Impeachment of Witnesses (Leo Bearman, Jr.), 57 Tenn. L. Rev. 89 (1989).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Construction with Other Sections.

Section 24-1-201 and this section are not to be construed in pari materia since reasons for enactment of sections are entirely different. Jackson v. Jackson, 186 Tenn. 337, 210 S.W.2d 332, 1948 Tenn. LEXIS 554 (1948).

In an age discrimination suit, the jury's verdict in favor of plaintiff was vacated because the admission of hearsay testimony was not harmless as if the out-of-court statements were excluded, plaintiff would have had only circumstantial evidence as a basis for his claim and could not have met his burden of proof to show that the proffered reason was pretextual. Morgan v. Superior Catering Servs., — S.W.3d —, 2015 Tenn. App. LEXIS 202 (Tenn. Ct. App. Apr. 7, 2015), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2015 Tenn. LEXIS 665 (Tenn. Aug. 13, 2015).

Decisions Under Prior Law

1. Incompetency of Party to Divorce.

In suit for divorce by husband on the ground of cruel and inhuman treatment against wife who subsequent to filing of action became insane evidence as to transactions and conversations between the two was properly excluded on objection by guardian ad litem for wife. Jackson v. Jackson, 186 Tenn. 337, 210 S.W.2d 332, 1948 Tenn. LEXIS 554 (1948).

24-1-203. Transactions with decedent or ward — Dead man's statute.

In actions or proceedings by or against executors, administrators, or guardians, in which judgments may be rendered for or against them, neither party shall be allowed to testify against the other as to any transaction with or statement by the testator, intestate, or ward, unless called to testify thereto by the opposite party. If a corporation is a party, this disqualification shall extend to its officers of every grade and its directors.

Acts 1869-1870, ch. 78, § 2; Shan., § 5598; Code 1932, § 9780; Acts 1947, ch. 88, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 9780; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-105.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 601 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

Textbooks. Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), §§ 703, 704.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 1 Tenn. Juris., Advancements, § 4; 12 Tenn. Juris., Executors and Administrators, § 94; 20 Tenn. Juris., Parties, § 2; 23 Tenn. Juris., Stipulations, § 2; 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, §§ 11, 13, 15, 21-24.

Law Reviews.

A Comparative Study of the Witness Rules in the Proposed Federal Rules of Evidence and in Tennessee Law (Jerry J. Phillips), 39 Tenn. L. Rev. 379.

Competency and Impeachment of Witnesses (Leo Bearman, Jr.), 57 Tenn. L. Rev. 89 (1989).

Evidence — Dead Man Statute — Observation of Physical Conditions Not a “Transaction” Within Meaning of Statute, 4 Vand. L. Rev. 913.

Procedure and Evidence — 1957 Tennessee Survey (Edmund M. Morgan), 10 Vand. L. Rev. 1144.

Procedure and Evidence — 1961 Tennessee Survey (Edmund M. Morgan), 14 Vand. L. Rev. 1353.

Should Tennessee Bury the Dead Man Statute As Arkansas Has? (W. Dent Gitchel), 18 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 195 (1989).

The Dead Man's Statute (Donald F. Paine), 38 No. 3 Tenn. B.J. 23 (2002).

The Howland Will Case: Mutual Wills and the Dead Woman's Statute (Donald F. Paine and Dan W. Holbrook), 39 No. 5 Tenn. B.J. 22 (2003).

The Tennessee Dead Man's Statute, 49 Tenn. L. Rev. 343 (1982).

Witnesses — Dead Man's Statute in Tort Actions, 21 Tenn. L. Rev. 788.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Purpose and Policy.

The statute was primarily intended to provide against the testimony of the living against the dead. Death having silenced the one, the law silences the other, the theory being that both or neither must be competent to testify. McDonald v. Allen, 67 Tenn. 446, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 397 (1874); Bingham v. Lavender, 70 Tenn. 48, 1878 Tenn. LEXIS 186 (1878); D'Armond v. Baker, 10 Tenn. App. 28, — S.W.2d —, 1928 Tenn. App. LEXIS 5 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1928); Baker v. Baker, 24 Tenn. App. 220, 142 S.W.2d 737, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 28 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940); Kurn v. Weaver, 25 Tenn. App. 556, 161 S.W.2d 1005, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 94 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940); Poole v. First Nat'l Bank, 29 Tenn. App. 327, 196 S.W.2d 563, 1946 Tenn. App. LEXIS 72 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1946); Newman v. Tipton, 191 Tenn. 461, 234 S.W.2d 994, 1950 Tenn. LEXIS 459 (1950).

The purpose of this section is to prevent the surviving party from having the benefit of his own testimony, when, by the death of his adversary, his representative was deprived of the decedent's version of the transaction or the statement. Baker v. Baker, 24 Tenn. App. 220, 142 S.W.2d 737, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 28 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940).

The statute is intended to prevent testimony of the living against the dead as to transactions between the claimant and the decedent where judgment is sought against representative of the estate. Watts v. Rayman, 62 Tenn. App. 333, 462 S.W.2d 520, 1970 Tenn. App. LEXIS 269 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1970).

2. —Section Inapplicable to Suit Concerning Manner of Distribution Only.

This section does not contemplate a proceeding, the result of which can neither increase nor diminish the assets of the estate, but concerns only the manner in which the assets will be distributed. Baker v. Baker, 24 Tenn. App. 220, 142 S.W.2d 737, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 28 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940).

3. Construction and Interpretation.

In a wrongful death case, the Dead Man's Statue did not apply because the estate had no interest in the outcome; because a deceased patient had no surviving spouse, the interest in the litigation passed to his minor son. Although the action was brought in the name of the personal representative, it was brought on behalf of the next of kin. Choate ex rel. Clayton C. v. Vanderbilt Univ., — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. App. LEXIS 39 (Tenn. Ct. App. Jan. 25, 2016).

4. —Strict Construction Against Exclusion.

This statute cannot be extended by the courts to cases not within its terms, upon the idea that they fall within the evil which was intended to be guarded against. As an exception, it must be strictly construed as against the exclusion of the testimony, and in favor of its admission. Hughlett v. Conner, 59 Tenn. 83, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 29 (1873); Fuqua v. Dinwiddie, 74 Tenn. 645, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 190 (1881); Rielly v. English, 77 Tenn. 16, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 8 (1882), superseded by statute as stated in, Pioneer Bank v. Kelley, — S.W.2d —, 1994 Tenn. App. LEXIS 599 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 21, 1994); Hill v. McLean, 78 Tenn. 107, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 151 (1882); Grange Warehouse Ass'n v. Owen, 86 Tenn. 355, 7 S.W. 457, 1887 Tenn. LEXIS 53 (1888); Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892); Baker v. Baker, 24 Tenn. App. 220, 142 S.W.2d 737, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 28 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940); Kurn v. Weaver, 25 Tenn. App. 556, 161 S.W.2d 1005, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 94 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940); Christofiel v. Johnson, 40 Tenn. App. 197, 290 S.W.2d 215, 1956 Tenn. App. LEXIS 134 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1956).

The rule of this section cannot be extended to cases not in its terms on the idea that they fall within the evil intended to be remedied. Rielly v. English, 77 Tenn. 16, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 8 (1882), superseded by statute as stated in, Pioneer Bank v. Kelley, — S.W.2d —, 1994 Tenn. App. LEXIS 599 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 21, 1994); Bernard v. Reaves, 27 Tenn. App. 121, 178 S.W.2d 224, 1943 Tenn. App. LEXIS 155 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1943); Carman v. Huff, 32 Tenn. App. 687, 227 S.W.2d 780, 1949 Tenn. App. LEXIS 119 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1949).

Where suit against defendant's deceased agent was dismissed with prejudice, admission of evidence of conversations between the deceased agent and plaintiff was proper since the decedent's estate was no longer a party to the lawsuit, and this statute cannot be extended to cases not within its terms. Haynes v. Cumberland Builders, Inc., 546 S.W.2d 228, 1976 Tenn. App. LEXIS 212 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1976).

It is the witness, not the evidence, which is declared incompetent by this section. Burchett v. Stephens, 794 S.W.2d 745, 1990 Tenn. App. LEXIS 364 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1990), rehearing denied, — S.W.2d —, 1990 Tenn. App. LEXIS 424 (Tenn. Ct. App. June 13, 1990).

5. —Matters Bringing Case Within Rule.

Two things must concur to bring a case within the operation of this statute, and authorize the rejection of the evidence, namely (1) the proposed witness must be a party to the suit in such way that judgment may be rendered for or against him, and (2) the subject matter of his testimony must be concerning some “transaction with or statement by the testator, intestate, or ward.” Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892); Leffew v. Mayes, 685 S.W.2d 288, 1984 Tenn. App. LEXIS 3055 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1984).

This section contemplates those cases “wherein judgment may be rendered for the representative party and against the proposed witness, or vice versa. It does not comprehend a case wherein no judgment could be rendered either for or against the one called upon to testify, even though a judgment might be rendered for or against the personal representative.” Bernard v. Reaves, 27 Tenn. App. 121, 178 S.W.2d 224, 1943 Tenn. App. LEXIS 155 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1943).

The competency of a witness under this section does not turn on whether the action is in tort or ex contractu but on whether in a given case the proffered testimony relates to a “transaction with or a statement by the deceased.” Christofiel v. Johnson, 40 Tenn. App. 197, 290 S.W.2d 215, 1956 Tenn. App. LEXIS 134 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1956).

6. —Oral or Written Transactions.

The transactions with and statements by the deceased, about which a party cannot testify, may be either oral or in writing. Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892).

7. “Opposite Party” — Meaning.

To render a party incompetent as a witness against the personal representative, it is not necessary that he should be an “opposite party” formally on the record, for, though a party be on the same side of the record with the personal representative, if his interest be antagonistic to that of the personal representative against whom he is called to testify, he will be incompetent. But, regardless of his formal position as a party on the record, if his interest is not antagonistic to the personal representative, he is a competent witness against the representative. Trabue, Davis & Co. v. Turner, 57 Tenn. 447, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 437 (1873); Hudgins v. Fanning, 63 Tenn. 574, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 307 (1874); Fuqua v. Dinwiddie, 74 Tenn. 645, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 190 (1881); Aymett v. Butler, 76 Tenn. 453, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 32 (1881); Hill v. McLean, 78 Tenn. 107, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 151 (1882).

8. —“Transaction” — Meaning.

Transactions with an intestate must have reference to things done in intestate's presence, to which he might testify from his own personal knowledge, and not to things done outside his presence and hearing, though affecting liability of his estate. Waggoner v. Dorris, 17 Tenn. App. 420, 68 S.W.2d 142, 1933 Tenn. App. LEXIS 76 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1933).

Even in tort actions there can be a “transaction” falling within the provisions of this section. Christofiel v. Johnson, 40 Tenn. App. 197, 290 S.W.2d 215, 1956 Tenn. App. LEXIS 134 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1956).

Not everything pertaining to an action ex contractu is a “transaction” in the sense of this section. Christofiel v. Johnson, 40 Tenn. App. 197, 290 S.W.2d 215, 1956 Tenn. App. LEXIS 134 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1956).

“Transaction with or statement by” the deceased within the meaning of the statute pertains to matters of personal communication between claimant and deceased. Watts v. Rayman, 62 Tenn. App. 333, 462 S.W.2d 520, 1970 Tenn. App. LEXIS 269 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1970).

9. —Testimony by Other Witnesses.

This section prevents a “party” to a suit by or against the representative of a decedent from testifying to a transaction with or a statement by the decedent, but it does not prevent other witnesses from testifying to such a transaction or statement. Poole v. First Nat'l Bank, 29 Tenn. App. 327, 196 S.W.2d 563, 1946 Tenn. App. LEXIS 72 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1946); In re Estate of McClanahan, 63 Tenn. App. 301, 471 S.W.2d 555, 1971 Tenn. App. LEXIS 222 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1971).

10. —Interest Alone Does Not Disqualify.

Interest alone is not a disqualifying factor under this statute. Carman v. Huff, 32 Tenn. App. 687, 227 S.W.2d 780, 1949 Tenn. App. LEXIS 119 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1949).

11. Determination of Competency.

12. —Trial Judge.

The competency of witnesses is a matter to be passed upon by the trial judge. Roy v. Sanford, 140 Tenn. 382, 204 S.W. 1159, 1918 Tenn. LEXIS 51 (1918).

The court will inquire into the status of the witness when called, and consider the interest existing between him and the calling party, regardless of the witness' technical position on the record. Roy v. Sanford, 140 Tenn. 382, 204 S.W. 1159, 1918 Tenn. LEXIS 51 (1918).

13. —Burden of Proof.

Where a witness is prima facie incompetent, the party tendering him has the burden of satisfying the court that he is competent. Otherwise his exclusion will not be ground for reversal. Story v. Saunders, 27 Tenn. 663, 1848 Tenn. LEXIS 17 (1848).

14. Evidence Admissible.

Testimony of claimant identifying decedent's signature on instrument on which claim against estate was based was admissible. In re Estate of Upchurch, 62 Tenn. App. 634, 466 S.W.2d 886, 1970 Tenn. App. LEXIS 290 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1970).

Court properly found that decedent's daughter's counsel opened the door to testimony regarding the decedent's statement regarding his intentions in having his wife sign an antenuptial agreement because when counsel for the decedent's daughters was questioning the wife especially vigorously regarding whether the decedent ever misled her with respect to the signing of the antenuptial agreement, the wife responded by referring to the statement in question. Boote v. Shivers, 198 S.W.3d 732, 2005 Tenn. App. LEXIS 661 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2005), appeal denied, In re Estate of Boote v. Shivers, — S.W.3d —, 2006 Tenn. LEXIS 354 (Tenn. 2006).

15. —Transactions with Third Person.

A witness is not precluded from testifying as to transactions between himself and a third person in which the decedent did not participate. Where C., maker, agreed with D. that a note signed by the latter as surety should not be delivered to W., deceased payee, unless another surety signed the note, this could be shown by parol evidence without violation of the statute. Waggoner v. Dorris, 17 Tenn. App. 420, 68 S.W.2d 142, 1933 Tenn. App. LEXIS 76 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1933).

This section does not prevent a defendant from testifying to conversations with a third party in an action by an administrator. Waggoner v. Dorris, 17 Tenn. App. 420, 68 S.W.2d 142, 1933 Tenn. App. LEXIS 76 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1933).

Where, in suit for fraud, plaintiff died pending the action and suit was revived in name of the executor, this section did not prevent testimony of such executor as to transactions and statements made by the defendant and others to him. Smith v. Hooper, 59 Tenn. App. 167, 438 S.W.2d 765, 1968 Tenn. App. LEXIS 339 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1968).

Where stepson filed suit against stepfather's estate, it was permissible for him to introduce statements made by his deceased mother in an attempt to prove existence between stepfather and mother of a contract to make joint and mutual wills, and there was no violation of this section since the deceased mother's will and estate were not involved in the suit. Petty v. Estate of Nichols, 569 S.W.2d 840, 1977 Tenn. App. LEXIS 332 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1977).

16. —Observations as to Physical Facts.

Plaintiff who sued estate to recover damages for fall while entering store of deceased was competent to testify as to what occurred when she attempted to enter store, since evidence did not concern “transaction” with deceased. Newman v. Tipton, 191 Tenn. 461, 234 S.W.2d 994, 1950 Tenn. LEXIS 459 (1950).

In suit for personal injuries sustained while riding in automobile operated by defendant administrator's intestate, plaintiff could not establish by her own testimony her relationship to defendant as passenger or guest in the car but could testify as to independent facts tending to establish that she was in such a position that deceased owed her the duty to exercise due care not to injure her. Christofiel v. Johnson, 40 Tenn. App. 197, 290 S.W.2d 215, 1956 Tenn. App. LEXIS 134 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1956).

17. —Personal Representative Not a Party.

Conversations with a deceased were admissible to set up a parol trust, and were not subject to statutory rule where suit was not by or against a personal representative or guardian. Savage v. Savage, 4 Tenn. App. 277, — S.W. —, 1927 Tenn. App. LEXIS 189 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1927).

In a suit on a note, plaintiff's conversations with deceased payee, at the time of deceased payee's assignment of the note to plaintiff's assignor, were admissible, where decedent's administrator was not a party to the suit. Cothron v. Cothron, 21 Tenn. App. 388, 110 S.W.2d 1054, 1937 Tenn. App. LEXIS 41 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1937).

Death benefits of accident insurance policy inured to widow as statutory beneficiary under §§ 26-2-110, 56-7-201 rather than to estate so that widow was not precluded from testifying as to husband's declarations even though she was executrix of estate. Newark Ins. Co. v. Seyfert, 54 Tenn. App. 459, 392 S.W.2d 336, 1964 Tenn. App. LEXIS 162 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1964).

18. —Statements of Deceased Agent of Party as Evidence.

Conversations and statements of an agent of a corporation, otherwise competent evidence against the corporation, are not rendered incompetent by the death of the agent. Burton v. Farmers' Bldg. & Loan Ass'n, 104 Tenn. 414, 58 S.W. 230, 1900 Tenn. LEXIS 11 (1900).

In suit alleging fraudulent misrepresentation by defendant's agent, where, upon agent's death, his estate was dismissed with prejudice, his statements to plaintiff were admissible against defendant. Haynes v. Cumberland Builders, Inc., 546 S.W.2d 228, 1976 Tenn. App. LEXIS 212 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1976).

19. —Persons Not Parties as Witnesses — Examples.

While a party cannot testify as to the terms of the contract made with the son of the other party's intestate acting as the agent of his father, yet the agent of one of the parties through whom, for his principal, the contract was entered into, or the transaction and dealings were had, is competent, if not a party to the suit, to prove the transactions with or statements by the deceased party, in a suit between the representative of the decedent and the other party, though he was the agent of the living party, who is not competent as a witness to such statements, transactions, or contracts. Cottrell v. Woodson, 58 Tenn. 681, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 318 (1872); Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892); Oliver v. Thomason, 13 Tenn. App. 307, — S.W.2d —, 1931 Tenn. App. LEXIS 74 (1931).

The principal debtor in a judgment, not being a party to the proceedings to revive it against his stayor, is a competent witness, as against the executor of the deceased creditor, to prove that the stayor had paid the judgment. Kelton v. Jacobs, 64 Tenn. 574, 1875 Tenn. LEXIS 128 (1875); Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892).

A defendant submitting to the judgment of a justice is not a party to the suit in the circuit court, on appeal by his codefendant, and is a competent witness in the circuit court to prove transactions with and statements by the intestate or testator whose personal representative is the plaintiff; and, therefore, he is competent to prove a new promise by the deceased to take the note out of the statute of limitations. Fuqua v. Dinwiddie, 74 Tenn. 645, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 190 (1881).

Where, in a replevin suit, the defendant, as personal representative of his intestate, and the plaintiff, both claim title to the property involved, under the same third party, the defendant by transactions before the death of his intestate, and the plaintiff by purchase since his death, from such third party, the latter, not being a party to the suit, is a competent witness in behalf of the plaintiff, to prove his (the witness') transactions with and statements by the deceased, and thus to establish title in himself and the transfer of it to the plaintiff, after the intestate's death. Rielly v. English, 77 Tenn. 16, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 8 (1882), superseded by statute as stated in, Pioneer Bank v. Kelley, — S.W.2d —, 1994 Tenn. App. LEXIS 599 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 21, 1994).

In a suit between a corporation and an administrator, a stockholder in the corporation and its superintendent, if not a party to the suit, is a competent witness on behalf of the corporation to prove a contract entered into between the decedent and the corporation, through himself as the latter's agent. Grange Warehouse Ass'n v. Owen, 86 Tenn. 355, 7 S.W. 457, 1887 Tenn. LEXIS 53 (1888).

In a suit against an administrator to recover money paid to the deceased, as agent, for the plaintiff's benefit, the person making the payment is a competent witness to prove that fact, although he is directly interested in the result of the suit, because he was the original debtor to the plaintiff, and the alleged payment was made to plaintiff's agent for collection, which fact, if established, would operate to discharge the witness from the original debt. McBrien v. Martin, 87 Tenn. 13, 9 S.W. 201, 1888 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1888).

In suit of a guardian and administrator against a corporation, the president of the corporation, if not a party to the suit, is a competent witness for the corporation. Nashville Trust Co. v. First Nat'l Bank, 123 Tenn. 617, 134 S.W. 311, 1910 Tenn. LEXIS 30 (1911).

A husband is not a party to a controversy between his wife and an executor, wherein the executor seeks to have money paid to the wife by the husband as directed by the testator who was a payee in the note executed by the husband, declared to be an advancement chargeable against a bequest to her; and, therefore, his testimony in the wife's behalf would be competent for her. Gibson v. Parkey, 142 Tenn. 99, 217 S.W. 647, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 39 (1919).

In an action by an executor to recover on a note, defendant's wife, who was not a proper party, was competent to testify that the testator directed her husband to pay the note to her, her interest in the result not rendering her incompetent. Gibson v. Parkey, 142 Tenn. 99, 217 S.W. 647, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 39 (1919).

In a suit against an executor for the proceeds of a note claimed by complainants as gift from the decedent, the testimony of third persons as to conversations with the deceased, tending to show a gift of the note to complainants, was admissible. Wilson v. Wilson, 151 Tenn. 486, 267 S.W. 364, 1924 Tenn. LEXIS 82 (1924).

A guardian is not incompetent to testify where the proceeding is not by or against him. Sims v. Banks of Commerce & Trust Co., 14 Tenn. App. 672, — S.W.2d —, 1932 Tenn. App. LEXIS 68 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1932).

Testimony of claimant's wife who was also his bookkeeper concerning contract between claimant and decedent was admissible. In re Estate of Upchurch, 62 Tenn. App. 634, 466 S.W.2d 886, 1970 Tenn. App. LEXIS 290 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1970).

Where a law firm filed a claim against the deceased for legal services rendered by the firm to the deceased, an attorney-employee of the firm who was an agent of the firm at the time the services were performed, but whose employment with the firm had terminated prior to giving testimony, was not a party to the cause for or against whom a judgment may be rendered and was not incompetent as a witness. In re Estate of Pritchard, 735 S.W.2d 446, 1986 Tenn. App. LEXIS 3442 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1986).

Trial court, in a motion for summary judgment, erred by declining to consider as admissible evidence statements describing an overheard telephone conversation in the affidavit of an employee of the law firm of a claimant who purported to be the owner of a disputed ownership interest in real property as the testimony was an admission of a party offered in evidence by a party-opponent. The status of the affiant as an employee of the claimant's firm did not render the statement inadmissible under the Dead Man's Statute under a theory of agency. Logan v. Estate of Cannon, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. App. LEXIS 708 (Tenn. Ct. App. Sept. 23, 2016).

Affidavits of a notary public and a decedent's sister-in-law were not barred by the Dead Man's Statute because neither of those affiants was a party to the case. Rhody v. Rhody, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. App. LEXIS 169 (Tenn. Ct. App. Apr. 16, 2020).

20. —Interested Persons Not Parties — Competency.

It makes no difference how great interest the witness may have in the result, if he is not a party to the suit, he is competent to testify as to transactions with or statements by the testator, intestate, or ward. Hudgins v. Fanning, 63 Tenn. 574, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 307 (1874); Kelton v. Jacobs, 64 Tenn. 574, 1875 Tenn. LEXIS 128 (1875); Fuqua v. Dinwiddie, 74 Tenn. 645, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 190 (1881); Rielly v. English, 77 Tenn. 16, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 8 (1882), superseded by statute as stated in, Pioneer Bank v. Kelley, — S.W.2d —, 1994 Tenn. App. LEXIS 599 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 21, 1994); Grange Warehouse Ass'n v. Owen, 86 Tenn. 355, 7 S.W. 457, 1887 Tenn. LEXIS 53 (1888); McBrien v. Martin, 87 Tenn. 13, 9 S.W. 201, 1888 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1888); Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892); Gibson v. Parkey, 142 Tenn. 99, 217 S.W. 647, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 39 (1919).

21. —Widow Sued Individually.

In an action against the widow, individually and personally, for rents, the plaintiff is a competent witness to testify as to the oral lease contract, and the oral contract terminating the same, made with her deceased husband, although she is claiming under and relying upon the lease made with her deceased husband. Johnson v. Hall, 68 Tenn. 351, 1878 Tenn. LEXIS 21 (1878); Rielly v. English, 77 Tenn. 16, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 8 (1882), superseded by statute as stated in, Pioneer Bank v. Kelley, — S.W.2d —, 1994 Tenn. App. LEXIS 599 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 21, 1994).

A suit by the heirs of the deceased against the widow involving the title and ownership of personalty and realty was not an action by or against an executor or administrator as contemplated in this section so as to preclude testimony of the widow. Justice v. Henley, 27 Tenn. App. 405, 181 S.W.2d 632, 1944 Tenn. App. LEXIS 87 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1944).

22. —Assignee for Creditors and Heirs Sued.

The statute is not applicable in an action by a mortgagor against assignee for creditors and heirs of deceased mortgagee seeking to have a deed declared a mortgage. Sellers v. Sellers, 53 S.W. 316, 1899 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 75 (1899).

23. —Heirs or Distributees.

The heir or devisee, upon the death of the ancestor, takes and holds the land in his own right; and he is a competent witness to testify, in a suit against him to recover the land, as to transactions with the ancestor of himself and plaintiffs, though it was argued he should be excluded under this statute. Hughlett v. Conner, 59 Tenn. 83, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 29 (1873); O'Neal v. Breecheen, 64 Tenn. 604, 1875 Tenn. LEXIS 137 (1875); Beadles v. Alexander, 68 Tenn. 604, 1877 Tenn. LEXIS 60 (1877).

The children and heirs at law of a decedent are competent witnesses, under this section, to prove the declarations of their ancestor, at the time of placing them in possession of the property or estate with which they are sought to be charged as advancements. O'Neal v. Breecheen, 64 Tenn. 604, 1875 Tenn. LEXIS 137 (1875).

Heirs are competent witnesses when decedent's estate is not sought to be charged with any claim against him, and the contest is between his heirs and distributees as to questions of advancements, and they are, in such case, competent witnesses to prove the ancestor's declarations otherwise admissible. Johnson v. Patterson, 81 Tenn. 626, 1884 Tenn. LEXIS 81 (1884).

Certain statements recorded by heirs in a family journal and subsequently recounted by them during discovery depositions were admissible under Tenn. Code Ann. § 24-1-203 because the heirs were called to testify by the opposite party. Holliman v. McGrew, 343 S.W.3d 68, 2009 Tenn. App. LEXIS 58 (Tenn. Ct. App. Feb. 5, 2009).

24. —Will Contest.

On an issue of devisavit vel non, the devisees and legatees on the one hand, and the heirs and distributees on the other, are competent witnesses to prove the declarations or statements of the testator, where they are otherwise admissible; and even a legatee who is administrator of the testator is also a competent witness on such issue. This kind of proceeding is not an action by or against an executor or administrator, in the sense of this statute. Beadles v. Alexander, 68 Tenn. 604, 1877 Tenn. LEXIS 60 (1877); Orr v. Cox, 71 Tenn. 617, 1879 Tenn. LEXIS 122 (1879); Davis v. Davis, 74 Tenn. 543, 1880 Tenn. LEXIS 289 (1880); Patterson v. Mitchell, 9 Tenn. App. 662, 1929 Tenn. App. LEXIS 127 (1929).

25. —Executor De Son Tort Sued.

This statute applies only to actions by or against rightful personal representatives, and not where a party is sought to be held as executor of his own wrong. Alexander v. Kelso, 60 Tenn. 5, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 467 (1872).

26. —Personal Representative Sued in Own Right.

In an action of replevin against one described nominally as administrator of a certain estate, but actually against him individually and not in his representative character, the parties are competent witnesses as to agreement with the deceased, upon whose title the defendant relies. Rielly v. English, 77 Tenn. 16, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 8 (1882), superseded by statute as stated in, Pioneer Bank v. Kelley, — S.W.2d —, 1994 Tenn. App. LEXIS 599 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 21, 1994); Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892).

Assignment of error that a defendant as executor of his daughter's will was not a competent witness was not available where complainant sought personal recovery against the defendant father for rents of estate collected. Connor v. Hickey, 48 S.W. 289, 1898 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 71 (1898).

This section was inapplicable to suit by creditor of estate against administratrix where novation resulted from creditor's refraining to file claim against estate within the period provided by § 30-513 (now § 30-2-310) in reliance on administratrix' promise to personally pay claim so that suit was against administratrix personally on the new contract and not against the estate. Hooper v. Neubert, 53 Tenn. App. 233, 381 S.W.2d 569, 1964 Tenn. App. LEXIS 97 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1964).

27. —Personal Representative as Nominal Party.

Where the administrator is merely a nominal party, and the estate of his intestate has no interest in the result of the suit; as, where the widow brings suit in the name of the administrator of her deceased husband's estate, for the killing of her husband, the parties to the suit are competent witnesses to testify as to the transactions with and statements by the intestate. Hale v. Kearly, 67 Tenn. 49, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 326 (1874).

One having a claim for services performed for decedent may testify as to those services in a creditor's suit to set aside a conveyance made by decedent, even though the administrator be a party to suit. Montgomery v. Clark, 46 S.W. 466, 1898 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 18 (1898).

The maker of a note to a partner in whose name the firm business was done, when sued on by the surviving partners, to whom the note had passed by operation of law, might testify as to a payment to the deceased partner; and the fact that one of the surviving partners, as executor of the deceased partner, was joined as a complainant was immaterial, since this statute contemplates only proper and necessary parties to the record, and such executor was only a nominal and unneccessary party. Turner v. Huggins, 130 Tenn. 181, 169 S.W. 754, 1914 Tenn. LEXIS 14 (1914).

28. —Witness When Nominal Party.

Where an executor sued on a note and the defendant defended on the ground that the testator had directed him to pay the amount of the note to his (defendant's) wife, and thereupon the executor had the wife made a party defendant, and sought to have such payment adjudged to be an advancement to her and chargeable against a bequest to her under the will, the wife was not thereby rendered incompetent to testify as to conversations with the testator, as far as the rights of the husband were concerned, because she was only a nominal party. Gibson v. Parkey, 142 Tenn. 99, 217 S.W. 647, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 39 (1919).

In action for wrongful death, plaintiff administratrix could testify with reference to financial contributions by the deceased on the issue of damages, since no judgment could be entered for or against the witness in her personal capacity. Kurn v. Weaver, 25 Tenn. App. 556, 161 S.W.2d 1005, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 94 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940).

29. —Parties Not Testifying for Own Benefit.

A witness and party to the suit, whose interest is altogether on the side of the party against whom he is called to testify, is a competent witness to prove transactions with and statements by the intestate, though his administrator is a party to the suit, for a party may testify in a suit by or against a personal representative, if not for his own benefit. Hill v. McLean, 78 Tenn. 107, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 151 (1882); Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892).

This statute was never intended to deprive litigants of the testimony of nominal but disinterested parties, nor, for stronger reason, of parties whose interests are the same as, or not antagonistic to, those against whom they are called to testify; as, a vendee of land is a competent witness to prove an oral contract between his vendor and his deceased mortgagee, that the vendor's equitable lien should be superior to the mortgage, in a suit by the personal representative of the vendor against the vendee and the personal representative of the deceased mortgagee to enforce such lien. Hill v. McLean, 78 Tenn. 107, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 151 (1882); Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892).

Party to suit whose interest is altogether on the side of him against whom he is called to testify if competent to prove statements by and transactions with intestate, may testify though administrator is also a party. (Vendee of land proving an oral agreement that vendor's equitable lien should be superior to a mortgage.) Hill v. McLean, 78 Tenn. 107, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 151 (1882).

This section necessarily contemplates only those cases wherein judgment may be rendered for the representative party and against the proposed witness, or vice versa. It does not comprehend a case wherein no judgment could be rendered either for or against the one called upon to testify, even though a judgment might be rendered for or against the personal representative. Kurn v. Weaver, 25 Tenn. App. 556, 161 S.W.2d 1005, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 94 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940); Carman v. Huff, 32 Tenn. App. 687, 227 S.W.2d 780, 1949 Tenn. App. LEXIS 119 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1949).

30. —Rebutting Admissions.

In an action by an executor to have a payment made by testator charged against the legacy as an advancement, it was competent for the legatee to testify as to a conversation she had with the testator, to rebut testimony of the executor as to admissions made by the legatee, but not to prove that the money given her by the testator was given as a gift and not as an advancement. Gibson v. Buis, 142 Tenn. 133, 218 S.W. 220, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 43 (1919).

The testimony of complainants as to conversations with the decedent, tending to show why they permitted the decedent to use part of the collections on the note for his own purposes during his lifetime, is admissible as tending to rebut the inference that they had surrendered or did not claim the note. Wilson v. Wilson, 151 Tenn. 486, 267 S.W. 364, 1924 Tenn. LEXIS 82 (1924).

31. —Testimony by Party as to Facts Not Specified.

A party incompetent as a witness to testify as to specified facts under this statute may testify as to other facts. Jones v. Waddell, 59 Tenn. 338, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 71 (1873); Hill v. McLean, 78 Tenn. 107, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 151 (1882); Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892).

A party is competent as a witness to testify as to the loss or destruction of a paper, though not competent to prove its contents. Such witness may prove the existence and loss of such paper, and its contents may be proved by any competent witness knowing the same. Mason v. Spurlock, 63 Tenn. 554, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 304 (1874); Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892); Minnis v. Abrams, 105 Tenn. 662, 58 S.W. 645, 1900 Tenn. LEXIS 120, 80 Am. St. Rep. 913 (1900).

In suit by an administrator to subject realty, now claimed by defendant but formerly belonging to decedent's judgment debtor, to satisfaction of the judgment, testimony of defendant relating to transactions with such judgment debtor, now deceased, is competent. The controversy is not between defendant and such deceased judgment debtor. Green v. Huggins, 52 S.W. 675, 1898 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 164 (1898).

In action against an executor to recover amount of note collected by him before testator's death, testimony of defendant's wife that she saw defendant pay the amount to testator is admissible, even though the wife is a nominal party. Hill v. Fly, 52 S.W. 731, 1899 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 36 (1899).

In an action against an administrator, the complainant is competent to prove his possession of a letter to himself from the deceased, which he offers in evidence, and that it is in the handwriting of the deceased. These facts do not constitute “transactions with, or statements by,” the deceased. They are independent facts which may be proved by either party to the suit. Minnis v. Abrams, 105 Tenn. 662, 58 S.W. 645, 1900 Tenn. LEXIS 120, 80 Am. St. Rep. 913 (1900).

The statute does not make the surviving party wholly incompetent; it only excludes his testimony respecting transactions with or statements by the person deceased. Minnis v. Abrams, 105 Tenn. 662, 58 S.W. 645, 1900 Tenn. LEXIS 120, 80 Am. St. Rep. 913 (1900).

In action against executor for services rendered to the testate, court erred in permitting plaintiff to testify as to transactions with the deceased, but it was not error to permit plaintiff to testify as to circumstances tending to establish liability of deceased. Brown v. Fuqua, 9 Tenn. App. 22, — S.W.2d —, 1928 Tenn. App. LEXIS 210 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1928).

32. —Transaction with Surviving Partner Arising After Partner's Death.

The statute does not apply to suit against an administrator growing out of a transaction with a surviving partner of a firm in which testator was a member, continued by the surviving partner under the will. Hambough v. Carney, 62 S.W. 503, 1901 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 54 (1901).

33. —Agent of “Party” Not Disqualified.

This section prevents a “party” to a suit by or against the representative of a decedent from testifying to a transaction with or a statement by the decedent, but it does not prevent other witnesses from testifying to such a transaction or statement. Therefore a bank cashier in suit by bank against administratrix on note executed by decedent could testify to decedent's statement as to making a new note, and the fact that cashier was a stockholder and had handled the transaction as agent for plaintiff did not disqualify him to testify to such transaction or statement by decedent. Poole v. First Nat'l Bank, 29 Tenn. App. 327, 196 S.W.2d 563, 1946 Tenn. App. LEXIS 72 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1946).

34. —Testimony Admissible Against Third Person.

An administrator could not claim his right under this statute to have testimony excluded in a manner to deprive plaintiff of her right to introduce the same testimony in good faith against a third person, for the plaintiff was an incompetent witness only in her action against the administrator and not in her action against the other party defendant. Carman v. Huff, 32 Tenn. App. 687, 227 S.W.2d 780, 1949 Tenn. App. LEXIS 119 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1949).

35. —Administrator as to Funeral Expenses.

Where funeral expenses were paid by a third person, the administrator may competently testify that he repaid such third person, and be entitled to credit in his accounts. Wooten v. House, 36 S.W. 932, 1895 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 48 (1895).

36. —Ownership of Property by Widow.

An action by a widow to determine the ownership of property devised by her husband's will is not an action against the executor or administrator as contemplated by this section and the widow may testify to transactions and statements made by her deceased husband. Justice v. Henley, 27 Tenn. App. 405, 181 S.W.2d 632, 1944 Tenn. App. LEXIS 87 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1944).

37. —Establishment of Share by Dissentient Widow.

A proceeding by a widow to establish her right to share in the estate of her husband as a dissentient widow according to the statutory provisions relating thereto rather than according to the husband's will does not increase or diminish the assets of the estate but concerns only the manner in which the assets are distributed and as such it does not fall within the meaning and reason of this section, and testimony of the widow as to statements and transaction with her husband should be admitted. Baker v. Baker, 24 Tenn. App. 220, 142 S.W.2d 737, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 28 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940).

38. Evidence Inadmissible.

T.C.A. § 24-1-203 does not apply in cases where the transaction about which the testimony was offered does not increase or diminish the decedent's estate but concerns only the manner in which the assets will be distributed. Cantrell v. Estate of Cantrell, 19 S.W.3d 842, 1999 Tenn. App. LEXIS 873 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1999).

In case involving whether attorney for debtor was entitled to testify as to substance of communications exchanged between himself and defendants' former attorney, who was deceased, with respect to negotiated consent order, Tennessee Dead Man's Statute did not, on its own, prohibit attorney from acting as witness on behalf of debtor because attorney was not party to suit such that judgment could be rendered for or against him. Ramco-Remodel Am. Corp. v. Wallis (In re Ramco-Remodel Am. Corp.), 536 B.R. 206, 2015 Bankr. LEXIS 2943 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. May 6, 2015).

Dead man's statute was applicable, and the trial court did not err in excluding the evidence proffered by the decedent's daughter because the complaint was filed by an administrator to recoup certain assets of the decedent's estate; the trial court's judgment in such an action would have a direct impact on the value of the decedent's estate. Bottorff v. Sears, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. App. LEXIS 430 (Tenn. Ct. App. July 25, 2018), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. LEXIS 764 (Tenn. Dec. 6, 2018), cert. denied, 204 L. Ed. 2d 1145, 139 S. Ct. 2759, — U.S. —, 2019 U.S. LEXIS 4286 (U.S. June 24, 2019).

39. —Examples.

Guardian is incompetent to testify against his ward in any proceeding involving his management of the ward's estate. Garwood v. Cooper, 59 Tenn. 101, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 33 (1873).

Upon a bill filed by a judgment creditor to reach the indebtedness of a decedent to the judgment debtor by open account, such judgment debtor, made a party to the suit, is not a competent witness to prove the account, or the transactions with or a statement by the intestate, tending to establish the debt. An actual assignment or a transfer of the account by the judgment debtor to the complainant judgment creditor, pending the suit, could not alter the result. Aymett v. Butler, 76 Tenn. 453, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 32 (1881).

Principal cannot throw payment of his note on his deceased surety's estate by his testimony as to their transactions, as where such principal is a defendant to a suit to enjoin a suit at law on the note against the estate of the surety, such principal is incompetent to prove transactions with and statements made by complainant's testator that would release him from the payment of the note as principal and compel testator's estate to pay the same, where such testator was only a surety on the note. Washington v. Bedford, 78 Tenn. 243, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 169 (1882).

It is not competent to show by a maker of a note sued thereon that he had sent renewal of note to deceased payee in pursuant to instructions contained in a letter from such payee received by witness but lost. Montague v. Thomason, 91 Tenn. 168, 18 S.W. 264, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 90 (1892).

A complainant's diary or mere memorandum of an account with a person subsequently deceased is inadmissible against his executor. Nance v. Callender, 51 S.W. 1025, 1898 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 149 (1898).

One claiming personal property under bill of sale from a decedent as against administrator of the latter's widow may testify to the fact of such bill of sale and file it as evidence, and also state where he was when he received it and when he executed his note for it, but cannot state what passed between himself and decedent leading up to the trade. Royston v. McCulley, 59 S.W. 725, 1900 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 118, 52 L.R.A. 899 (1900).

Testimony by an alleged donee as to what was said to him by decedent donor respecting certificates of deposit in a bank claimed by him as against the personal representative is not competent. Royston v. McCulley, 59 S.W. 725, 1900 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 118, 52 L.R.A. 899 (1900).

Where the complainant filed a bill to subject the decedent's real estate to the payment of a debt, making the administrator and heirs of the decedent parties, both being necessary parties, and an accounting being necessary, the judgment after which would run against the administrator the complainant cannot testify as to transactions with the deceased, even as against the heirs, as the land can only be subjected by a judgment against the administrator. Hooker v. Peterson, 140 Tenn. 280, 204 S.W. 858, 1918 Tenn. LEXIS 42 (1918).

In a suit by an executor to recover the possession of a note payable to the deceased, and which the defendant claimed as a gift from the deceased, the defendant was not competent to testify as to transaction with the statement by the deceased, though specified amounts were bequeathed to the defendant and another from the proceeds of the note, for it was the complainant's duty as executor to take charge of the assets of the estate, and distribute the proceeds to the beneficiaries named. Atchley v. Rimmer, 148 Tenn. 303, 255 S.W. 366, 1923 Tenn. LEXIS 19, 30 A.L.R. 1481 (1923); Wilson v. Wilson, 151 Tenn. 486, 267 S.W. 364, 1924 Tenn. LEXIS 82 (1924).

Where, in divorce, husband was given custody of children, and after his death, the divorced wife petitioned for custody of children, her testimony as to statements made by the husband was not admissible. Newburger v. Newburger, 10 Tenn. App. 555, — S.W.2d —, 1930 Tenn. App. LEXIS 2 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1930).

A party cannot testify in favor of his coparty where the interests of the two are joint or so connected that both must succeed or fall together. Nashville Trust Co. v. Williams, 15 Tenn. App. 445, — S.W.2d —, 1932 Tenn. App. LEXIS 113 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1932).

Where complainant administrator, in a suit to determine to whom proceeds of an insurance policy were payable, was not discharged but remained a party in possession of the funds, a judgment necessarily had to be entered against him as to distribution, and the statute applies. Nashville Trust Co. v. Williams, 15 Tenn. App. 445, — S.W.2d —, 1932 Tenn. App. LEXIS 113 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1932).

Since plaintiff seeking judgment on a note against an executor could not be called to testify except by the adverse party, a stipulation that plaintiff would testify that defendant's testator falsely represented that the note was secured by a mortgage is to be treated as unimportant. Freeman v. Citizens' Nat'l Bank, 167 Tenn. 399, 70 S.W.2d 25, 1933 Tenn. LEXIS 54 (1934).

In an action by an executor against the trustee of the testate, the testimony of the trustee relating to transactions with or statements by the testate was properly excluded. Patton v. Hardison, 20 Tenn. App. 585, 101 S.W.2d 698, 1936 Tenn. App. LEXIS 50 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1936).

Claimants suing a decedent estate jointly and individually on the same alleged oral contract of the decedent cannot testify for each other in their individual actions as to the transaction with the decedent because of this section since they are actually joint claimants even in their individual suits. Appolonio v. Baxter, 217 F.2d 267, 1954 U.S. App. LEXIS 3110 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1954).

Where three employees of decedent put in claim against estate for bonus which decedent had promised them it was improper to permit such claimants to testify as to conversations with deceased for the purpose of proving the claims of the coclaimants. Durham v. Webb, 46 Tenn. App. 429, 330 S.W.2d 355, 1959 Tenn. App. LEXIS 108 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1959).

In an action against the operator of a motor vehicle for the wrongful death of a guest passenger, testimony by the defendant that the decedent said nothing prior to the accident is inadmissible. Winston v. Roe, 246 F. Supp. 246, 1965 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 7144 (E.D. Tenn. 1965).

In a malpractice suit against the estate of a deceased physician the court properly excluded all testimony concerning the alleged absence of informed consent by the plaintiff to the course of treatment given him since such testimony necessarily would have related to conversations with or transactions involving the deceased doctor. Chumbler v. McClure, 505 F.2d 489, 1974 U.S. App. LEXIS 6370 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1974).

Where testimony, even though offered by a witness who was competent under this section, constituted nothing more than self-serving declarations, it should have been excluded. Harry Levitch Jewelers, Inc. v. Jackson, 573 S.W.2d 746, 1978 Tenn. LEXIS 671 (Tenn. 1978).

The mere fact that the evidence is offered through a witness who is competent to testify within the parameters of this section does not mean that everything allegedly told him by decedent is necessarily admissible. Harry Levitch Jewelers, Inc. v. Jackson, 573 S.W.2d 746, 1978 Tenn. LEXIS 671 (Tenn. 1978).

Where there was no written agreement between employer and the decedent reflecting their understanding of whether the company expected to be repaid for the money it spent on decedent's medical expenses, this section prevented the corporate plaintiff from establishing such an agreement by the declarations of the decedent. Estate of Atkinson v. Allied Fence & Improv. Co., 746 S.W.2d 709, 1987 Tenn. App. LEXIS 3087 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1987).

Testimony of former wife of the circumstances surrounding the signing of acknowledgment of a preexisting debt by former spouse, since deceased, violated the Dead Man Statute. Burke v. Arnold, 836 S.W.2d 99, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 969 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991).

Because the surviving spouse's demand for a year's support and for exempt property definitely would have the effect of decreasing the estate to be distributed, the spouse's testimony was properly excluded under the Dead Man's Statute. Cantrell v. Estate of Cantrell, 19 S.W.3d 842, 1999 Tenn. App. LEXIS 873 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1999).

Estate was entitled to a directed verdict with regard to the decedent's fiancée's claims for her lost bank compensation because the record lacked evidence to support her claim for lost salary and benefits. While she desired to base the claim on promises allegedly made to her by the decedent, T.C.A. § 24-1-203 prevented her from testifying about her agreement with the decedent. In re Estate of Marks, 187 S.W.3d 21, 2005 Tenn. App. LEXIS 560 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2005), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2006 Tenn. LEXIS 145 (2006).

Finding against the son was appropriate because he failed to prove the existence of an oral agreement in which his father promised him that he would receive ownership interest in a corporation; the estate did not open the door and waive the applicability of T.C.A. § 24-1-203 under the circumstances of the case because the questions about the percentages of ownership of stock were not inquires into the alleged transaction with the decedent, nor about statements made by the decedent. In re Estate of Haskins, 224 S.W.3d 675, 2006 Tenn. App. LEXIS 708 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2006), appeal denied, — S.W 3d —, 2007 Tenn. LEXIS 306 (Tenn. 2007).

40. —Assignment Not Rendering Payee Competent.

A scheme to defeat the operation of this statute, by an assignment of the demand to the assignor's agent for collection, for the purpose of making the assignor competent as a witness in a suit to be brought by such agent against the administrator of the decedent, concerning a transaction with the decedent, cannot be tolerated. Roy v. Sanford, 140 Tenn. 382, 204 S.W. 1159, 1918 Tenn. LEXIS 51 (1918).

In an action on a note against the administrator of the deceased maker, the payee cannot testify to execution of the note, although the action was brought by the party to whom it had been endorsed for collection. Roy v. Sanford, 140 Tenn. 382, 204 S.W. 1159, 1918 Tenn. LEXIS 51 (1918).

41. —Suit in Own Right and as Administrator.

Where the plaintiff sues in his own right and also as administrator of a deceased person, and the estate of the decedent is interested in the result of the suit jointly with the plaintiff, he is not a competent witness to prove transactions with or statements by the deceased. Taylor v. Mayhew, 58 Tenn. 596, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 306 (1872).

An administrator is incompetent to testify to establish his personal claim against his decedent's estate. Still v. Burkett, 39 S.W. 347, 1896 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 83 (1896).

42. —Surviving Partners Against Deceased Partner's Estate.

The surviving partners are not competent witnesses, either for themselves or for each other, to prove a joint firm contract made between themselves and a deceased partner, in the establishment of which they have a common interest, and by virtue of which they seek a recovery in favor of each, in their joint suit against the estate of their deceased partner, with whom they claim to have made the contract. Godfrey v. Templeton, 86 Tenn. 161, 6 S.W. 47, 1887 Tenn. LEXIS 33 (1887); McBrien v. Martin, 87 Tenn. 13, 9 S.W. 201, 1888 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1888).

43. —Ejectment Proceedings by Executor.

In ejectment by executor of a deceased grantor, against purchasers of real estate, who had reconveyed the property to their grantor on failure to make certain deferred payments of the purchase price but who still remained in possession of the property, the court properly excluded testimony of defendant as to an agreement with the deceased grantee, on reconveyance, that the grantee should take the property subject to a life estate of the grantors in the reconveyance. Anderson v. Howard, 18 Tenn. App. 169, 74 S.W.2d 387, 1934 Tenn. App. LEXIS 19 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1934).

44. —Suit to Compel Accounting.

In an action which partakes of the nature of a suit to compel a trustee with express trust to account for and deliver to those entitled certain trust property, where the subject matter of certain rejected testimony of the defendant related to transactions with, or statements by, the complainant's testator, such testimony was properly excluded. Patton v. Hardison, 20 Tenn. App. 585, 101 S.W.2d 698, 1936 Tenn. App. LEXIS 50 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1936).

45. —Deed Declared Trust.

In suit to have deed declared a trust brought by brother against deceased sister's executor, testimony of brother wherein he related transactions with deceased intended to show indebtedness against his sister's estate was incompetent under Code section. Fuchs v. Fuchs, 2 Tenn. App. 133, — S.W. —, 1926 Tenn. App. LEXIS 17 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1926).

46. Called by Opposite Party.

Where a witness is called by the administrator, the latter cannot object to the testimony thus elicited. Cotton v. Estate of Roberts, 47 Tenn. App. 277, 337 S.W.2d 776, 1960 Tenn. App. LEXIS 80 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1960).

47. —Strict Construction of Exception.

The exception to the rule as to competency when called by the opposite party must be strictly construed, and applied to parties and not those interested. Grange Warehouse Ass'n v. Owen, 86 Tenn. 355, 7 S.W. 457, 1887 Tenn. LEXIS 53 (1888); McBrien v. Martin, 87 Tenn. 13, 9 S.W. 201, 1888 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1888).

48. —Call to Testify Against Representative as Codefendant.

Whether the plaintiff may call one defendant as a witness to testify against another defendant, who is an executor or administrator, to prove conversations or statements of his intestate or testator, is reserved, and not decided. Fuqua v. Dinwiddie, 74 Tenn. 645, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 190 (1881).

Testimony regarding transactions with decedent given on direct examination of heir who was claimant against estate and called as witness by administrator was admissible to establish claim of witness against estate. Ledford v. Lee, 29 Tenn. App. 660, 200 S.W.2d 393, 1946 Tenn. App. LEXIS 101 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1946).

49. —Deposition of “Opposite Party.”

Where one party takes the deposition of an “opposite party” touching “transactions with or statements by the testator or intestate,” this constitutes an irrevocable call to testify thereto, “by the opposite party,” within the meaning of this statute, and the evidence thus elicited is admissible on behalf of either or both parties. Thomas v. Irvin, 90 Tenn. 512, 16 S.W. 1045, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 33 (1891).

The rule in Thomas v. Irvin, 90 Tenn. 512, 16 S.W. 1045, 1891 Tenn. LEXIS 33 (1981), that where a defendant takes for use and not for discovery, and files a deposition of a plaintiff after examining him as to transactions and conversations he had with the testator, the defendant waives the Dead Man Statute and the evidence adduced becomes competent, is not inconsistent with the Tennessee discovery rules. Ingram v. Phillips, 684 S.W.2d 954, 1984 Tenn. App. LEXIS 3387 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1984).

A litigant would be penalized for utilizing discovery if, by the acquisition of information under the discovery rule, it would render incompetent evidence competent; therefore, the taking of discovery depositions does not necessarily render competent evidence otherwise incompetent under this section. Ingram v. Phillips, 684 S.W.2d 954, 1984 Tenn. App. LEXIS 3387 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1984).

50. —Death After Deposing — Rights of Opposite Party.

The purpose of the law was to prevent the surviving party from having the benefit of his own testimony, when, by the death of his adversary, his representative was deprived of the decedent's version of the transaction or statement. Therefore, where a party dies after giving his deposition in a case, in which he deposed as to the transaction, the opposite party is competent to give his version of the transaction. McDonald v. Allen, 67 Tenn. 446, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 397 (1874); Bingham v. Lavender, 70 Tenn. 48, 1878 Tenn. LEXIS 186 (1878).

Depositions of complainant and defendant taken prior to, but not offered in evidence until after the death of the defendant are admissible as evidence against the personal representatives of the decedent. Bernard v. Reaves, 27 Tenn. App. 121, 178 S.W.2d 224, 1943 Tenn. App. LEXIS 155 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1943).

51. —Incompetent Called as Witness.

In action against guardian of supposedly insane person, plaintiff was competent witness for himself, where the supposedly insane person was called as a witness to testify as to statements by and transactions with the plaintiff. Cearley v. Mullins, 7 Tenn. Civ. App. (7 Higgins) 296 (1917).

52. —Testimony Elicited on Cross-Examination.

In action by guest passenger against administrator to recover for injuries sustained in automobile accident in which deceased motorist was killed it was proper to hold that if the administrator cross-examined the witness as to matters about which she was not permitted to testify against him, as to such matters, she could be “called to testify” and her testimony thus elicited competent. Carman v. Huff, 32 Tenn. App. 687, 227 S.W.2d 780, 1949 Tenn. App. LEXIS 119 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1949).

Testimony by claimant against decedent's estate with respect to certain conversations with decedent was admissible where such conversations were developed on cross-examination and claimant was called to testify by administrator. Cotton v. Estate of Roberts, 47 Tenn. App. 277, 337 S.W.2d 776, 1960 Tenn. App. LEXIS 80 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1960).

In proceeding on claim against estate where counsel for estate, after statement by claimant's counsel that no exceptions or objections were being offered, asked questions as to conversations between claimant and decedent concerning a particular transaction, counsel for claimant was entitled to pursue the matter on redirect examination and to question claimant further with reference to such transaction. In re Estate of Russell, 52 Tenn. App. 320, 373 S.W.2d 226, 1961 Tenn. App. LEXIS 137 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1961).

Where executor brought suit on behalf of estate against maker of note to enforce payment, defendant note-maker's statutory incompetence to testify as to decedent's statement that he destroyed the note was waived by the action of the executor, an opposite party, in calling the defendant to testify and in failing to object to the testimony of the defendant even though the testimony concerning the decedent's statement was elicited by questions from defendant's own attorney on “cross examination.” Burchett v. Stephens, 794 S.W.2d 745, 1990 Tenn. App. LEXIS 364 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1990), rehearing denied, — S.W.2d —, 1990 Tenn. App. LEXIS 424 (Tenn. Ct. App. June 13, 1990).

53. Objections and Exceptions.

54. —In General.

On exceptions to evidence, see Pillow's Heirs v. Shannon's Heirs, 11 Tenn. 507, 11 Tenn. 508, 1832 Tenn. LEXIS 107 (1832); Monteeth v. Caldwell, 26 Tenn. 13, 1846 Tenn. LEXIS 35 (1846); Garvin v. Luttrell, 29 Tenn. 16, 1848 Tenn. LEXIS 32 (1848); Hodges v. Nance, 31 Tenn. 57, 1851 Tenn. LEXIS 16 (Tenn. Sep. 1851); Whitley v. Davis' Lessee, 31 Tenn. 333, 1851 Tenn. LEXIS 80 (1851); Gunn v. Mason, 34 Tenn. 637, 1855 Tenn. LEXIS 110 (1855); Looper v. Bell, 38 Tenn. 373, 1858 Tenn. LEXIS 193 (Tenn. Dec. 1858); Ingram v. Smith, 38 Tenn. 411, 1858 Tenn. LEXIS 203 (Tenn. Dec. 1858); Birdsong v. Birdsong, 39 Tenn. 289, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 214 (Tenn. Apr. 1859); Barton v. Trent, 40 Tenn. 167, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 45 (1859); Campbell v. Campbell, 40 Tenn. 325, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 89 (1859); German v. German, 47 Tenn. 180, 1869 Tenn. LEXIS 31 (1869); Williams v. State, 50 Tenn. 376, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 5 (1872); Taylor v. Mayhew, 58 Tenn. 596, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 306 (1872); Patton v. Wilson, 70 Tenn. 101, 1878 Tenn. LEXIS 191 (1878); Garner v. State, 73 Tenn. 213, 1880 Tenn. LEXIS 112 (1880); Rielly v. English, 77 Tenn. 16, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 8 (1882), superseded by statute as stated in, Pioneer Bank v. Kelley, — S.W.2d —, 1994 Tenn. App. LEXIS 599 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 21, 1994); Pickett v. Boyd, 79 Tenn. 498, 1883 Tenn. LEXIS 94 (1883); Miller v. State, 80 Tenn. 223, 1883 Tenn. LEXIS 161 (1883); East Tenn., V. & G.R.R. v. Stewart, 81 Tenn. 432, 1884 Tenn. LEXIS 55 (1884); Johnson v. Patterson, 81 Tenn. 626, 1884 Tenn. LEXIS 81 (1884); Louisville, N. & G. S. R.R. Co. v. Fleming, 82 Tenn. 128, 1884 Tenn. LEXIS 115 (1884); Anderson v. Akard, 83 Tenn. 182, 1885 Tenn. LEXIS 40 (1885); Knoxville Iron Co. v. Dobson, 83 Tenn. 409, 1885 Tenn. LEXIS 60 (1885); Gibson v. Parkey, 142 Tenn. 99, 217 S.W. 647, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 39 (1919).

It was not error to exclude testimony which was incompetent under this statute. First Nat'l Bank v. Howard, 42 Tenn. App. 347, 302 S.W.2d 516, 1957 Tenn. App. LEXIS 89 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1957).

Dead Man's statute was not violated because the promissory note at issue spoke for itself, the decedent's signature on the note was established by other evidence, and the trial testimony did not concern a statement or transaction with the decedent. In re Estate of Trent, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. App. LEXIS 29 (Tenn. Ct. App. Jan. 25, 2016), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. LEXIS 451 (Tenn. June 23, 2016).

55. —Sufficiency of Exception.

If testimony contravening the rule is admitted and excepted to by the defendant in these words: “To all which testimony defendant excepted, as being evidence concerning conversations and transactions between witness and deceased,” the exception is sufficiently explicit and pointed. Thompson v. Anderson, 2 Shan. 161 (1876).

An exception to evidence must be sufficient upon its face to point out the matter excepted to. Gibson v. Parkey, 142 Tenn. 99, 217 S.W. 647, 1919 Tenn. LEXIS 39 (1919).

56. —Waiver of Exception.

In an action against executrix for services rendered testator, based on testator's promise to further compensate complainant, for her services, in his will, in which complainant testified on direct examination over defendant's exception as to such agreement, the mere fact that the defendant cross-examined her as to the agreement did not render her testimony as to testator's promise on reexamination competent, where otherwise incompetent. Bowlen v. Baker, 147 Tenn. 36, 245 S.W. 416, 1922 Tenn. LEXIS 19 (1922).

The exception is waived when not saved in the trial court. War Finance Corp. v. Ready, 2 Tenn. App. 61, — S.W. —, 1925 Tenn. App. LEXIS 93 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1925).

Continual objections made by administrator's counsel put the judge on notice that he was insisting on his rights to have plaintiff's testimony as to an agreement made between plaintiff and decedent excluded from the record under this section, and his cross-examination of plaintiff as to the agreement, after court had refrained from ruling on his objections, did not constitute a waiver of his rights under this section. Nabors v. Gearhiser, 525 S.W.2d 145, 1975 Tenn. LEXIS 655 (Tenn. 1975).

57. —Waiver of Objection.

In a paternity action for purposes of intestate succession where the mother testified in detail to her relationship with the deceased without any objection by the executrix and, the attorney for the executrix cross-examined the witness on the subject it constitutes a waiver of any objection to the testimony. Rose v. Stalcup, 731 S.W.2d 541, 1987 Tenn. App. LEXIS 2468 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1987).

58. —Sustaining and Overruling Exception Contrasted.

Sustained exception contrasted with case where exception overruled. Wade v. Whitsitt, 9 Tenn. App. 436, — S.W.2d —, 1928 Tenn. App. LEXIS 249 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1928); Drinnon v. Willis, 14 Tenn. App. 483, 1932 Tenn. App. LEXIS 56 (Tenn. App. Mar. 19, 1932).

59. —Cases Consolidated or Tried Together.

Where five cases involving automobile collision were tried together and three of such cases involved actions by or against administrator of estate of deceased owner of one of the cars involved in the accident while the other two cases did not involve such administrator, testimony as to statements made by decedent immediately after the accident were admissible in the two cases not involving the administrator and trial court did not err in admitting such testimony over general objections not specifically pointing out the cases in which such cases were inadmissible. McKamey v. Andrews, 40 Tenn. App. 112, 289 S.W.2d 704, 1955 Tenn. App. LEXIS 102 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1955).

60. —Harmless Error.

Error in admitting testimony contrary to the provisions of this section is harmless if the judgment is supported by evidence other than such incompetent evidence and there is no material evidence to the contrary. Durham v. Webb, 46 Tenn. App. 429, 330 S.W.2d 355, 1959 Tenn. App. LEXIS 108 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1959).

Although portions of the testimony by the decedent's adult child referencing conversations with the decedent regarding certificate of deposit that were jointly titled in the decedent and the adult child was not admissible under the Tennessee Dead Man's statute, the trial court's overruling of an objection to the testimony was harmless error because there was material evidence, outside the Dead Man's statute, to support the trial court's ultimate holdings. In re Estate of Kirkman, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. App. LEXIS 104 (Tenn. Ct. App. Feb. 15, 2017).

24-1-204. Communications during crisis intervention.

As used in this section:
1. “Crisis intervention” means a session at which crisis response services are rendered by a critical incident stress management team member or leader during or after a crisis or disaster;
2. “Crisis response services” means consultation, risk assessment, referral and crisis intervention services provided by a critical incident stress management team to individuals affected by crisis or disaster;
3. “Critical incident stress management team member or team leader,” referred to also as “team member,” or “team leader,” means an individual specially trained to provide crisis response services as a member or leader of an organized community or local crisis response team that holds membership in a registered critical incident stress management team;
4. “Registered team” means a team formally registered with a recognized training agency. A recognized training agency shall include the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, the National Organization for Victim Assistance, the American Red Cross, the Tennessee Public Safety Network and other such organizations;
5. “Training session” means a session providing crisis response training by a qualified trained trainer utilizing the standards established by the accrediting agencies set out in subdivision (a)(4); and
6. “Volunteer” means a person who serves and receives no remuneration for services except reimbursement for actual expenses.
All communications between a team member or team leader providing, and a group participant or person participating in, a crisis intervention shall be considered confidential and no such person shall be required to disclose any such communication unless otherwise required by law or rule of court.
Except as provided under subsection (d), no person, whether a team member, team leader or group participant, providing or participating in a crisis intervention shall be required to testify or divulge any information obtained solely through such crisis intervention.
The testimonial privilege established under subsection (c) shall not apply if any of the following are true:
1. The communication indicates the existence of a danger to the individual who receives crisis response services or to any other person or persons;
2. The communication indicates the existence of past or present child abuse or neglect of the individual, abuse of an adult as defined in title 71, chapter 6 or family violence as defined in title 71, chapter 6, part 2;
3. The communication indicates the existence of past or present acts constituting an intentional tort or crime; provided, that the applicable statute of limitation has not expired on the act indicated; or
4. All parties involved in the crisis intervention, including the individual or individuals who received crisis response services, expressly waive the privilege and consent to the testimony.

Acts 2009, ch. 332, § 1; 2010, ch. 618, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Former §§ 24-1-204, 24-1-205 (Code 1858, § 3811 (deriv. Acts 1824, ch. 13, § 1); Acts 1871, ch. 107, § 1; Shan., §§ 5594, 5599; mod. Code 1932, §§ 9776, 9781; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 24-106, 24-107), concerning parties exempt from rule for exclusion of witnesses and judges as witnesses, were repealed by Acts 1991, ch. 273, §§ 8, 9. For present law, see Tenn. R. Evid. 605, 615.

Acts 2010, ch. 618, § 2 provided that the amendment to subdivision (d)(2) shall apply to any crisis intervention testimonial privilege asserted on or after March 2, 2010.

Cross-References. Confidentiality of public records, § 10-7-504.

24-1-205. [Reserved.]

1. No minister of the gospel, priest of the Catholic Church, rector of the Episcopal Church, ordained rabbi, or regular minister of religion of any religious organization or denomination usually referred to as a church, over eighteen (18) years of age, shall be allowed or required in giving testimony as a witness in any litigation, to disclose any information communicated to that person in a confidential manner, properly entrusted to that person in that person's professional capacity, and necessary to enable that person to discharge the functions of such office according to the usual course of that person's practice or discipline, wherein such person so communicating such information about such person or another is seeking spiritual counsel and advice relative to and growing out of the information so imparted.
2. It shall be the duty of the judge of the court wherein such litigation is pending, when such testimony as prohibited in this section is offered, to determine whether or not that person possesses the qualifications which prohibit that person from testifying to the communications sought to be proven by that person.
The prohibition of this section shall not apply to cases where the communicating party, or parties, waives the right so conferred by personal appearance in open court so declaring, or by an affidavit properly sworn to by such a one or ones, before some person authorized to administer oaths, and filed with the court wherein litigation is pending.
Nothing in this section shall modify or in any way change the law relative to “hearsay testimony.”
Any minister of the gospel, priest of the Catholic Church, rector of the Episcopal Church, ordained rabbi, or any regular minister of religion of any religious organization or denomination usually referred to as a church, who violates this section, commits a Class C misdemeanor.

Acts 1959, ch. 24, §§ 1-5; impl. am. Acts 1971, ch. 162, § 3; T.C.A., §§ 24-109 — 24-111; modified; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.

Code Commission Notes.

Portions of this section have been rewritten by the executive secretary to the Tennessee code commission to implement Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113, effective November 1, 1989, which requested that the executive secretary amend this section by deleting the penalty provision and inserting language to indicate violation of the section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Cross-References. Confidentiality of public records, § 10-7-504.

Evidentiary privileges inapplicable in child sexual abuse cases, § 37-1-614.

Penalty for Class C misdemeanor, § 40-35-111.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 501 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

Law Reviews.

Criminal Law and Procedure — 1959 Tennessee Survey (Robert E. Kendrick), 12 Vand. L. Rev. 1131.

Toward a Unified Approach to Privileges and Relevancy (Thomas F. Guernsey), 17 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (1986).

Attorney General Opinions. Communications between an employee of a county sheriff's department and a volunteer clergy member, appointed by the sheriff to provide spirtual consultation, are confidential and privileged, provided the communications are made to the clergy member confidentially, in the clergy's professional capacity, according to the usual course of the clergy's practice or discipline, as established by the rules or customs of the clergy's religious organization or denomination when the employee is seeking spiritual advice or counseling; however, this privilege does not apply to any communication involving known or suspected child sexual abuse, OAG 01-009, 2001 Tenn. AG LEXIS 2 (1/25/01).

The identity of the person appointing a minister to provide spiritual consultation at a sheriff's office is irrelevant to the clergy-penitent privilege, OAG 01-009, 2001 Tenn. AG LEXIS 2 (1/25/01).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Person Protected.

The privilege created by this section is for the protection of the person communicating the information to the minister, not the minister. Vermilye v. State, 754 S.W.2d 82, 1987 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 2699 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1987).

2. Privilege Established by Evidence.

Where a minister inquired of defendant's troubles, consoled him and counselled him to put his faith in God and the defendant felt the minister was God's emissary, the evidence preponderated against the trial judge's determination that the conversation between the defendant and the minister was due to their friendship, and defendant's communications to the minister were privileged. State v. Boling, 806 S.W.2d 202, 1990 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 612 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1990), appeal denied, — S.W.2d —, 1990 Tenn. LEXIS 434 (Tenn. Nov. 19, 1990).

3. Application.

Decedent's retired reverend was allowed to testify in will contest hearing after the trial court read a portion of the statute to allow him to determine if his answers fell within the parameters of confidences made in the course of pastor/parishioner relationship. Smith v. Smith, 102 S.W.3d 648, 2002 Tenn. App. LEXIS 791 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2002), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2003 Tenn. LEXIS 153 (Tenn. Feb. 18, 2003).

24-1-207. Communications between psychiatrist and patient.

Communications between a patient and a licensed physician when practicing as a psychiatrist in the course of and in connection with a therapeutic counseling relationship regardless of whether the therapy is individual, joint, or group, are privileged in proceedings before judicial and quasi-judicial tribunals. Neither the psychiatrist nor any member of the staff may testify or be compelled to testify as to such communications or otherwise reveal them in such proceedings without consent of the patient except:
1. In proceedings in which the patient raises the issue of the patient's mental or emotional condition;
2. In proceedings for which the psychiatrist was ordered by the tribunal to examine the patient if the patient was advised that communications to the psychiatrist would not be privileged, but testimony as to the communications is admissible only on issues involving the patient's mental or emotional condition; and
3. In proceedings to involuntarily hospitalize the patient under title 33, chapter 6, part 4 or title 33, chapter 6, part 5, if the psychiatrist decides that the patient is in need of care and treatment in a residential facility. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the exception is limited to disclosures necessary to establish that the patient poses a substantial likelihood of serious harm requiring involuntary hospitalization under title 33, chapter 6, part 4 or title 33, chapter 6, part 5.
When personally identifiable patient information is to be disclosed in a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding or any other public proceeding, the authority conducting the proceeding shall take reasonable steps to prevent unnecessary exposure of such information to the public and to further this section's policy of protecting the right of privacy. Such steps may include screening of questions in prehearing conferences and in camera inspection of papers.
1. Privileged communications between a patient and a licensed physician when practicing as a psychiatrist in the course of and in connection with a therapeutic counseling relationship, regardless of whether the therapy is individual, joint, or group, may be disclosed without consent of the patient if:
  1. Such patient has made an actual threat to physically harm an identifiable victim or victims; and
  2. The treating psychiatrist makes a clinical judgment that the patient has the apparent capability to commit such an act and that it is more likely than not that in the near future the patient will carry out the threat.
2. The psychiatrist may disclose patient communications to the extent necessary to warn or protect any potential victim. No civil or criminal action shall be instituted, nor shall liability be imposed due to the disclosure of otherwise confidential communications by a psychiatrist pursuant to this subsection (c).

Acts 1965, ch. 157, § 1; 1972, ch. 648, § 11; T.C.A., § 24-112; Acts 1986, ch. 776, § 1; 1987, ch. 417, § 1; 1989, ch. 519, § 1; 1994, ch. 832, § 1; 2000, ch. 947, §§ 8A, 8C.

Cross-References. Communications between psychologist and patient, § 63-11-213.

Communications concerning violent behavior of patients, title 33, ch. 10, part 3.

Confidentiality of public records, § 10-7-504.

Evidentiary privileges inapplicable in child sexual abuse cases, § 37-1-614.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 501 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 21 Tenn. Juris., Privileged Communications, § 7.

Law Reviews.

Camping Trips and Family Trees: Must Tennessee Physicians Warn Their Patients' Relatives of Genetic Risks? (Carol McCrehan Parker), 65 Tenn. L. Rev. 585 (1998).

Criminal Law in Tennessee in 1977-1978, IV. Procedure (Joseph G. Cook), 46 Tenn. L. Rev. 494.

Evidence — Jaffee v. Redmond: Establishing the “Psychotherapist-Patient Privilege” under Rule 501 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, 27 U. Mem. L. Rev. 703 (1997).

Evidence — Privileged Communications in Divorce Actions: Psychiatrist-Patient and Presence of Third Parties, 40 Tenn. L. Rev. 110.

Hospital Records as Evidence: New Rules and Old Statutes (Donald F. Paine), 26 No. 3, Tenn. B.J. 33 (1990).

Medical Jurisprudence — Privileged Communications Between Physician and Patient — State Regulation and Right To Privacy, 39 Tenn. L. Rev. 515.

Obtaining medical records for mental health evaluations (David L. Raybin), 37 No. 7 Tenn. B.J. 27 (2001).

Selected Tennessee Legislation of 1986, 54 Tenn. L. Rev. 457 (1987).

Toward a Unified Approach to Privileges and Relevancy (Thomas F. Guernsey), 17 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (1986).

When a Child's Best Interests Are At Issue: Privacy of Mental Health Records In Divorce and Custody Proceedings, 49 Tenn. B.J. 21 (2013).

Attorney General Opinions. Obtaining a parent’s mental-health information in child-custody cases. OAG 14-55, 2014 Tenn. AG Lexis 57 (5/14/14)

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Communications in Presence of Spouse.

Communications made to a psychiatrist when the confidential relationship of psychiatrist and patient exists even though made in the presence of a spouse are privileged including any diagnosis made therefrom. Ellis v. Ellis, 63 Tenn. App. 361, 472 S.W.2d 741, 1971 Tenn. App. LEXIS 225 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1971).

The presence during confidential communications to a psychiatrist of one sustaining such intimate family relationship as a spouse does not constitute the presence of a third party so as to void the confidential nature of the communications. Ellis v. Ellis, 63 Tenn. App. 361, 472 S.W.2d 741, 1971 Tenn. App. LEXIS 225 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1971).

2. Mental Condition in Issue.

Where defendant in a burglary and assault and battery case sought discovery of the prosecutrix-victim's hospital records on the grounds that these records would establish that she suffered from hallucinations or delusions; and other factors pointed to defendant's innocence, clearly the mental condition of prosecutrix was an issue in this case under exception (1) to the psychiatrist-patient privilege; and even more clearly the interests of justice required that the privilege be withheld under exception (2). State v. Brown, 552 S.W.2d 383, 1977 Tenn. LEXIS 513 (Tenn. 1977).

Trial court erred in ordering the production of a mother's mental health records in a post-divorce custody proceeding, as the records were clearly confidential pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 24-1-207 and 63-11-213; T.C.A. § 33-3-105 was inapplicable, as it applied to mentally ill and retarded persons in the care and custody of the state. Herman v. Herman, — S.W.3d —, 2012 Tenn. App. LEXIS 296 (Tenn. Ct. App. May 9, 2012).

Trial court did not abuse its discretion by denying an ex-husband's motion for a mistrial because the ex-husband received relevant information from his witness, the psychiatrist who had his ex-wife as a patient, and he could not force the witness to testify about privileged information; even without the privileged information, the witness provided information relevant to the case. Trigg v. Church, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. App. LEXIS 380 (Tenn. Ct. App. July 2, 2018).

3. Waiver.

In Tennessee, authorizations to release medical information to third parties are a waiver of the privilege, but only to the extent of any disclosure made; therefore, the patient's authorization to release medical information to a third party should not be contemplated by the patient as release of all information in the medical file. Kennedy v. Dermatology Assocs., P.C., 183 F.R.D. 619, 1999 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5828 (E.D. Tenn. 1999).

Trial court properly denied defendant's motion to suppress because the communications with the paramedics were not protected the psychiatrist/patient privilege where (1) as soon as the paramedics understood that defendant was incriminating herself, they stopped her, (2) the police officers present took appropriate action to ensure defendant was not questioned until she was advised of her rights, and (3) defendant was given a thorough Miranda warning before she signed the waiver and gave her recorded statement. State v. Polochak, — S.W.3d —, 2015 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 35 (Tenn. Crim. App. Jan. 16, 2015), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2015 Tenn. LEXIS 396 (Tenn. May 14, 2015).

4. Exceptions.

Since the privilege does not apply in proceedings in which the patient raises the issue of the patient's mental or emotional condition, the exception to the privilege clearly controlled when the plaintiff sought damages for emotional distress, thereby raising the issue of plaintiff's mental and emotional condition. Kirchner v. Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., 184 F.R.D. 124, 1998 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20241 (M.D. Tenn. 1998).

24-1-208. Persons gathering information for publication or broadcast — Disclosure.

A person engaged in gathering information for publication or broadcast connected with or employed by the news media or press, or who is independently engaged in gathering information for publication or broadcast, shall not be required by a court, a grand jury, the general assembly, or any administrative body, to disclose before the general assembly or any Tennessee court, grand jury, agency, department, or commission any information or the source of any information procured for publication or broadcast.
Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to the source of any allegedly defamatory information in any case where the defendant in a civil action for defamation asserts a defense based on the source of such information.
1. Any person seeking information or the source thereof protected under this section may apply for an order divesting such protection. Such application shall be made to the judge of the court having jurisdiction over the hearing, action or other proceeding in which the information sought is pending.
2. The application shall be granted only if the court after hearing the parties determines that the person seeking the information has shown by clear and convincing evidence that:
  1. There is probable cause to believe that the person from whom the information is sought has information which is clearly relevant to a specific probable violation of law;
  2. The person has demonstrated that the information sought cannot reasonably be obtained by alternative means; and
  3. The person has demonstrated a compelling and overriding public interest of the people of the state of Tennessee in the information.
3. 1. Any order of the trial court may be appealed to the court of appeals in the same manner as other civil cases. The court of appeals shall make an independent determination of the applicability of the standards in this subsection (c) to the facts in the record and shall not accord a presumption of correctness to the trial court's findings.
  2. The execution of or any proceeding to enforce a judgment divesting the protection of this section shall be stayed pending appeal upon the timely filing of a notice of appeal in accordance with Rule 3 of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure, and the appeal shall be expedited upon the docket of the court of appeals upon the application of either party.
  3. Any order of the court of appeals may be appealed to the supreme court of Tennessee as provided by law.

Acts 1973, ch. 27, §§ 1-3; T.C.A, § 24-113—24-115; Acts 1988, ch. 803, §§ 1, 2.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 17 Tenn. Juris., Jurisdiction, §§ 20; 20 Tenn. Juris., Newspapers, § 3; 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, § 54.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 501 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

Law Reviews.

Tennessee Grants Newsmen a Qualified Disclosure Shield, 4 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 143.

Tennessee's Newsman Shield Law — Confidentiality Not a Requirement, 14 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 418 (1984).

Toward a Unified Approach to Privileges and Relevancy (Thomas F. Guernsey), 17 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (1986).

“We Have a Warrant to Search Your Files!” (Charles Currier), 19 No. 1 Tenn. B.J. 12 (1983).

Attorney General Opinions. The divestiture order provisions of T.C.A. § 24-1-208(c)(1) apply only when someone is seeking disclosure of information or the source of information that is protected under Tenn. Code Ann. § 24-1-208(a). The divestiture order provisions of Tenn. Code Ann. § 24-1208(c)(1) do not apply with reference to T.C.A. § 24-1-208(b). OAG 16-23, 2016 Tenn. AG LEXIS 23 (6/21/2016).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Scope.

The Shield Law, compiled in this section, is applicable to civil actions. Austin v. Memphis Pub. Co., 655 S.W.2d 146, 1983 Tenn. LEXIS 786 (Tenn. 1983).

Trial court erred in granting the public figure's motion to compel based upon T.C.A. § 24-1-208(b) where it had interpreted the exemption in a way that swallowed up the protection that T.C.A. § 24-1-208(a) provided to media defendants whenever disclosure of a source was sought. Funk v. Scripps Media, Inc., — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. App. LEXIS 779 (Tenn. Ct. App. Nov. 30, 2017), aff'd, 570 S.W.3d 205, 2019 Tenn. LEXIS 101 (Tenn. Mar. 13, 2019).

T.C.A. § 24-1-208(b) allows a media defendant to assert the fair report privilege while also subjecting to disclosure only the sources the media defendant identifies as the basis for the story. In other words, once a news gatherer asserts the fair report privilege, the protections of T.C.A. § 24-1-208(a) of the Shield Law come into play to protect sources. To the extent that under the fair report privilege the news gatherer must indicate the source of the news report, that source loses its protected status under § 24-1-208(b) of the Shield Law and must be disclosed. If the source of any allegedly defamatory information is one or more documents, the document(s) must be produced to the claimant. Funk v. Scripps Media, Inc., — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. App. LEXIS 779 (Tenn. Ct. App. Nov. 30, 2017), aff'd, 570 S.W.3d 205, 2019 Tenn. LEXIS 101 (Tenn. Mar. 13, 2019).

Other than the person or document(s) the news gatherer identifies as the source(s) of his or her publication or broadcast, T.C.A. § 24-1-208(a) of the Shield Law protects the news gatherer from having to produce any other information or documents from his or her investigative files. Funk v. Scripps Media, Inc., — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. App. LEXIS 779 (Tenn. Ct. App. Nov. 30, 2017), aff'd, 570 S.W.3d 205, 2019 Tenn. LEXIS 101 (Tenn. Mar. 13, 2019).

2. Jurisdiction.

A trial court lacks subject matter jurisdiction to make a decision interpreting this section as it relates to subpoenas issued in a tort lawsuit. Austin v. Memphis Pub. Co., 621 S.W.2d 397, 1981 Tenn. App. LEXIS 525 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1981).

3. Remedies.

When the privilege under this section is asserted, the only recourse to the person seeking the information is to apply to the court of appeals as allowed by subsection (c). Austin v. Memphis Pub. Co., 621 S.W.2d 397, 1981 Tenn. App. LEXIS 525 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1981).

4. Divestiture of Protection.

Subsection (c) contemplates an original hearing and disposition of factual, as well as legal, issues before the court of appeals and a direct appeal to the supreme court as a matter of right. State ex rel. Gerbitz v. Curriden, 738 S.W.2d 192, 1987 Tenn. LEXIS 987 (Tenn. 1987).

Application for divestiture of privilege against disclosure granted under T.C.A. § 24-1-208 denied. State ex rel. Gerbitz v. Curriden, 738 S.W.2d 192, 1987 Tenn. LEXIS 987 (Tenn. 1987); Dingman v. Harvell, 814 S.W.2d 362, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 110 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991).

In order for T.C.A. § 24-1-208(c) to apply, the party seeking application must establish by clear and convincing evidence each required factor: (1) Probable cause that informant has relevant information about specific probable violation of law; (2) Information cannot reasonably be obtained by alternative means; and (3) Compelling and overriding public interest in obtaining the information. Moore v. Domino's Pizza L.L.C., 199 F.R.D. 598, 2000 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20385 (W.D. Tenn. 2000).

Defendant's arguments failed to meet the clear and convincing standard required of T.C.A. § 24-1-208(c) where: (1) No attempt was made to depose the plaintiffs in order to obtain the information in question; (2) Defendant's contention that the broadcast station's employees were the only non-biased source of information was questionable; and (3) Defendant attached an affidavit from a witness that supported the fact that there were other means and parties that could provide defendant with the information sought. Moore v. Domino's Pizza L.L.C., 199 F.R.D. 598, 2000 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20385 (W.D. Tenn. 2000).

Transcript of the reporter's report clearly referenced a settlement between defendant and the victim; therefore, this information was subject to protection by the media privilege, and defendant did not prove that the reporter's knowledge of the dispute was relevant at the probation revocation proceeding, he did not prove that the reporter was the only source of information as required by T.C.A. § 24-1-208, and defendant did not establish that there was a compelling and overriding public interest in the information. State v. Kendrick, 178 S.W.3d 734, 2005 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 685 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2005).

5. Confidentiality Not Required.

Qualified privilege against disclosure granted the news media under Tennessee's Shield Law, codified in this section, is not contingent upon a finding that the information or source of information sought was obtained in the course of a confidential newsman-informant relationship. Austin v. Memphis Pub. Co., 655 S.W.2d 146, 1983 Tenn. LEXIS 786 (Tenn. 1983).

6. Appeal.

Supreme court considered the substance of the questions presented concerning the exception to the news media shield law because the issue remained unresolved since the trial court had not yet ruled on the media's motion for summary judgment; in the absence of any ruling by the trial court, due to the district attorney's status as a public official, actual malice remained relevant, and the district attorney's request for discovery of information regarding actual malice was ripe for resolution. Funk v. Scripps Media, Inc., 570 S.W.3d 205, 2019 Tenn. LEXIS 101 (Tenn. Mar. 13, 2019).

7. Exception.

Fair report privilege is a defense based upon the source of the allegedly defamatory information, and as such, the assertion of this defense triggers the exception to the news media shield law; the statute uses “source” in a broad manner that includes official actions or proceedings. Funk v. Scripps Media, Inc., 570 S.W.3d 205, 2019 Tenn. LEXIS 101 (Tenn. Mar. 13, 2019).

Trial court erred by granting a district attorney's motion to compel because the fair report privilege was a defense that rendered the source of the alleged defamatory statements unprotected by the news media shield law; the media disclosed the circumstances of the judicial proceeding where the allegedly defamatory statements originated, and thus, the trial court could not order them to disclose the information obtained from sources unless the district attorney satisfied the three-party test. Funk v. Scripps Media, Inc., 570 S.W.3d 205, 2019 Tenn. LEXIS 101 (Tenn. Mar. 13, 2019).

Assertion of the fair report privilege will necessarily entail disclosure of the media defendant's source of information; this is because a media defendant asserting the privilege must show that the allegedly defamatory information is a fair and accurate report of official actions or proceedings, and therefore, the media defendant must disclose the source of the allegedly defamatory information. Funk v. Scripps Media, Inc., 570 S.W.3d 205, 2019 Tenn. LEXIS 101 (Tenn. Mar. 13, 2019).

Source is the means by which a reporter obtains information, but information is what the reporter learned from the interview or the document; thus, the exception to the news media shield law allows a court to compel disclosure of the source of a media defendant's information, how media defendants know something; it does not authorize a court to compel media defendants to disclose the information the source provided. Funk v. Scripps Media, Inc., 570 S.W.3d 205, 2019 Tenn. LEXIS 101 (Tenn. Mar. 13, 2019).

24-1-209. Communication between attorney and private detective privileged.

Communication between an attorney and a private detective or investigator hired by such attorney, while acting in their respective professional capacities shall be privileged communications.

Acts 1973, ch. 339, § 1; T.C.A., § 24-116.

Cross-References. Evidentiary privileges inapplicable in child sexual abuse cases, § 37-1-614.

Private investigators, licensing and regulation, title 62, ch. 26, part 2.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 501 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

Law Reviews.

Toward a Unified Approach to Privileges and Relevancy (Thomas F. Guernsey), 17 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (1986).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Waiver.

Defendant waived any claim of investigative privilege by sharing the investigator's report with the State. State v. Sanders, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 585 (Tenn. Crim. App. Aug. 6, 2018), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. LEXIS 675 (Tenn. Nov. 14, 2018).

24-1-210. Interpreters — Dual party relay operators.

As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. “Dual party relay operator” means a person who facilitates communication over the telephone between persons, one (1) of whom depends on the use of a special device for transmitting text rather than the spoken voice through the telephone line; and
2. “Interpreter” means a person who facilitates communication between persons who are unable to communicate with one another directly without such facilitation.
No interpreter or dual party relay operator shall be permitted or required to disclose information obtained by virtue of facilitating any confidential communication.
No interpreter or dual party relay operator shall be discharged or discriminated against for complying with the provisions of subsection (b).

Acts 1990, ch. 810, § 1.

Cross-References. Confidentiality of public records, § 10-7-504.

24-1-211. Deaf persons — Providing oral or deaf sign language interpreters in administrative and judicial proceedings.

As used in this section:
1. “Deaf person” means a person with a hearing loss so great as to prevent such person from understanding language spoken in a normal tone. “Deaf person” further includes, but is not limited to, a person who is mute and a person who is both deaf and mute. The archaic term “dumb” that formerly related to deaf people shall hereafter be struck from all future state publications that in any way refer to the deaf;
2. “Oral interpreter” means a person who interprets language through facial and lip movements only and who does not use manual communication. An oral interpreter shall be provided upon the request of a deaf person who does not communicate in sign language. The right of a deaf person to an interpreter may not be waived except by a deaf person who does not use sign language and who initiates such request for waiver in writing. Such waiver is subject to approval of counsel to such deaf person, if existent, and is subject to approval of the appointing authority; and
3. “Qualified interpreter” means an interpreter certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or, in the event an interpreter so certified is not available, an interpreter whose qualifications are otherwise determined. Efforts to obtain the services of a qualified interpreter certified with a Legal Skills Certificate or a Comprehensive Skills Certificate will be made prior to accepting services of an interpreter with lesser certification. No “qualified interpreter” shall be appointed unless the appointing authority and the deaf person make a preliminary determination that the interpreter is able to readily communicate with the deaf person and is able to accurately interpret the statements of the deaf person and interpret the proceedings in which a deaf person may be involved.
1. In any case in law or equity before any court or the grand jury, wherein any deaf person is a party to such action, either as a complainant, defendant, or witness, the court shall appoint a qualified interpreter of the deaf sign language to interpret the proceedings to the deaf person and interpret the person's testimony or statements and to assist in preparation with counsel.
2. In any proceeding before any department, board, commission, agency, or licensing authority of the state, or any political subdivision or municipality, wherein any deaf person is a principal party of interest, either as a complainant, defendant, witness or supplicant, any department, board, commission, agency, or licensing authority of the state or any political subdivision or municipality wherein such shall appoint a qualified interpreter to interpret the proceedings to the deaf person and to interpret the person's testimony or statements.
3. In the event a person who is deaf is arrested and taken into custody for any alleged violation of a criminal law of this state, the arresting officers' and the arresting officers' superiors shall procure a qualified interpreter in order to properly interrogate such deaf person and to interpret such person's statements. No statement taken from such deaf person before an interpreter is present may be admissible in court.
Every deaf person whose appearance before a proceeding entitles such person to an interpreter should notify the appointing authority of such need prior to any appearance and should request at such time the services of an interpreter; provided, that where a deaf person reasonably expects the need for an interpreter to be for a period greater than a single day, such person should notify the appointing authority and such notification shall be sufficient for the duration of the person's participation in the proceedings.
An appointing authority may require a person requesting the appointment of an interpreter to furnish reasonable proof of deafness when the appointing authority has reason to believe that the person is not deaf.
1. It shall be the responsibility of the appointing authority to channel requests for qualified interpreters through:
  1. Local interpreter/referral centers for the deaf;
  2. The Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;
  3. The Tennessee council for the deaf and hard of hearing; or, in the alternative,
  4. The department of human services, division of vocational rehabilitation.
2. It is the responsibility of the Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf to compile and update annually a listing of qualified interpreters and to make this listing available to authorities in possible need of interpreter service as provided in this section.
Before a qualified interpreter will participate in any proceedings subsequent to an appointment under this section, such interpreter shall make an oath or affirmation that such interpreter will make a true interpretation in an understandable manner to the deaf person for whom the interpreter is appointed and that such interpreter will interpret the statements of the deaf person desiring that statements be made, in the English language to the best of such interpreter's skill and judgment. The appointing authority shall provide recess periods as necessary for the interpreter when the interpreter so indicates. Any and all information that the interpreter gathers from the deaf person pertaining to any proceeding then pending shall at all times remain confidential and privileged, or on an equal basis with the attorney-client privilege, unless such deaf person desires that such information be communicated to other persons.
An interpreter appointed under this section shall be entitled to a reasonable fee for such services. The fee shall be in accordance with standards established by the Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, in addition to actual expenses for travel and transportation. When the interpreter is appointed by a court, the fee shall be paid out of general county funds and when the interpreter is otherwise appointed the fee shall be paid out of funds available to the appointing authority.

Acts 1957, ch. 233, §§ 1, 2; 1977, ch. 123, § 1; T.C.A., § 24-108; Acts 1981, ch. 66, § 1; T.C.A., § 24-1-103; Acts 2001, ch. 174, § 3.

Cross-References. Confidentiality of public records, § 10-7-504.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in Rule 41 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee.

This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rules 501 and 604 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

Textbooks. Tennessee Forms (Robinson, Ramsey and Harwell), No. 1-43.06-1.

Law Reviews.

Competency and Impeachment of Witnesses (Leo Bearman, Jr.), 57 Tenn. L. Rev. 89 (1989).

Confrontation and the Law of Evidence: Can the Language Conduit Theory Survive in the Wake of Crawford? 67 Vand. L. Rev. 1497 (2014).

Should Tennessee Bury the Dead Man Statute As Arkansas Has? (W. Dent Gitchel), 18 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 195 (1989).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Use of Single Interpreter.

Defendant's counsel was not ineffective for failure to object to the use of only one interpreter for the victim (a deaf mute), and for failure to hire a second interpreter from funds available through the public defender's office. Denton v. State, 945 S.W.2d 793, 1996 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 752 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1996).

2. Miscellaneous.

Discrimination claim of a man, who was both hearing-impaired and mute, stemming from the lack of an interpreter at his dispositional hearing was summarily dismissed because, although T.C.A. § 24-1-211 requires that a qualified interpreter be present when a deaf person is the subject of court proceedings, the man's attorney, knowing that no interpreter was available, elected to keep the court date in order to enter a plea agreement, and enlisted the help of the man's mother as an interpreter. Tucker v. Hardin County, 448 F. Supp. 2d 901, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 60754 (W.D. Tenn. 2006), aff'd, Tucker v. Tennessee, 539 F.3d 526, 2008 FED App. 329P, 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 18618 (6th Cir. Aug. 29, 2008).

Where deaf and mute arrestees alleged that the county discriminated against them in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., by failing to provide sign language interpreter at their initial appearance as required under T.C.A. § 24-1-211, although the arrestees claimed that they made the request at the jail the previous night, there was no evidence that they repeated the request at their initial appearance the following morning; even if the pair made the request of the jailers, absent evidence that the information was communicated to state court, the court could not hold state court liable for any failure of the jail to relay the information. Tucker v. Tennessee, 539 F.3d 526, 2008 FED App. 329P, 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 18618 (6th Cir. Aug. 29, 2008), cert. denied, Tucker v. Hardin County, 558 U.S. 816, 130 S. Ct. 60, 175 L. Ed. 2d 24, 2009 U.S. LEXIS 6845 (U.S. 2009).

24-1-206. Clergy — Communications confidential — Waiver — Misdemeanor offense.

Chapter 2
Attendance of Witnesses

24-2-101. Duty to attend.

Every witness legally bound to appear as herein directed shall appear accordingly and continue to attend from day to day, and from term to term, until discharged by the court or the party who sought the summons; provided, that the continuance of a case shall not be deemed a discharge of witnesses legally bound to appear in the case so continued, and in the event of a continuance, it shall not be necessary to resummon such witnesses unless they are expressly discharged by the court or by the party at whose instance they were summoned.

Code 1858, § 3820 (deriv. Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 29); Shan., § 5608; Code 1932, § 9790; Acts 1959, ch. 113, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-207.

Cross-References. Contempt of court, title 29, ch. 9.

Federal prisoner as witness in state criminal proceedings, § 40-17-212.

Prisoner as witness in criminal proceedings outside state in which incarcerated, § 40-17-211.

Subpoena, personal attendance, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 45.05.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, §§ 3, 4.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Legal Summons Served — Liability.

It is not necessary that the witness should have been summoned in the county in which he resided to incur the forfeiture of $125 in § 24-2-102 for nonattendance. A legal summons, executed upon him personally, or left at his place of residence, is sufficient. Smith v. Barger, 17 Tenn. 322, 1836 Tenn. LEXIS 54 (1836).

2. Discharge by Party Summoning.

The witness may be discharged by the party at whose instance he was summoned; and his telling the witness that he need not attend, unless convenient, and that, if not present at the trial, he should not be called out, operates to discharge the witness, so that he does not incur the penalty for nonattendance. Duke v. Given, 12 Tenn. 478, 1833 Tenn. LEXIS 81 (1833).

3. Discharge by Termination of Suit.

A formal order of court discharging the witness is not necessary. Anything that terminates the suit operates as a discharge, as, for instance, a nonsuit. If the nonsuit be set aside, the witness must be resummoned. Cochran v. Brown, 20 Tenn. 329, 1839 Tenn. LEXIS 56 (1839).

A witness attending without resummons, after new trial granted or reversal and remandment, is entitled to his attendance fees. Moore v. McLemore, 2 Shan. 160 (1876).

4. Discharge by Continuance.

Where an indefinite continuance has been granted in a case on a day that a witness has been summoned to attend such indefinite continuance amounts to a discharge of the witness by the court under the provisions of this section. Emerson v. Porter, 203 Tenn. 492, 314 S.W.2d 9, 1958 Tenn. LEXIS 327 (1958). (Decision prior to 1959 amendment.)

Where on day witness was summoned to appear the court granted an indefinite continuance of the case and thereafter a new trial date was set, a letter written by the solicitors for the complainants to such witness telling him when the case was set for trial did not amount to a legal notice and therefore such witness could not be punished for contempt for not appearing on such date. Emerson v. Porter, 203 Tenn. 492, 314 S.W.2d 9, 1958 Tenn. LEXIS 327 (1958). (Decision prior to 1959 amendment.)

5. Excuse for Nonattendance.

A witness is not excused from attending trial on the ground that his wife was sick, since disability must be personal. Slaughter v. Birdwell, 38 Tenn. 341, 1858 Tenn. LEXIS 186 (1858). But see Foster v. McDonald, 59 Tenn. 619, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 16 (1874).

24-2-102. Penalty for failure to appear.

In default thereof, a witness forfeits to the party at whose insistence the subpoena issues, the sum of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125), to be recovered by scire facias; and is further liable to the action of the party for the full damages sustained for want of such witness' testimony.

Code 1858, § 3821 (deriv. Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 29); Shan., § 5609; Code 1932, § 9791; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-208.

Cross-References. Contempt of court, title 29, ch. 9.

Failure to attend hearing on back assessment of property, § 67-1-1006(b).

Subpoena of witnesses, § 16-15-708.

Textbooks. Tennessee Forms (Robinson, Ramsey and Harwell), Nos. 1-45.01-1, 1-45.06-1.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, §§ 5, 6.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Judgment Nisi Prerequisite to Scire Facias.

The judgment nisi must show by direct averment the time of the service of the subpoena, and the time of the trial, and that the defendant was bound to attend at that time. State v. Lacy, 22 Tenn. 225, 1842 Tenn. LEXIS 75 (1842).

The judgment nisi must assume every fact necessary to be proved in order to constitute the defendant's liability, and must embody such statement of facts as will show directly and certainly, and not by mere inference, the legal ground of the witness' liability to the penalty. The scire facias should follow the judgment nisi, and recite all the facts assumed and embodied therein. State v. Lacy, 22 Tenn. 225, 1842 Tenn. LEXIS 75 (1842); Dickenson v. Kincaid, 30 Tenn. 72, 1850 Tenn. LEXIS 57 (1850); Knott v. Smith, 34 Tenn. 244, 1854 Tenn. LEXIS 42 (1854).

A judgment nisi and the scire facias issued therefrom must both show when the witness was summoned and whether the subpoena issued in vacation or instanter during the term, and if it fails to do this, the defendant may defeat the proceeding by a plea of nul tiel record to the scire facias. Dickenson v. Kincaid, 30 Tenn. 72, 1850 Tenn. LEXIS 57 (1850).

A judgment nisi is essential to the validity of a proceeding by scire facias to recover the statutory penalty of a defaulting witness, and the want of it is not waived by appearance and defense on the merits. Rogers v. Goins, 95 Tenn. 361, 32 S.W. 197, 1895 Tenn. LEXIS 99 (1895).

2. —Judgment Nisi and Scire Facias — Requisites.

The scire facias to recover the penalty for a failure to attend need only set out the subpoena substantially, because it is in the nature of a record. Smith v. Barger, 17 Tenn. 322, 1836 Tenn. LEXIS 54 (1836).

3. —Action in Name of State.

The penalty is to be recovered in the name of the state. Nelson v. Ewell, 32 Tenn. 271, 1852 Tenn. LEXIS 61 (1852).

4. —Joint Judgment Nisi and Joint Scire Facias.

A joint judgment nisi against several witnesses for failing to attend is irregular, and a joint scire facias is still more irregular. State v. Lacy, 22 Tenn. 225, 1842 Tenn. LEXIS 75 (1842); Nelson v. Ewell, 32 Tenn. 271, 1852 Tenn. LEXIS 61 (1852).

5. Final Judgment on Two “Nihils.”

If the scire facias is returned “not to be found” and alias issues, and, if that is similarly returned, judgment final may be rendered as if service had been had. State v. Dozier, 1 Tenn. 223, 1806 Tenn. LEXIS 18 (1806); Kincaid v. Rogers, 35 Tenn. 1, 1855 Tenn. LEXIS 1 (1855).

6. Tender of Fees.

The common law rule that witnesses must be tendered their fees and expenses, before they can be compelled to attend in conformity with the subpoena, has been for many years abrogated by statute, and one is bound to attend and give evidence without such tender, when subpoenaed in the manner directed either by personal service or by copy of the subpoena left at his house; and it is not necessary that the subpoena should have been served on him in the county of his residence. Smith v. Barger, 17 Tenn. 322, 1836 Tenn. LEXIS 54 (1836); Carren v. Breed, 42 Tenn. 465, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 88 (1865).

7. Willfulness of Default.

Forfeiture may be taken against a witness regularly subpoenaed, although it does not affirmatively appear that the default of the witness was willful. State v. Thomas, 79 Tenn. 113, 1883 Tenn. LEXIS 21 (1883).

8. Scire Facias Not Issued — Revival.

Where a judgment nisi was promptly taken, and scire facias was ordered to be issued, returnable to the next term, and the clerk failed to issue the same, and, at the next term, the order for the issuance of the scire facias was revived, and it was issued and served, the defaulting witness could not demur to it, because it was not tested as of the term at which the judgment nisi was entered. Upton v. Girdner & Harvy, 67 Tenn. 183, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 350 (1874).

24-2-103. Scire facias by circuit court.

If a witness fails to appear when summoned before a judge of the court of general sessions, notary public, or commissioner, the subpoena is returned to the circuit court of the county, with the endorsement of such failure made thereon by the judge of the court of general sessions, notary public, or commissioner, and scire facias issues, as in other cases.

Code 1858, § 3825; Shan., § 5613; mod. Code 1932, § 9795; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-210; T.C.A., § 24-2-104.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-2-103, concerning proceedings against witness on scire facias, was transferred to § 24-2-106 in 2000.

Cross-References. Failure to appear before arbitrator, § 29-5-109.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Insurance Commissioner — Authority.

Insurance commissioner has all the powers of a justice of the peace for the purpose of summoning witnesses and compelling their attendance to testify in his investigations of fires. Rhinehart v. State, 121 Tenn. 420, 117 S.W. 508, 1908 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1908).

24-2-104. Scire facias by general sessions judge.

The party at whose instance a witness is summoned before a judge of the court of general sessions, on the trial of a cause, instead of having the subpoena returned to court as in § 24-2-103, may elect to move before the judge of the court of general sessions for judgment against the witness, in which case a conditional judgment shall be given for twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and scire facias shall issue to the witness to show cause why final judgment shall not be entered, and, on failure to show cause, final judgment shall be rendered for the penalty and costs.

Code 1858, § 3826 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 145, § 1); Shan., § 5614; Code 1932, § 9796; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-211; T.C.A., § 24-2-105.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-2-104, concerning scire facias by circuit court, was transferred to § 24-2-103 in 2000.

24-2-105. Privilege against process.

During the attendance of any person summoned as a witness, and during the time that such person is going to and returning from the place of such attendance, allowing one (1) day for every thirty (30) miles of travel, no writ, process, warrant, order, judgment, or decree in any civil cause, subpoena to testify as a witness only excepted, shall be served upon such person.

Code 1858, § 3828 (deriv. Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 34); Shan., § 5616; Code 1932, § 9798; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-213; T.C.A., § 24-2-106.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-2-105, concerning scire facias by general sessions judge, was transferred to § 24-2-104 in 2000.

Cross-References. Exemption of jurors, § 22-1-103.

Garnishee as witness, §§ 26-2-204, 26-2-205.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 1 Tenn. Juris., Abatement, Survival and Revival, § 13; 21 Tenn. Juris., Process, § 3; 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, § 52.

Law Reviews.

Pleadings, Motions and Pre-Trial Procedure, 4 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 219.

Procedure — Personal Jurisdiction, 35 Tenn. L. Rev. 560.

Recent Developments in Tennessee and Federal Procedure (Donald F. Paine), 36 Tenn. L. Rev. 276.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Privilege Against Process.

2. —Officer of Corporation.

The exemption applies to an officer of a corporation as witness, where as officer he is served with process in a suit against a corporation. Sewanee Coal, Coke & Land Co. v. W. W. Williams & Co., 120 Tenn. 339, 107 S.W. 968, 1907 Tenn. LEXIS 51 (1908).

This section applies to witnesses summoned before federal court as well as state courts; and where nonresident witness is a corporation officer, he is exempt from civil process against corporation as well as against himself individually. Sewanee Coal, Coke & Land Co. v. W. W. Williams & Co., 120 Tenn. 339, 107 S.W. 968, 1907 Tenn. LEXIS 51 (1908).

3. —Parties Also Exempt.

Not only witnesses but parties to suits, plaintiff or defendant, are exempt from service of process, even though they come from a foreign jurisdiction, while in attendance at or going or coming from place of suit. A plea in abatement lies. Sofge v. Lowe, 131 Tenn. 626, 176 S.W. 106, 1915 Tenn. LEXIS 133, L.R.A. (n.s.) 1916A734 (1915); Purnell v. Morton Live Stock Co., 156 Tenn. 383, 1 S.W.2d 1013, 1927 Tenn. LEXIS 131 (1928).

Corporate officer who attended court in county other than his residence to testify on behalf of corporation which was a party to the suit was exempt from services of process under §§ 20-6-301 (repealed) and 24-2-106 [now § 24-2-105] even though he was not subpoenaed. Hinkle v. Cravens, 219 Tenn. 253, 409 S.W.2d 350, 1966 Tenn. LEXIS 523 (1966).

Parties to a suit are exempt from process while in attendance at or going to or coming from the place of suit. Hinkle v. Cravens, 219 Tenn. 253, 409 S.W.2d 350, 1966 Tenn. LEXIS 523 (1966).

4. —Companion Action.

Where defendant came into the county for the sole purpose of defending a suit for injuries to plaintiff's car in magistrate court and, while there was served with summons as defendant in suit in circuit court for injuries to the car and for plaintiff's personal injuries suffered in same collision, such service was invalid in view of this section and in view of the fact that such suit was not counter claim. Cotton v. Frazier, 170 Tenn. 301, 95 S.W.2d 45, 1935 Tenn. LEXIS 137 (1936).

5. —Same Action — After Nonsuit.

Where plaintiff dismissed suit against nonresident during trial and filed a new suit and served process on defendant while latter was in state for purpose of attending trial of original suit the service of process was invalid. Ballard v. Hutchinson, 169 Tenn. 370, 87 S.W.2d 1017, 1935 Tenn. LEXIS 57 (1935).

6. —Attachment Suit.

Nonresident, a defendant in attachment suit, was not subject to service of process while attending trial of attachment suit. Purnell v. Morton Live Stock Co., 156 Tenn. 383, 1 S.W.2d 1013, 1927 Tenn. LEXIS 131 (1928).

7. Criminal Suit Privilege.

Nonresident of county attending criminal trial in which he was a defendant was not immune from service of process in a civil proceeding. Anderson v. Atkins, 161 Tenn. 137, 29 S.W.2d 248, 1929 Tenn. LEXIS 41 (1930).

Attorney-general of ninth circuit, a resident of Humphreys County, while engaged in prosecuting liquor case in Sumner County, was subject to service in slander suit filed in Sumner County, and was not exempt from such service on the ground of public policy, as by virtue of Acts 1953, ch. 34, it was immaterial whether summons was served on him at his county of residence or while in Sumner County while attending to his official duties. Parker v. Reddick, 196 Tenn. 472, 268 S.W.2d 357, 1954 Tenn. LEXIS 408, 45 A.L.R.2d 1096 (1954).

8. Plea in Abatement.

A plea in abatement lies in such case, but it must be formulated with strictness and accuracy in its averments. Baker v. Compton, 39 Tenn. 471, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 254 (1859); Sewanee Coal, Coke & Land Co. v. W. W. Williams & Co., 120 Tenn. 339, 107 S.W. 968, 1907 Tenn. LEXIS 51 (1908).

9. Privilege Not Applicable.

Where nonresident principal on surety bond who was originally served by publication came into court to testify on behalf of surety on the bond whose interest in the case was parallel to and dependent upon the rights of the principal, it was proper for chancellor to make principal a party defendant on chancellor's own motion and afford him a chance to answer, plead and defend his rights and also to enter money judgment against principal in favor of surety if surety was adjudged liable in the suit. Beckham v. Johnson, 220 Tenn. 572, 421 S.W.2d 94, 1967 Tenn. LEXIS 439 (1967).

24-2-106. Proceedings against witness on scire facias.

Upon return of the scire facias issued for the penalty, the witness may be relieved by showing sufficient cause for failing to attend; otherwise, on motion, judgment will be given against the witness and execution issue accordingly.

Code 1858, § 3822 (deriv. Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 29); Shan., § 5611; Code 1932, § 9793; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-209; T.C.A., § 24-2-103.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-2-106, concerning privilege against process, was transferred to § 24-2-105 in 2000.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 21 Tenn. Juris., Process, § 3; 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, § 4.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Sufficient Cause for Failure to Attend.

Witness could be excused from attending for physical incapacity, high water and the like. Duke v. Given, 12 Tenn. 478, 1833 Tenn. LEXIS 81 (1833).

Under Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 29 authorizing excuse for nonattendance because of “incapacity to attend” the incapacity was held to be limited to a personal incapacity of the witness himself. Slaughter v. Birdwell, 38 Tenn. 341, 1858 Tenn. LEXIS 186 (1858).

This section as carried forward into the Code of 1858 relieves the witness from forfeiture upon “sufficient cause” for failing to attend and so it was a good defense that the wife of the witness was so seriously ill as to need his attention at home. Foster v. McDonald, 59 Tenn. 619, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 16 (1874).

2. —Discharge on Witness' Own Affidavit.

Formerly, the witness could not discharge himself by his own affidavit, when proceeded against by judgment nisi and scire facias thereon for his failure to attend. Duke v. Given, 12 Tenn. 478, 1833 Tenn. LEXIS 81 (1833).

3. Motion to Collect Penalty.

Where defaulting witness wholly failed to show any good excuse for not obeying subpoena, motion to collect the $250 penalty against such defaulting witness was sustained. Rhinehart v. State, 121 Tenn. 420, 117 S.W. 508, 1908 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1908).

4. Manner of Trial.

The court may dispose of the matter of the truth and sufficiency of the excuse of the witness, in a summary way, on motion, without pleading or trial by jury, or he may submit the matter to a jury. Duke v. Given, 12 Tenn. 478, 1833 Tenn. LEXIS 81 (1833); Foster v. McDonald, 59 Tenn. 619, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 16 (1874).

24-2-107. Subpoenas — Conflicts with Rules of Civil Procedure.

Rule 45 of the Rules of Civil Procedure shall govern when a clerk or other authorized officer is required to issue a subpoena in a civil case in circuit court and the consequences of a person's refusal to appear, testify or produce evidence when subpoenaed pursuant to such rule. If any local rule of court conflicts with Rule 45, Rule 45 shall prevail, and the clerk or other authorized officer shall issue subpoenas and the judge shall punish the refusal to respond to subpoenas in accordance with such rule.

Acts 1997, ch. 377, § 2.

24-2-108. Language required in subpoena.

Each subpoena issued should at a minimum contain explicit language that states:

A party being served must appear and that failure to appear may put such party in contempt of court; and
The penalties such party may face by being held in contempt of court.

Acts 2004, ch. 761, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2004, ch. 761, § 2 provided that the provisions of the act do not apply to subpoena forms printed prior to May 24, 2004.

24-2-109. Educator as witness in domestic dispute matter.

As used in this section, “educator” means any person who is currently employed at any public or private elementary or secondary school in this state:
1. As a teacher with an active teaching license; or
2. As a school counselor.
Notwithstanding any other law, a court shall not require an educator to be a witness in any civil hearing, deposition, mediation, arbitration, trial, or other similar proceeding involving a domestic dispute matter, including, but not limited to, domestic abuse, as defined by § 36-3-601, divorce, parentage, or child custody, if the educator is not a named party and the educator's attendance would require the educator to be absent from teaching, counseling, or supervisory duties in a school, unless the court determines that the educator's attendance is necessary to ensure fairness in the hearing, mediation, arbitration, trial, or other similar matter.

Acts 2018, ch. 747, § 1.

Effective Dates. Acts 2018, ch. 747, § 2. April 18, 2018.

Chapter 3
[Reserved]

Chapter 4
Compensation of Witnesses

24-4-101. Basic per diem and mileage.

A witness in a court of record shall receive compensation of one dollar ($1.00) per day for each day's necessary attendance. When a witness resides at a distance greater than ten (10) miles, such witness shall receive four cents (4¢) per mile for going to and returning from court, and tolls and ferriages as allowed by law. Mileage, tolls and ferriages shall be allowed only for one (1) trip going and returning during the term of any court, unless the witness is discharged by the parties, to return, and does return, upon a given day.
Witnesses in courts of record attending under subpoena in a civil matter shall receive upon request to the clerk thirty dollars ($30.00) per day for such attendance. In addition, when such witness resides at a distance of greater than ten (10) miles from the court, the witness shall, upon request to the clerk, also receive reimbursement for travel expenses for each mile traveled when going to and returning from such court at the rate allowable under the state comprehensive travel regulations in effect at that time. All such compensation and reimbursement shall be taxed as cost.
No witness attending any court of record under subpoena in a civil matter shall be entitled to receive the witness compensation and travel expense reimbursement provided for by subsection (b) until such compensation and reimbursement have been taxed and collected as cost by the clerk of the court of record in which such witness has appeared while under subpoena. Nothing in this subsection (c) shall be construed as preventing the party causing a subpoena to be issued from advancing travel expenses or attendance fees to witnesses.

Acts 1859-1860, ch. 22; Shan., § 5617; Code 1932, § 9799; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-401; Acts 1990, ch. 801, § 1; 1991, ch. 354, § 1.

Cross-References. Clerk's fees, § 8-21-401.

Criminal cases, §§ 40-17-112 — 40-17-116.

Criminal cases, witnesses summoned from another state, § 40-17-208.

Fees of subscribing witnesses to written instruments, § 66-23-110.

Garnishee as witness, §§ 26-2-204, 26-2-205.

Impeachment trials, § 8-46-201.

Law Reviews.

Claims Against the State in Tennessee — The Court of Claims, 4 Vand. L. Rev. 875.

Trial, 4 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 335.

Attorney General Opinions. Tennessee law does not provide for the payment of any witness fees or compensation other than what is specified in T.C.A. §§ 24-4-101 through 107. And that statute provides a per diem for witness attendance, but does not permit a state or local government employee or government employer to charge the party compelling the witness testimony of a government employee any fee—such as a fee representing wages or salary for the time spent attending the trial—over and above the statutory per diem. OAG 17-14, 2017 Tenn. AG LEXIS 14 (2/24/2017).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Entitlement of Witness Fee.

Court reporters who testified at hearings on motions regarding the preparation of transcripts were entitled to the regular witness fee, not to their per diem charge. Word v. Word, 937 S.W.2d 931, 1996 Tenn. App. LEXIS 490 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1996), appeal denied, — S.W.2d —, 1997 Tenn. LEXIS 88 (Tenn. Jan. 6, 1997).

24-4-102. Witness residing outside county.

All witnesses attending, under summons, any court of record in any county in this state other than the county in which the witness or witnesses live shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for lodging and meals at a rate allowable under the state comprehensive travel regulations in effect at the time such travel expense is incurred. In addition thereto, the witness shall also receive reimbursement at a rate allowable under the state comprehensive travel regulations in effect at the time such travel expense is incurred for each mile traveled in going to and returning from such court.
In addition to the mileage reimbursement allowed, a witness shall be allowed the per diem allowance designated herein for each day required to travel in going to and returning from a trial. Mileage reimbursement to a witness traveling from out of state shall be the same as that allowed a state employee using a personal vehicle for the convenience of the state. In lieu of such mileage reimbursement, a witness traveling from out-of-state may be reimbursed for the cost of travel by common carrier, at a rate not to exceed the regular tourist fare charged the general public.

Acts 1867-1868, ch. 11, § 2; Shan., § 5618; Code 1932, § 9800; Acts 1971, ch. 251, § 1; 1979, ch. 392, §§ 1, 5; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-402; Acts 1986, ch. 599, § 1; 1997, ch. 119, § 1.

Cross-References. Liability of state or county in criminal cases, § 40-25-129.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, § 7.

Law Reviews.

Claims Against the State in Tennessee — The Court of Claims, 4 Vand. L. Rev. 875.

Attorney General Opinions. Applicability to subpoenas issued by indigent criminal defendants, OAG 84-055, 1984 Tenn. AG LEXIS 290 (2/10/84).

Attendance fee for grand jury witness subpoenaed outside county, OAG 88-196, 1999 Tenn. AG LEXIS 42 (11/2/88).

Travel reimbursement for out-of-state witnesses in misdemeanor cases, OAG 99-057, 1988 Tenn. AG LEXIS 197 (3/9/99).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Effect of Payment.

Payment of amount provided by law to witness in criminal prosecution was entirely proper and would not discredit his testimony in any way. Freshwater v. State, 2 Tenn. Crim. App. 314, 453 S.W.2d 446, 1969 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 363 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1969), cert. denied, Freshwater v. Tennessee, 400 U.S. 840, 91 S. Ct. 80, 27 L. Ed. 2d 74, 1970 U.S. LEXIS 1083 (1970).

24-4-103. Witness before general sessions judge.

Every witness summoned before a judge of the court of general sessions is entitled to fifty cents (50¢) for each day's attendance; and when summoned to attend in another county from that of the witness' own, shall be entitled to five cents (5¢) per mile for every mile in going to and returning from the county, and all necessary tolls and ferriage.

Code 1858, § 3831 (deriv. Acts 1843-1844, ch. 112, § 2); Acts 1867-1868, ch. 11, § 1; integrated in Shan., § 5619; Code 1932, § 9801; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-403.

Law Reviews.

Claims Against the State in Tennessee — The Court of Claims, 4 Vand. L. Rev. 875.

Attorney General Opinions. Travel reimbursement for out-of-state witnesses in misdemeanor cases, OAG 99-057, 1988 Tenn. AG LEXIS 197 (3/9/99).

24-4-104. Maximum number of appearances compensated.

No witness shall prove personal attendance in more than four (4) suits where one (1) of the parties is the same or the question to be tried is the same; provided, that this shall apply only to the term where the witness actually testifies in such suits. At all other terms where such witness does not actually testify, the witness shall be allowed to prove attendance in only two (2) of such suits; provided, that in any event such witness shall claim mileage and ferriage in only one (1) of such suits.

Code 1858, § 3834 (deriv. Acts 1824, ch. 13, § 3); Acts 1903, ch. 100; Shan., § 5622; Code 1932, § 9804; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-404.

Cross-References. Maximum number included in bill of costs, § 20-12-105.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, § 8.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Election and Proof.

Where a witness is entitled to and allowed mileage and ferriage in one case only, he must elect in which case he will have it, and prove in that case alone. Hopkins v. Waterhouse, 10 Tenn. 323, 1829 Tenn. LEXIS 20 (1829).

24-4-105. Settlement of case.

If the suit in which the witness is summoned is settled in vacation, and the party summoning such witness neglects to discharge the witness from further attendance, and the witness, for want of such discharge, should attend at the next term, witness such is entitled to prove one (1) day's attendance.

Code 1858, § 3835 (deriv. Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 29); Shan., § 5623; Code 1932, § 9805; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-405.

24-4-106. Probate of attendance — Immediate payment — Travel advances in criminal cases.

The clerk of the court may take probate of witnesses' attendance at any time between the commencement and the final decision of the cause, either in vacation or in term time. The clerk may at that time pay any witness the fees for which the state is liable under §§ 40-17-201 — 40-17-210, or any witness fees due and may accept an assignment from the witness for all such fees paid. The clerk may take credit in the settlement of the clerk's accounts for all such fees advanced represented by a valid assignment.
In criminal cases, with the approval of the judicial cost accountant and at the request of the district attorney general, the state may advance travel expenses as set out in §§ 24-4-102, 40-17-206 and 40-17-208, to witnesses designated by the district attorney general. The judicial cost accountant shall prescribe the procedures which shall be followed in making travel advances as set forth above.

Code 1858, § 3833 (deriv. Acts 1845-1846, ch. 164, § 1); Shan., § 5621; Code 1932, § 9803; Acts 1947, ch. 4, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 9803; Acts 1973, ch. 229, § 1; 1979, ch. 392, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-406; Acts 2012, ch. 611, § 4.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, § 8.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Compliance with Statute.

A strict compliance with the requirements of the statute as to proof of attendance by witnesses as a prerequisite to the taxing of costs is essential to a valid allowance of witness fees and mileage. King v. State, 170 Tenn. 236, 94 S.W.2d 383, 1936 Tenn. LEXIS 7 (1936).

2. Legal Subpoena as Prerequisite.

Witnesses, attending without being legally subpoenaed, are not entitled to prove their attendance and have it taxed in the bill of costs, but must look, for their compensation, to the party requesting their attendance as witnesses. Hopkins v. Waterhouse, 10 Tenn. 230, 1828 Tenn. LEXIS 6 (1828); Moore v. McLemore, 2 Shan. 160 (1876); Lancaster v. State, 71 Tenn. 652, 1879 Tenn. LEXIS 128 (1879).

Where the attendance has been proved, the presumption is that the witness was subpoenaed, although the process cannot be found. But if the court is satisfied that he was not subpoenaed, his costs should be stricken. A memorandum of the attendance of witnesses, kept by the clerk, may, it seems, be looked to by the court. Hopkins v. Waterhouse, 10 Tenn. 323, 1829 Tenn. LEXIS 20 (1829); Burson v. Mahoney & Shipley, 65 Tenn. 304, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 351 (1873); Moore v. McLemore, 2 Shan. 160 (1876).

The fact that there is no subpoena on file is not conclusive evidence that the witness has not been summoned. Moore v. McLemore, 2 Shan. 160 (1876).

3. Enforced Attendance in Other Suit.

A witness is entitled to prove his attendance, although he was a party to another suit, which would, of itself, have compelled him to attend court. Hopkins v. Waterhouse, 10 Tenn. 323, 1829 Tenn. LEXIS 20 (1829).

4. Parties as Witnesses.

A party to a suit is not entitled to compensation for his attendance as a witness. Grub & Carter v. Simpson, 53 Tenn. 92, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 323 (1871).

5. Incompetent Witness.

Incompetent witness is entitled to his attendance, if examined, and when paid, it cannot be recovered from him upon retaxation of costs striking the item paid, merely because the record showed him to be an incompetent witness. Gray v. Alexander, 26 Tenn. 16, 1846 Tenn. LEXIS 37 (1846).

6. Subpoena by Both Parties.

Witness summoned by both parties is entitled to but one attendance. Hopkins v. Waterhouse, 10 Tenn. 230, 1828 Tenn. LEXIS 6 (1828).

7. Action for Witness Fees.

While a subpoenaed witness cannot demand his fees and expenses to be paid in advance, he can maintain an action against the party, at whose instance he was summoned, for his compensation as allowed by law, at the end of each term, without waiting till the termination of the cause; but the clerk cannot sue for his fees before the termination of the cause. The suit of the witness may be before any tribunal having jurisdiction of the amount; but the suit is not on the bond, but for his attendance. Wetherspoon v. Killough, 8 Tenn. 38, 1827 Tenn. LEXIS 4 (1827); Smith v. Barger, 17 Tenn. 322, 1836 Tenn. LEXIS 54 (1836); Burson v. Mahoney & Shipley, 65 Tenn. 304, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 351 (1873).

8. Motion to Retax Costs.

Where probate of attendance of witnesses was not taken until after final decision of case and after the filing of defendant's motion to retax the costs for failure to so probate attendance of witnesses, the circuit court erred in overruling defendant's motion to retax the costs as the clerk is without authority to probate attendance of witnesses after the final decision of the case. King v. State, 170 Tenn. 236, 94 S.W.2d 383, 1936 Tenn. LEXIS 7 (1936).

24-4-107. Recovery from successful party.

Whenever a party in a court of record recovers a judgment or decree against another for costs, and it appears from the return of the execution that such costs cannot be made out of the person against whom they have been adjudged, the witnesses summoned by the successful party may have judgment by motion against such party for their costs.

Code 1858, § 3832 (deriv. Acts 1847-1848, ch. 62, § 2); Shan., § 5620; Code 1932, § 9802; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-407.

Chapter 5
Presumptions

24-5-101. Conveyances of public officers and fiduciaries.

All instruments of conveyance executed in official capacity by any public officer of this state or by any person occupying a position of trust or acting in a fiduciary relation shall be admitted, held, and construed by the courts as prima facie evidence of the facts in such instruments recited, insofar as such facts relate to the execution of the power of such office or trust. All such instruments now of record shall be admitted, held, and construed in accordance with this section.

Acts 1907, ch. 334, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 5572a2, 5572a3; Code 1932, §§ 9745, 9746; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-503.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 19 Tenn. Juris., Mortgages and Deeds of Trust, § 55.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Conveyances by Public Officers.

The recitals in a tax deed executed by any public officer in his official capacity are prima facie evidence of the facts in such instrument recited in so far as such facts relate to the execution of the power of such office or trust. Harrison v. Beaty, 24 Tenn. App. 13, 137 S.W.2d 946, 1939 Tenn. App. LEXIS 5 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1939).

Assignee was entitled to summary judgment granting it possession of property because under T.C.A. § 24-5-101, the recitations in the deed of trust provided prima facie evidence that the sale was properly advertised in the newspaper as required by T.C.A. § 35-5-101; thus, the assignee shifted the burden to the borrower to come forward with evidence that the sale was not properly advertised, but the borrower did not. CitiMortgage, Inc. v. Drake, 410 S.W.3d 797, 2013 Tenn. App. LEXIS 116 (Tenn. Ct. App. Feb. 21, 2013), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2013 Tenn. LEXIS 663 (Tenn. Aug. 14, 2013).

2. —Clerk's Deed.

A clerk and master's deed of conveyance of land, even where made before the enactment of the statute, may, by proper recitals, show prima facie authority in the clerk to make the deed, and when such authority appears, anyone questioning such authority is required to file a certified copy of the record, in order to overturn the prima facie case made by the deed. Hill v. Moore, 121 Tenn. 182, 113 S.W. 788, 1908 Tenn. LEXIS 14 (1908); Camp v. Riddle, 128 Tenn. 294, 160 S.W. 844, 1913 Tenn. LEXIS 49 (1913); Harrison v. Beaty, 24 Tenn. App. 13, 137 S.W.2d 946, 1939 Tenn. App. LEXIS 5 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1939); Williams v. Williams, 25 Tenn. App. 290, 156 S.W.2d 363, 1941 Tenn. App. LEXIS 108 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1941).

A clerk and master's deed of conveyance of land, even where made before the enactment of the statute, reciting that by a decree of the court of which he was clerk and master sold at auction land, thereinafter described and conveyed, shows prima facie the clerk's authority to make the deed and requires anyone questioning such authority to file copy of record to overturn the prima facie case made by the deed. Hill v. Moore, 121 Tenn. 182, 113 S.W. 788, 1908 Tenn. LEXIS 14 (1908).

Deed reciting that the decedent left a will which authorized his executor to sell his interest in the land, and that the executor had sold such interest to certain named persons, to whom the clerk and master's deed purported to convey the legal title, was prima facie evidence of the facts recited. Camp v. Riddle, 128 Tenn. 294, 160 S.W. 844, 1913 Tenn. LEXIS 49 (1913); Williams v. Williams, 25 Tenn. App. 290, 156 S.W.2d 363, 1941 Tenn. App. LEXIS 108 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1941).

3. —Tax Deed.

Recitals in old tax deed relating to the performance of the power of the officer executing it are prima facie evidence of the facts so recited. Richardson v. Schwoon, 3 Tenn. App. 512, — S.W. —, 1925 Tenn. App. LEXIS 122 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1925).

4. —Trustee's Deed.

A trustee's deed is prima facie evidence of its recitals. Williams v. Williams, 25 Tenn. App. 290, 156 S.W.2d 363, 1941 Tenn. App. LEXIS 108 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1941).

In accordance the statute, the recitations in the substitute trustee's deed provided prima facie evidence that appellee purchased the home at the non-judicial foreclosure sale, was conveyed the property, and was therefore entitled to possession of the property. BAC Home Loans Servicing v. Goodson, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. App. LEXIS 482 (Tenn. Ct. App. July 6, 2016).

5. —Sheriff's Deed.

Presumption that the sheriff had power to execute deed is conclusive. King v. Richardson, 7 Tenn. App. 535, — S.W.2d —, 1928 Tenn. App. LEXIS 76 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1928).

6. —Master's Deed.

Master's deed, where such deed to land belonging to an estate contained recital that decedent left a will which authorized executor to sell, and executor did sell, his interest in land, was prima facie evidence of facts recited. Camp v. Riddle, 128 Tenn. 294, 160 S.W. 844, 1913 Tenn. LEXIS 49 (1913).

7. Deed Not Executed in Official Capacity.

Where deed of trust provided that “the person holding the office of county court clerk for the county shall have the authority to convey the property to the purchaser,” a deed executed by the clerk was prima facie evidence of facts recited therein, even though the deed was not executed by him in his official capacity as clerk. Williams v. Williams, 25 Tenn. App. 290, 156 S.W.2d 363, 1941 Tenn. App. LEXIS 108 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1941).

8. Statutory Presumption.

Testimony was not sufficient to overcome the statutory presumption under the statute or to establish an issue of material fact as to the company's constructive possession of the property. BAC Home Loans Servicing v. Goodson, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. App. LEXIS 482 (Tenn. Ct. App. July 6, 2016).

24-5-102. Settlements of personal representatives and guardians.

The settlements of personal representatives and guardians, made in the county court in pursuance of law, are to be taken as prima facie correct.

Code 1858, § 3786 (deriv. Acts 1822, ch. 31, § 2; 1837-1838, ch. 125, § 5); Shan., § 5567; Code 1932, § 9738; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-504.

Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 410.

Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), § 846.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Lack of Notice to Interested Parties — Effect.

Settlements of an administrator or guardian, made with the clerk ex parte, without notice to the parties interested in the estate, or without their appearance, are, at most, only prima facie evidence in his favor, when impeached by a bill attacking them and seeking an account. Hammond v. Beasley, 83 Tenn. 618, 1885 Tenn. LEXIS 87 (1885); Murray v. Luna, 86 Tenn. 326, 6 S.W. 603, 1887 Tenn. LEXIS 49 (1887); Henley v. Robb, 86 Tenn. 474, 7 S.W. 190, 1887 Tenn. LEXIS 65 (1888); Vaccaro v. Cicalla, 89 Tenn. 63, 14 S.W. 43, 1890 Tenn. LEXIS 23 (1890); Leach v. Cowan, 125 Tenn. 182, 140 S.W. 1070, 1911 Tenn. LEXIS 18 (1911).

Where settlement was not attached until many years afterwards and after the death of the executor and, apparently, of all others having personal knowledge of the facts, the settlement should be deemed prima facie correct, though the record does not affirmatively show that notice was given. Lovewell v. Schoolfield, 217 F. 689, 1914 U.S. App. LEXIS 1466 (6th Cir. 1914).

2. —Settlement Not Prima Facie Correct.

A guardian's settlement, though made after the ward is of age, is not prima facie correct as against the latter, where it does not purport to be final and the ward has no notice of it. McNutt v. Roberts, 48 S.W. 300, 1898 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 75 (1898).

3. Jurisdiction to Disturb Settlements.

Only the chancery court has jurisdiction to entertain proceedings to go behind settlements of guardians. Monteverde v. Christie, 23 Tenn. App. 514, 134 S.W.2d 905, 1939 Tenn. App. LEXIS 59 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1939).

Statute providing that settlements of guardians are to be taken as prima facie correct where made in county court in pursuance of law did not confer upon probate court jurisdiction to reopen annual settlements of guardian's accounts. Monteverde v. Christie, 23 Tenn. App. 514, 134 S.W.2d 905, 1939 Tenn. App. LEXIS 59 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1939).

Under statute providing that settlements of guardians are to be taken as prima facie correct where made in county court in pursuance of law, there can be no distinction between an annual settlement and a final settlement with respect to the method by which they may be attacked. Monteverde v. Christie, 23 Tenn. App. 514, 134 S.W.2d 905, 1939 Tenn. App. LEXIS 59 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1939).

The statute relating to the probate court of Shelby County does not confer the power to reopen records theretofore properly made, and determine, upon proof, the balance due by the guardian. Monteverde v. Christie, 23 Tenn. App. 514, 134 S.W.2d 905, 1939 Tenn. App. LEXIS 59 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1939).

4. —Evidence Requisite to Disturb Settlements.

If the settlements be made in the manner prescribed by law, they should not be disturbed, except upon clear and satisfactory evidence. Matlock v. Rice, 53 Tenn. 33, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 314 (1871); Henley v. Robb, 86 Tenn. 474, 7 S.W. 190, 1887 Tenn. LEXIS 65 (1888); Vaccaro v. Cicalla, 89 Tenn. 63, 14 S.W. 43, 1890 Tenn. LEXIS 23 (1890); Leach v. Cowan, 125 Tenn. 182, 140 S.W. 1070, 1911 Tenn. LEXIS 18 (1911).

A settlement properly made in the county court is not an idle form or a dead letter, and moreover, if made in the mode prescribed by law, it should not be disturbed except upon clear and satisfactory evidence. Monteverde v. Christie, 23 Tenn. App. 514, 134 S.W.2d 905, 1939 Tenn. App. LEXIS 59 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1939).

5. —Trustee as Executor.

Settlements made by one as trustee in his character of executor treated as only prima facie correct. Vaccaro v. Cicalla, 89 Tenn. 63, 14 S.W. 43, 1890 Tenn. LEXIS 23 (1890).

6. —Circuit Court Appeal from County Court.

Where circuit court on appeal from county court held that action of county court in disallowing individual claim of guardian for furnishing of board and room to ward was error and procedendo was issued to county court a suit by guardian to enforce payment of claim against estate of deceased person was not demurrable by administrator. Brewer v. Norman, 190 Tenn. 117, 228 S.W.2d 81, 1950 Tenn. LEXIS 428 (1950).

24-5-103. Notary's certificate as to notice of dishonor.

The certificate of a notary public in or on the notary's protest, that such notary public has given the parties to negotiable paper notice of the dishonor, is prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the certificate; and, in like manner, entries in such notary public's books to the same effect are prima facie evidence, in case of the notary's death, of the facts therein stated.

Code 1858, § 3787 (deriv. Acts 1819, ch. 49, § 2; 1820, ch. 25, § 4; 1835-1836, ch. 11, § 5); Shan., § 5568; Code 1932, § 9739; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-505.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Undated Memorandum of Notary.

Undated memorandum of notary was not admissible to prove notice. Hagler v. McMeans, 17 Tenn. 278, 1836 Tenn. LEXIS 43 (1836).

24-5-104. [Reserved.]

The execution or assignment of instruments offered in evidence by the defendant, when allowed by law, is equally conclusive as when introduced by plaintiff, unless denied under oath.

Code 1858, § 3779 (deriv. Acts 1819, ch. 27, § 4); Shan., § 5558; Code 1932, § 9728; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-507.

Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 166.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 17 Tenn. Juris., Justices of Peace and General Sessions Courts, § 27.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Sufficiency of Denial.

This statute relates to rules of evidence, and such denial may be by the sworn testimony of defendant at the trial. Birchfield Grocery Co. v. Swaney & Wear, 154 Tenn. 235, 290 S.W. 24, 1926 Tenn. LEXIS 119 (1926).

2. Presumption of Signature.

In light of the statutory presumption, there was no dispute of fact concerning the execution of the indemnity agreement by appellees, who never denied their signatures under oath. Lexon Ins. Co. v. Windhaven Shores, Inc., 601 S.W.3d 332, 2019 Tenn. App. LEXIS 420 (Tenn. Ct. App. Aug. 27, 2019).

24-5-106. Denial of instrument by successor of decedent.

If the party be deceased, the personal representative, or in case such representative refuses or fails to do so, any heir of the deceased, or other person, who is entitled to any part of the estate, either by will or by law, and who is or becomes a party to the suit, may make the denial under oath “according to the best of my personal knowledge, information and belief.”

Code 1858, § 3778 (deriv. Acts 1819, ch. 42, § 1); Acts 1905, ch. 73; Shan., § 5557; mod. Code 1932, § 9727; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-508.

Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 166.

Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), § 742.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Constitutionality.

This statute is constitutional. Robilio v. Webb, 7 Tenn. Civ. App. (7 Higgins) 127 (1917).

2. Representative Failing to Plead Because of Ignorance.

Chancery will not enjoin a judgment at law against a personal representative for his failure to plead non est factum, because of his ignorance of the fact. Hubbard v. Ewing, 63 Tenn. 404, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 278 (1874).

24-5-107. Sworn accounts.

An account on which action is brought, coming from another state or another county of this state, or from the county where suit is brought, with the affidavit of the plaintiff or its agent to its correctness, and the certificate of a state commissioner annexed thereto, or the certificate of a notary public with such notary public's official seal annexed thereto, or the certificate of a judge of the court of general sessions, with the certificate of the county clerk that such judge is an acting judge within the county, is conclusive against the party sought to be charged, unless that party on oath denies the account or except as allowed under subsection (b).
The court shall allow the defendant orally to deny the account under oath and assert any defense or objection the defendant may have. Upon such denial, on the plaintiff's motion, or in the interest of justice, the judge shall continue the action to a date certain for trial.

Code 1858, § 3780 (deriv. Acts 1819, ch. 25, § 1); Acts 1866-1867, ch. 30, § 3; 1879, ch. 40, § 1; 1903, ch. 33, § 1; Shan., § 5561; Code 1932, § 9732; Acts 1957, ch. 68, § 1; modified; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-509; Acts 1995, ch. 519, § 1.

Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), §§ 166, 503.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 1 Tenn. Juris., Accounts and Accounting, § 14; 25 Tenn. Juris., Witnesses, § 11.

Law Reviews.

Judicial Reform at the Lowest Level: A Model Statute for Small Claims Courts, Part III, 28 Vand. L. Rev. 747.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Object and Policy of Statute.

This statute was intended to afford the creditor an easy and cheap mode of collecting his debt, when it was justly due and no real defense existed, and to put accounts from another county or state, duly sworn to and certified, upon the footing of written contracts constituting the foundation of an action, as under § 24-5-104 (repealed) and to enable the plaintiff, in such case, to have judgment without further proof, unless the defendant should deny the account on oath, and thus give him notice that he must be prepared to prove the correctness of the account. Cave & Shaffer v. Baskett, 22 Tenn. 340, 1842 Tenn. LEXIS 98 (1842); Briggs & Bro. v. Montgomery & Co., 50 Tenn. 673, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 124 (1871); Foster v. Scott County, 107 Tenn. 693, 65 S.W. 22, 1901 Tenn. LEXIS 120 (1901).

2. Tort Claims Not Covered.

This statute applies only to what are properly matters of account; and it does not apply to a claim for a tort or wrong, as for the value of goods lost in transit, through the fault of a railroad company as a common carrier. Western & A. R. R. Co. v. E. A. Mead & Co., 36 Tenn. 107, 1856 Tenn. LEXIS 63 (1856); Briggs & Bro. v. Montgomery & Co., 50 Tenn. 673, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 124 (1871).

3. Independence of Section from “Book Debt Law.”

This section is not to be construed in pari materia with §§ 24-7-101 — 24-7-105 (repealed) containing “the book debt law,” and is not limited, as they are, to accounts not exceeding $75.00 and within two years. Cave & Shaffer v. Baskett, 22 Tenn. 340, 1842 Tenn. LEXIS 98 (1842).

4. Declaration or Bill.

5. —Necessary Allegations.

The declaration must aver that the account is from another county or state, verified as provided, and make profert of it, in order to make it incumbent on the defendant to deny it under oath; and where this is done, the defendant must file his denial under oath, with his plea, if he contests the account. This course prevents surprise to either party on the trial. Hunter v. Anderson, 48 Tenn. 1, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 1 (1870); Wilkhorn v. Gillespie, 53 Tenn. 329, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 367 (1871), overruled, Williams v. Lenoir, 67 Tenn. 395, 1875 Tenn. LEXIS 65 (1875); App v. Tieman, 57 Tenn. 44, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 393 (1872); Wade v. Geo. Tiernan & Co., 3 Shan. 712 (1876).

In a suit before a justice, upon a proved account coming from another county or state, it should be stated in the warrant, or otherwise made to appear, that the suit is upon such account. It was held that it “otherwise” appeared where the warrant was in the usual form on an ordinary account, and without more, and the proved account was merely attached to the warrant. Wilkhorn v. Gillespie, 53 Tenn. 329, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 367 (1871), overruled, Williams v. Lenoir, 67 Tenn. 395, 1875 Tenn. LEXIS 65 (1875); Jenkins v. Southern Lumber Co., 3 Tenn. App. 605, 1926 Tenn. App. LEXIS 136 (1926).

Though the bill did not expressly state that the suit was on a sworn account coming from another state, it was sufficient and required a denial under oath, before evidence to impeach it was admissible, where a reading of the bill and exhibits should have put anyone on notice that the suit was upon sworn account coming from another state. Electric Paint & Varnish Co. v. Kitts, 4 Tenn. App. 620, — S.W. —, 1926 Tenn. App. LEXIS 206 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1926).

6. —Oath by Plaintiff.

An account authenticated by oath stands on the footing of a note. Hunter v. Anderson, 48 Tenn. 1, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 1 (1870); Medaris v. Cowan, 60 Tenn. 101, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 418 (1873).

A plaintiff must make the oath, and if he cannot he does not bring himself within the statute's benefit. Foster v. Scott County, 107 Tenn. 693, 65 S.W. 22, 1901 Tenn. LEXIS 120 (1901).

7. —Want of Profert — Waiver.

The want of profert of a proved account coming from another county or state, and sued on, is waived by failure to deny it under oath, and permitting it to be read to the jury, without objection for want of profert. App v. Tieman, 57 Tenn. 44, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 393 (1872).

8. —Account for Single Item.

An account “for balance due on price of a horse” is provable under this statute, and the fact that there is only one item is immaterial. Hunter v. Anderson, 48 Tenn. 1, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 1 (1870).

9. Denial Under Oath.

Appellant entered a general denial with her answer that was accepted by the trial court and was effective insofar as the trial court recognized her denial of the debt's validity, but she did not, however, assert a timely affirmative defense, and thus the trial court did not err by determining that appellant had waived any affirmative defense, including an assertion that the money transfers were gifts, by failing to plead it in her answer. Mclaughlin v. McLaughlin, — S.W.3d —, 2019 Tenn. App. LEXIS 521 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 28, 2019).

Proceeding set forth in § 24-5-107(b) allowing for an oral denial of the account under oath and asserting any defense or objection does not come into play unless the defendant has not filed a sworn denial. Mclaughlin v. McLaughlin, — S.W.3d —, 2019 Tenn. App. LEXIS 521 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 28, 2019).

10. —Necessity.

If the account is unjust, the defendant may deny it on oath, and this will neutralize the effect of the plaintiff's oath, and make up an issue between them, and put the plaintiff to the proof of the account, as though it had not been sworn to under the statute. Cave & Shaffer v. Baskett, 22 Tenn. 340, 1842 Tenn. LEXIS 98 (1842); Brien v. Peterman & Cope, 40 Tenn. 498, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 142 (1859); Cumberland Grocery Co. v. York, 9 Tenn. App. 316, 1929 Tenn. App. LEXIS 98 (1929).

In an action upon an account coming from another state or another county of this state, properly proved in compliance with the statute, its correctness is not in issue unless it is denied under oath. Foster v. Scott County, 107 Tenn. 693, 65 S.W. 22, 1901 Tenn. LEXIS 120 (1901).

11. —Time for Denial.

Where the sworn account was filed with the declaration, and the denial under oath was made nearly 12 months thereafter, and only one day before the trial, and the plaintiff did not ask for a continuance on that account, but elected to go to trial, he was not entitled to a new trial on the ground of surprise. Brien v. Peterman & Cope, 40 Tenn. 498, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 142 (1859); Hunter v. Anderson, 48 Tenn. 1, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 1 (1870).

If the defendant contests the proved account, he must make his denial on oath before the justice, in writing, as in cases where the plea of non est factum is relied upon, and if he fails to do so, and appeals, the affidavit of denial must be made and filed in the circuit court, at all events, before the submission of the case to the jury. Wilkhorn v. Gillespie, 53 Tenn. 329, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 367 (1871), overruled, Williams v. Lenoir, 67 Tenn. 395, 1875 Tenn. LEXIS 65 (1875).

12. —Parties as Witnesses.

A party making oath to an account voluntarily assumes position of a witness, and the defendant denying under oath may contest his evidence and rebut by legal evidence. Johnson & Draper v. Price, 40 Tenn. 549, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 160 (1859).

When the account is proved and denied as provided, both parties are competent witnesses, and, upon the investigation, may be examined and cross-examined as other witnesses. Williams v. Lenoir, 67 Tenn. 395, 1875 Tenn. LEXIS 65 (1875).

13. —Partnership — Denial by One.

The justness of an account coming from another county or state, made out and proved against the parties as a firm, when sued on, may be denied under oath by one member of the firm, but the correctness of the account as against the firm must be denied. Wade v. Geo. Tiernan & Co., 3 Shan. 712 (1876).

14. —Several Defendants — Denial by One.

Where several defendants are jointly sued, and they are jointly concerned, a sworn denial of the justice of the account, made by one of the defendants, if it go to the justice of the account as against all of the defendants, is as efficacious as if all had united in the denial. This suit was against the two personal representatives of a decedent, and the account was denied on oath by one of them. Brien v. Peterman & Cope, 40 Tenn. 498, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 142 (1859).

15. —Certiorari from Justice as Denial.

The denial of the justice of an account, coming from another county or state, and proved as provided, contained in a sworn petition for a certiorari and supersedeas to take the case up from a justice to the circuit court, for a new trial, is such a denial under oath as to put the plaintiff to the proof of his account, in the circuit court, and to entitle the defendant to disprove it. Brown v. E. H. Stabler & Co., 48 Tenn. 444, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 86 (1870).

16. —Affidavit Before Whom.

Under this section, an account coming from another state may be authenticated by an oath administered by a notary public of that state, for suit in this state. Fawcett v. Chicago, S. L. & N. O. R. Co., 113 Tenn. 246, 81 S.W. 839, 1904 Tenn. LEXIS 21 (1904).

17. —Clerical Error in Affidavit.

Where the proved account coming from another county or state is made out against “H. F. Farnsworth & Co.” and in the affidavit proving the same it is described as an account against “W. F. Farnsworth & Co.” and it appearing that there was no such firm as the latter doing business in the city where the former was doing business, the mistake of “W.” for “H.” will be held to be a clerical error, and immaterial. Wade v. Geo. Tiernan & Co., 3 Shan. 712 (1876).

18. Denial Without Oath — Effect.

19. —Character in Which Defendant Sued Not Evidenced by Account.

Sworn account is evidence of debt only, and not of character in which defendant is sued, as where the defendant was sued as surviving partner, and also as administrator of his deceased partner, the business having been carried on in the name of the deceased, and in whose name the account was rendered, the plea of nil debet, not sworn to, put in issue the existence of the partnership and the character of the claim as a firm debt, and no judgment could be rendered against the defendant individually, without proof of the partnership, and that it was a firm debt. Trundle v. Edwards & Harris, 36 Tenn. 572, 1857 Tenn. LEXIS 58 (1857).

20. —Waiver of Oath to Plea.

Where the plaintiff, in a suit upon an account coming from another county or state, takes issue upon the defendant's plea of nil debet and payment, put in without oath denying the justice of the account, he (the plaintiff) thereby waives the necessity of a plea under oath. Loeb & Bloom v. Nunn & Vail, 51 Tenn. 449, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 186 (1871); Seifreid v. Peoples Bank, 2 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 17 (1874).

21. Setoff or Recoupment.

A setoff or recoupment may be by unsworn plea. Briggs & Bro. v. Montgomery & Co., 50 Tenn. 673, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 124 (1871).

22. Proof of Claim.

Grant of summary judgment in favor of a credit card company in an action on a sworn account for unpaid credit card debt was appropriate because the company was not required to bring forth further proof of its claim; the properly authenticated and sworn account, without a proper response from the customer, was conclusive against him. Am. Express Bank, FSB v. Fitzgibbons, 362 S.W.3d 93, 2011 Tenn. App. LEXIS 572 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 24, 2011).

23. Failure to Comply With Statute.

Regardless of whether appellees were required to comply with the statute on sworn accounts, it appeared that any purported error in failing to do so was corrected when the case was appealed de novo to the trial court because, once there, the trial court held a full evidentiary hearing in which appellees submitted their evidence, both documentary and testimonial, to support their claim, and the trial court found that evidence credible and persuasive; thus, any purported error in failing to comply with the statute on sworn accounts in the general sessions court was harmless. Long v. Ledford, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. App. LEXIS 735 (Tenn. Ct. App. Sept. 30, 2016), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. LEXIS 20 (Tenn. Jan. 19, 2017).

24-5-108. Partnership of plaintiffs.

Whenever two (2) or more persons bring a suit at law, or in equity, as partners upon an account, bill of exchange, bond, or note, either before a magistrate or a court of record, it shall not be necessary for them to prove their partnership, unless the defendant files a plea in abatement, in writing, denying the partnership on oath.

Acts 1859-1860, ch. 104, § 4; Shan., § 5559; mod. Code 1932, § 9729; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-510.

Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 166.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 20 Tenn. Juris., Partnership, § 52.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Defendants as Partners Not Covered.

Statute providing that it shall not be necessary to prove partnership when partners bring suit upon an account, bill of exchange, bond or note unless defendant files plea in abatement in writing denying the partnership on oath, has no application to defendants sued as partners, who may put the partnership in issue by unverified denial. Richmond v. Boyd, 130 Tenn. 187, 169 S.W. 755, 1914 Tenn. LEXIS 15 (1914).

24-5-109. Partnership of defendants.

Where two (2) or more persons are sued as partners, in law or equity, it shall not be necessary to prove the partnership unless the fact of partnership be denied under oath of those so sued.

Code 1932, § 9730; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-511.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 20 Tenn. Juris., Partnership, § 52.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. General Issue by Partners.

Where defendants were sued as partners and interposed a plea of the general issue they were precluded from making the question that they were not partners. Thoni v. Hayborn, 37 Tenn. App. 56, 260 S.W.2d 376, 1953 Tenn. App. LEXIS 156 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1953).

2. Joint Venture.

The fact that defendants were sued as members of joint venture rather than partnership while Court of Appeals stated that they were sued as partners in sustaining recovery was immaterial in view of application of law of partnership to joint ventures so that application of this section by Court of Appeals was not ground for rehearing. Garner v. Maxwell, 50 Tenn. App. 157, 360 S.W.2d 64, 1961 Tenn. App. LEXIS 141 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1961).

3. Persons Not Sued as Partners.

This section is not applicable where two or more persons are not sued as partners. In re Just for Fun of It, Inc., 7 B.R. 166, 1980 Bankr. LEXIS 4487 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 1980).

24-5-110. Determinations of status by federal officers.

A written finding of presumed death made by the secretary of war, the secretary of the navy, or other officer or employee of the United States authorized to make such finding, pursuant to the Federal Missing Persons Act (Acts Mar. 7, 1942, ch. 166, 56 Stat. 143; Dec. 24, 1942, ch. 828, 56 Stat. 1092; July 1, 1944, ch. 371, 58 Stat. 679; Feb. 12, 1946, ch. 6, 60 Stat. 5; May 16, 1947, ch. 70, 61 Stat. 96; Aug. 29, 1951, ch. 356, 65 Stat. 207; July 3, 1952, ch. 570, 66 Stat. 331; Apr. 4, 1953, ch. 17, 67 Stat. 20; 50 U.S.C. Appx. §§ 1001-1015) as now or hereafter amended, or a duly certified copy of such finding, shall be received in any court, office or other place in this state as prima facie evidence of the death of the person therein found to be dead, and the date, circumstances and place of such person's disappearance.
An official written report or record, or duly certified copy thereof, that a person is missing, missing in action, interned in a neutral country, or beleaguered, besieged or captured by an enemy, or is dead, or is alive, made by an officer or employee of the United States authorized by the act referred to in subsection (a) or by any other law of the United States to make same, shall be received in any court, office or other place in this state as prima facie evidence that such person is missing, missing in action, interned in a neutral country, or beleaguered, besieged or captured by an enemy, or is dead, or is alive, as the case may be.
1. For the purposes of subsections (a) and (b), any finding, report or record, or duly certified copy thereof, purporting to have been signed by such an officer or employee of the United States as is described in those subsections, shall prima facie be deemed to have been signed and issued by such an officer or employee pursuant to law, and the person signing same shall prima facie be deemed to have acted within the scope of such person's authority.
2. If a copy purports to have been certified by a person authorized by law to certify the same, such certified copy shall be prima facie evidence of such person's authority to so certify.

Acts 1945, ch. 14, §§ 1-3; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 9773.1-9773.3 (Williams, §§ 9773.8-9773.10); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 24-512 — 24-514; modified.

Compiler's Notes. The Missing Persons Act referred to in this section is compiled in 5 U.S.C. §§ 5561-5568 and 37 U.S.C. §§ 551-558.

24-5-111. Negligence of bailee.

In all actions by a bailor against a bailee for loss or damage to personal property, proof by the bailor that the property was delivered to the bailee in good condition and that it was not returned or redelivered according to the contract, or that it was returned or redelivered in a damaged condition, shall constitute prima facie evidence that the bailee was negligent, provided the loss or damage was not due to the inherent nature of the property bailed.

C. Supp. 1950, § 9746.1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-515.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 4 Tenn. Juris., Bailments, § 15; 5 Tenn. Juris., Carriers, § 40.

Law Reviews.

Procedure and Evidence — 1960 Tennessee Survey (Edmund M. Morgan), 13 Vand. L. Rev. 1197.

The Liability of Garagemen for Defective Repairs of Motor Vehicles (Danny T. Ferguson), 2 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 131.

Torts — 1960 Tennessee Survey (John H. Wade), 13 Vand. L. Rev. 1269.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Applicability.

This statute was not intended to apply to the delivery of goods by an interstate carrier. Strickland Transp. Co. v. Federated Dep't Stores, Inc., 224 Tenn. 129, 451 S.W.2d 677, 1970 Tenn. LEXIS 381 (1970).

2. Prima Facie Case.

Plaintiff insurer in subrogation suit to recover for car theft by defendant's employee made out a prima facie case by showing delivery in good condition and that the property was not returned according to contract, express or implied, where nothing indicated that the loss was due to the inherent nature of the property. Jones v. Allied American Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 38 Tenn. App. 362, 274 S.W.2d 525, 1954 Tenn. App. LEXIS 127 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1954).

The presumption created by this section is one made by law which creates an inference of fact which is prima facie correct and will sustain the burden of evidence unless and until conflicting facts on the point are shown. Morton v. Martin Aviation Corp., 205 Tenn. 41, 325 S.W.2d 524, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 339, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 340 (1959); Savoy Hotel Corp. v. Sparks, 57 Tenn. App. 537, 421 S.W.2d 98, 1967 Tenn. App. LEXIS 246 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1967).

Where bailor of automobile established prima facie case by showing that his automobile was not returned by parking garage in accordance with bailment agreement, parking garage did not rebut presumption raised by this section by merely showing that automobile was stolen but was obligated to show that theft of automobile was not due to negligence of garage. Savoy Hotel Corp. v. Sparks, 57 Tenn. App. 537, 421 S.W.2d 98, 1967 Tenn. App. LEXIS 246 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1967).

Where record was not sufficient to establish that automobile was delivered to bailee in good condition statutory inference of negligence of bailee would not arise. Steiner-Liff Iron & Metal Co. v. Woodmont Country Club, 480 S.W.2d 533, 1972 Tenn. LEXIS 337 (Tenn. 1972).

Where a vehicle was driven into an enclosed, indoor, attended commercial parking garage which not only had an attendant controlling the exit but regular security personnel to patrol the premises for safety, a bailment for hire was created, and upon proof of nondelivery the car owner was entitled to the statutory presumption of negligence provided in this section. Allen v. Hyatt Regency-Nashville Hotel, 668 S.W.2d 286, 1984 Tenn. LEXIS 765 (Tenn. 1984).

Because there was not a full transfer of the estate sale property from appellee to appellant, appellant did not obtain sole custody and control of the property and a bailment, without contract, was not created. Acuff v. Baker, — S.W.3d —, 2019 Tenn. App. LEXIS 22 (Tenn. Ct. App. Jan. 16, 2019).

3. Nature of Presumption.

The inference created by this section is evidence and remains in the case even though there is evidence opposed thereto with respect to the point involved. Morton v. Martin Aviation Corp., 205 Tenn. 41, 325 S.W.2d 524, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 339, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 340 (1959).

Where a prima facie case is established against a bailee by proof of delivery of goods to the bailee in good condition and proof of failure of bailee to redeliver or of redelivery in damaged condition, the prima facie case is not overcome by a showing on the part of the bailee that the goods have been burned or otherwise destroyed or have been stolen but such bailee must produce evidence that the burning, loss or theft was occasioned without his fault. Savoy Hotel Corp. v. Sparks, 57 Tenn. App. 537, 421 S.W.2d 98, 1967 Tenn. App. LEXIS 246 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1967).

Presumption of negligence created upon proof of delivery of property to bailee in good condition and redelivery to bailor in damaged condition is analogous to res ipsa loquitur so that burden shifts to bailee to explain circumstances causing damage but burden at outset is on bailor to establish evidence of the precedent facts sufficient for burden to shift to bailee. Steiner-Liff Iron & Metal Co. v. Woodmont Country Club, 480 S.W.2d 533, 1972 Tenn. LEXIS 337 (Tenn. 1972).

Where bailor established that property was delivered to bailee in good condition and was returned in damaged condition, the burden shifted to bailee to prove the damage was not caused by his negligence. Crook v. Mid-South Transfer & Storage Co., 499 S.W.2d 255, 1973 Tenn. App. LEXIS 289 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1973).

4. Pleadings.

5. —Allegation of Negligence.

Where bailor alleges certain specific acts as a basis for its action then the burden is on the bailor to establish one or more of these specific acts of negligence in addition to the legal presumption given to it by the statute and the burden then falls on the bailee to counter the various presumptions and proof as to negligence. Morton v. Martin Aviation Corp., 205 Tenn. 41, 325 S.W.2d 524, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 339, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 340 (1959).

6. Liability of Bailee.

In action by flying school against advanced student for damage to plane resulting from emergency landing, student would not be liable if accident was due to lack of training but if student was properly trained and accident was due to his negligence he would be liable. Morton v. Martin Aviation Corp., 205 Tenn. 41, 325 S.W.2d 524, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 339, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 340 (1959).

7. Evidence.

Where fire destroyed warehouse and there was conflicting evidence as to where fire originated, reasonable minds could differ as to whether defendant overcame the legal presumption of negligence and defendant was not entitled to a directed verdict. Crook v. Mid-South Transfer & Storage Co., 499 S.W.2d 255, 1973 Tenn. App. LEXIS 289 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1973).

8. —Probative Value of Presumptions.

Where conflicting facts are shown by the evidence, the permissible deduction created by the statutory legal presumption raised by this section is one which the jury may accept or reject or accord such probative value as it desires. Morton v. Martin Aviation Corp., 205 Tenn. 41, 325 S.W.2d 524, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 339, 1959 Tenn. LEXIS 340 (1959).

9. Burden of Proof.

Bailor is onerated with burden of proving “good condition” of bailed article upon delivery to bailee. Steiner-Liff Iron & Metal Co. v. Woodmont Country Club, 480 S.W.2d 533, 1972 Tenn. LEXIS 337 (Tenn. 1972).

A lawful bailment having been created and the item not returned it was the responsibility of the bailee to carry the burden of proof that the theft was occasioned without his fault. Mathews v. Cumberland Chevrolet Co., 640 S.W.2d 582, 1982 Tenn. App. LEXIS 417 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1982).

Upon establishment by the bailor of a prima facie case of negligence on the part of the bailee, the bailee assumed both the burden of producing evidence that the damage was not caused by the bailee's negligence and the risk of nonpersuasion of the trier of fact. Irving Pulp & Paper, Ltd. v. Dunbar Transfer & Storage Co., 732 F.2d 511, 1984 U.S. App. LEXIS 23369 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1984).

10. Action for “Damaged Condition.”

“Good condition” as related to provision of statute that action lies for return of property in “damaged condition” means that at time of delivery property was free of defect or damage which appeared at time of redelivery. Steiner-Liff Iron & Metal Co. v. Woodmont Country Club, 480 S.W.2d 533, 1972 Tenn. LEXIS 337 (Tenn. 1972).

11. Loss Due to “Inherent Nature.”

12. —Meaning.

“Good condition” as related to provision of statute that loss must not be due to “inherent nature” of property bailed means freedom from inherent characteristics including defects which might reasonably have produced the damage complained of. Steiner-Liff Iron & Metal Co. v. Woodmont Country Club, 480 S.W.2d 533, 1972 Tenn. LEXIS 337 (Tenn. 1972).

24-5-112. Continuance of reproductive capacity — Rebuttable presumption.

The present absolute common law presumption which prevails in Tennessee that men and women are presumed capable of having children as long as they live shall be only a prima facie presumption and rebuttable by competent evidence.

Acts 1965, ch. 54, § 1; T.C.A., § 24-516.

24-5-113. Medical, hospital or doctor bills — Prima facie evidence of necessity and reasonableness.

1. Proof in any civil action that medical, hospital or doctor bills were paid or incurred because of any illness, disease, or injury may be itemized in the complaint or civil warrant with a copy of bills paid or incurred attached as an exhibit to the complaint or civil warrant. The bills itemized and attached as an exhibit shall be prima facie evidence that the bills so paid or incurred were necessary and reasonable.
2. This section shall apply only in personal injury actions brought in any court by injured parties against the persons responsible for causing such injuries.
3. This prima facie presumption shall apply to the medical, hospital and doctor bills itemized with copies of bills attached to the complaint or civil warrant; provided, that the total amount of such bills does not exceed the sum of four thousand dollars ($4,000).
1. In addition to the procedure described in subsection (a), in any civil action for personal injury brought by an injured party against the person or persons alleged to be responsible for causing the injury, if an itemization of or copies of the medical, hospital or doctor bills which were paid or incurred because of such personal injury are served upon the other parties at least ninety (90) days prior to the date set for trial, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that such medical, hospital or doctor bills are reasonable.
2. Any party desiring to offer evidence at trial to rebut the presumption shall serve upon the other parties, at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date set for trial, a statement of that party's intention to rebut the presumption. Such statement shall specify which bill or bills the party believes to be unreasonable.

Acts 1978, ch. 734, § 1; T.C.A., § 24-517; Acts 1981, ch. 481, § 1; 1989, ch. 235, § 1; 2000, ch. 780, § 1.

Textbooks. Tennessee Forms (Robinson, Ramsey and Harwell), No. 1-9.07-1.

Law Reviews.

Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Personal Injury Forum (William P. Zdancewicz), 26 U. Mem. L. Rev. 1169 (1996).

Workers' Compensation Outline (Paul Campbell III), 18 No. 3 Tenn. B.J. 11 (1982).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Effect of Presumption.

In an interlocutory appeal, because it was undisputed that the total of respective medical bills of plaintiffs exceeded the statutory limit of $4,000, the trial court did not err in declining to apply the T.C.A. § 24-5-113 presumption and striking the medical bills, in amounts of $3,977 and $3,968, attached to plaintiffs' complaint; the court rejected plaintiffs' argument that they could redact certain portions of medical bills in order to comport with the statute. Borner v. Autry, — S.W.3d —, 2007 Tenn. App. LEXIS 763 (Tenn. Ct. App. Dec. 13, 2007), aff'd in part, rev'd in part, 284 S.W.3d 216, 2009 Tenn. LEXIS 491 (Tenn. 2009).

Trial court did not err in finding an estate proved the reasonableness and necessity of hospital bills related to the amputation of the decedent's leg because a medical doctor testified the gangrene which necessitated the amputation of the decedent's leg was a natural progression of the foot wound the decedent suffered in an ambulance ride; the original injury to the decedent's left foot was what made the amputation necessary, the surgery done at the hospital to remove the left leg was “a surgical emergency,” and the doctor followed the decedent's recuperation in the hospital to achieve closure of the wound. Wilson v. Monroe County, 411 S.W.3d 431, 2013 Tenn. App. LEXIS 53 (Tenn. Ct. App. Jan. 30, 2013), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2013 Tenn. LEXIS 511 (Tenn. June 12, 2013).

2. Miscellaneous.

After defendant moved for a directed verdict with respect to plaintiff's claim for medical expenses, the trial court erred by denying plaintiff's request to re-open the proof for the narrow purpose of allowing him to put his medical bills into evidence; therefore, it also erred in granting defendant a directed verdict. Iloube v. Cain, 397 S.W.3d 597, 2012 Tenn. App. LEXIS 599 (Tenn. Ct. App. Aug. 30, 2012), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2013 Tenn. LEXIS 19 (Tenn. Jan. 9, 2013).

Because the claims made by patients were not personal injury claims against the persons who caused their injuries, and the amount of each claim exceeded $4,000, the appellate court had to assess the reasonableness of a hospital's charges without the presumption that they were reasonable. West v. Shelby County Healthcare Corp., 459 S.W.3d 33, 2014 Tenn. LEXIS 1033 (Tenn. Dec. 19, 2014).

Matter to be determined by the jury with respect to appellant's medical bills was not whether the charges were incurred but the extent to which they were reasonable and necessary and caused by the accident; the jury's decision turned on the assessment of credibility and the jury's determination of the extent to which appellant's medical condition was caused by the accident, and there was material evidence to support the verdict in this case. Allen v. Albea, 476 S.W.3d 366, 2015 Tenn. App. LEXIS 241 (Tenn. Ct. App. Apr. 23, 2015).

T.C.A. § 24-5-113 indicates that introduction into evidence of a personal injury plaintiff's full, undiscounted medical bills can create a presumption of the reasonableness of those amounts when certain criteria are met; to now hold that the full, undiscounted medical bills are inadmissible because they are unreasonable as a matter of law would conflict with the statutory process for obtaining a legal presumption of reasonableness under the statute. Dedmon v. Steelman, 535 S.W.3d 431, 2017 Tenn. LEXIS 720 (Tenn. Nov. 17, 2017).

24-5-114. Repair bills.

Proof that bills were incurred and paid to repair real or personal property shall create a rebuttable presumption of the reasonableness of the amount paid and the necessity for the repairs in any civil action seeking damages for injury to, or improper repair, of the property.
This presumption shall not extend to any payments which exceed the sum total of one thousand dollars ($1,000). The plaintiff may select those payments, not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), for which the plaintiff wishes to claim the benefit of the presumption.
Proof of such payments shall be itemized in the civil warrant or complaint at the time suit is filed by attaching a list showing payments, amounts, person paid, goods or services for which payment was made and a copy of any invoice, bill or receipt. Failure to attach the invoice, bill, or receipt may be excused, in the court's discretion, if none was rendered, it was lost and cannot be found after diligent search or it has been inadvertently destroyed.
In no event may the presumption created by this section be permitted, over objection, by an amendment to the civil warrant or complaint within thirty (30) days of the trial.
At the trial of the cause, any such payments may be introduced into evidence as though there had been competent testimony as to their reasonableness in amount and necessity, but shall constitute no proof of any wrongdoing by the defendant.

Acts 1984, ch. 621, § 1.

24-5-115. Default judgments in subrogation actions brought by an automobile insurance carrier.

In a subrogation action brought in general sessions court by an automobile insurance carrier for recovery of amounts paid to or on behalf of its insured under the collision, comprehensive, medical payments or uninsured motorist coverages of a contract of automobile insurance, the affidavit of the plaintiff-carrier or its agent as to the total damages paid, or incurred, including the insured's deductible, is presumptive evidence against the alleged tortfeasor from whom recovery is sought, except as provided under subsection (b); provided, that such affidavit is accompanied by a certificate of a notary public with seal annexed, or certificate of a judge of the court of general sessions, with the certificate of the county clerk that such judge is an acting judge within the county.
The presumption afforded in subsection (a) shall not be conclusive to the extent that the alleged tortfeasor from whom recovery is sought denies tort liability for the incident, or denies the extent of the damages alleged to be related to the incident, or both. Any such denial must be under oath in writing, or made orally in open court, and the alleged tortfeasor shall be allowed to assert any defense or objection the defendant may have. Such affidavit shall be served upon the alleged tortfeasor with the civil warrant. Upon such denial, on the plaintiff-carrier's motion, or in the interest of justice, the judge shall continue the action to a date certain for trial.
This section does not apply if the automobile insurance carrier files an intervening complaint in an existing action brought by an injured person against the alleged tortfeasor.
This section does not affect the viability of the made-whole doctrine in Tennessee.

Acts 2005, ch. 22, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2005, ch. 22, § 2 provided that the act shall apply to all causes of action arising on or after July 1, 2005.

24-5-105. Instruments offered by defendant.

Chapter 6
Proof of Public Acts and Records

Part 1
General Provisions

24-6-101. Copy of judgment without entire record.

In any litigation, certified copies of final judgments or decrees of any court of record may be used as evidence in such litigation, without the final judgment or decree being supported by the entire record upon which it is based. Such certified judgment or decree shall have the same force and effect as evidence as it would have if the entire record upon which it is based were filed with the judgment or decree, it being the intention to expedite the preparation of cases and save costs.
This section shall not apply to litigation in which a direct attack is made on the judgment or decree and the proceedings upon which it is based, nor to litigation involving the validity of the judgment or decree.
This section shall not prevent any of the parties to the litigation from using as evidence in such litigation the entire record upon which the final judgment or decree is based.

Acts 1919, ch. 130, §§ 1, 2; Shan. Supp., §§ 5580a1, 5580a2; mod. Code 1932, §§ 9755, 9756; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-604; modified.

Cross-References. Authentication of copy, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 44.

Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 193.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 4 Tenn. Juris., Bankruptcy, § 39.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Intent to Modify Former Construction.

This section clearly expresses the intention of the legislature in enacting it, the intention being to modify the former construction of the courts in relation to evidence. Clements v. Holmes, 22 Tenn. App. 230, 120 S.W.2d 988, 1938 Tenn. App. LEXIS 20 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1938).

2. Direct and Collateral Attack Distinguished.

If an action or proceeding is brought for the very purpose of impeaching or overturning a judgment it is a direct attack upon it, but if the action or proceeding has an independent purpose and contemplates some other relief or result although the overturning of the judgment may be important or even necessary to its success then the attack upon the judgment is collateral. Clements v. Holmes, 22 Tenn. App. 230, 120 S.W.2d 988, 1938 Tenn. App. LEXIS 20 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1938).

24-6-102 — 24-6-104. [Reserved.]

Every officer having the custody of a public record or writing, is bound to give any person, on demand, a certified copy thereof, on payment of the legal fees; and, if no fee has been fixed by law, on payment of reasonable compensation.

Code 1858, § 3792; Shan., § 5577; Code 1932, § 9751; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-622.

Rule Reference. Sections 24-6-105 — 24-6-107 are referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 803 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Prepayment of Fees.

The fees allowed by law must be prepaid, except where the officer is required by statute to furnish the copy without prepayment, or where the courts are vested with authority to command similar services, without payment in advance. Western Union Tel. Co. v. Ordway, Gordon & McGuire, 76 Tenn. 558, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 45 (1881).

2. Qualification to Testify as to Contents of Records.

The statute does not authorize one who has mere access to records to testify as to what they contain. It should appear that he has charge of the records. De Marcus v. De Marcus, 12 Tenn. App. 643, — S.W.2d —, 1930 Tenn. App. LEXIS 113 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1930).

24-6-106. Extract copies from records.

When any deed, mortgage, deed of trust, decree, or other instrument appears of record in the register's office of any county, containing the description of more than one (1) tract, lot, or parcel of land, any person desiring a copy of any such deed, etc., may direct that only the description of such lots, tracts, or parcels be included in the copy as such person may desire; and the register in making the copy shall insert not less than one-half (½) line of x marks before and after, or before or after, as the case may be, indicating that descriptions have been omitted from the copy.
Such copies so made shall have full force and effect as evidence.

Acts 1897, ch. 59, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 5576a1, 5576a2; Code 1932,§§ 9749, 9750; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-623.

Cross-References. Authentication of copy, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 44.

Rule Reference. Sections 24-6-105 — 24-6-107 are referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 803 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

24-6-107. Certificate of search.

The certificate of a public officer that such officer has made diligent and ineffectual search for a paper in that officer's office is of the same efficacy in all cases as if such officer had personally appeared and sworn to such facts.

Code 1858, § 3793; Shan., § 5578; Code 1932, § 9752; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-624.

Cross-References. Lost records, § 24-8-109.

Rule Reference. Sections 24-6-105 — 24-6-107 are referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 803 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Lost Records.

2. —Proof.

When part of a record is lost, all that can be required is that the introducer file all of the record that is accessible. Russell v. Houston, 115 Tenn. 536, 91 S.W. 192, 1905 Tenn. LEXIS 86 (1906).

A copy of the whole record must be produced, except where a part of the record has been lost and cannot be produced. King v. Cox, 126 Tenn. 553, 151 S.W. 58, 1912 Tenn. LEXIS 77 (1912).

3. —Showing of Loss.

In an action on an injunction bond, in which it was sought to prove the dissolution of the injunction by certified copies of the pleadings, the decree, the injunction bond, and the injunction writ, the evidence held to be insufficient to show that such papers were lost, so as to admit in evidence certified copies thereof. King v. Cox, 126 Tenn. 553, 151 S.W. 58, 1912 Tenn. LEXIS 77 (1912).

Part 2
Judicial Notice

24-6-201. Judicial notice of foreign law in appellate court.

It is not necessary, in a case carried from an inferior to an appellate court, to have the statutes of a state read as evidence in the inferior court, transcribed into the record, except where it is directed to be done by the inferior court; but the appellate court may take judicial notice of such laws and statutes.

Code 1858, § 3801 (deriv. Acts 1839-1840, ch. 45, § 1); Shan., § 5586; mod. Code 1932, § 9767; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-613; T.C.A. § 24-6-207.

Code Commission Notes.

This section was renumbered from former § 24-6-207 to § 24-6-201 by authority of the Code Commission in 2017.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 13 Tenn. Juris., Foreign Laws, § 3.

Law Reviews.

Evidence — Judicial Notice in Tennessee, 13 Tenn. L. Rev. 54.

Judicial Notice — Courts of the One State Do Not Judicially Notice the Laws of Another, 10 Tenn. L. Rev. 306.

Judicial Notice in Tennessee (Robert Banks, Jr. and Elizabeth T. Collins), 21 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 431 (1991).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Certified List of Domestic Corporations.

Court will take judicial notice of certified list of domestic corporation published with the session acts of the legislature, pursuant to general incorporation act of 1875, and no proof of such list is required. Coal Creek Consol. Coal Co. v. East Tennessee, Iron & Coal Co., 105 Tenn. 563, 59 S.W. 634, 1900 Tenn. LEXIS 107 (1900), overruled, Earnest v. Little River Land & Lumber Co., 109 Tenn. 427, 75 S.W. 1122, 1902 Tenn. LEXIS 86 (1902).

24-6-105. Officer's duty to give copies of records.

Chapter 7
Admissibility of Evidence

24-7-101. Child's out-of-court, non-testimonial statement.

An out-of-court, non-testimonial statement made by a child who is under twelve (12) years of age at the time of a criminal trial describing any sexual act performed by, with, or on the child or describing any act of physical violence directed against the child shall not be excluded from evidence at the criminal trial as hearsay if all of the following apply:
1. The court finds that the totality of the circumstances surrounding the making of the statement provides particularized guarantees of trustworthiness that make the statement at least as reliable as statements admitted pursuant to Rules 803 and 804 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence. The circumstances shall establish that the child was particularly likely to be telling the truth when the statement was made and that the test of cross-examination would add little to the reliability of the statement. In making a determination of the reliability of the statement, the court shall consider all of the circumstances surrounding the making of the statement, including, but not limited to, the spontaneity, internal consistency of the statement, mental state of the child, child's motive or lack of motive to fabricate, child's use of terminology unexpected of a child of similar age, means by which the statement was elicited, and lapse of time between the act and the statement. In making this determination, the court shall not consider whether independent proof exists of the sexual act or act of physical violence;
2. The child's testimony is not reasonably obtainable by the proponent of the statement;
3. Independent proof exists of the sexual act or act of physical violence; and
4. At least ten (10) days before the trial or hearing, a proponent of the statement has notified all other parties in writing of the content of the statement, the time and place at which the statement was made, the identity of the witness who is to testify about the statement, and the circumstances surrounding the statement that are claimed to indicate trustworthiness of the statement.
The child's testimony is not reasonably obtainable by the proponent of the statement under subdivision (a)(2) only if:
1. The child refuses to testify concerning the subject matter of the statement or claims a lack of memory of the subject matter of the statement after a person trusted by the child, in the presence of the court, urges the child to both describe the acts described by the statement and to testify;
2. The court finds that:
  1. The child is absent from the trial or hearing;
  2. The proponent of the statement has been unable to procure the child's attendance or testimony by process or other reasonable means despite a good faith effort to do so; and
  3. It is probable that the proponent would be unable to procure the child's testimony or attendance if the trial or hearing were delayed for a reasonable time; or
3. The court finds that:
  1. The child is unable to testify at the trial or hearing because of death or then-existing physical or mental illness or infirmity; and
  2. The illness or infirmity would not improve sufficiently to permit the child to testify if the trial or hearing were delayed for a reasonable time.
The proponent of the statement fails to establish that the child's testimony or attendance is not reasonably obtainable under subdivision (a)(2) if the child's refusal, claim of lack of memory, inability, or absence is due to the procurement or wrongdoing of the proponent of the statement for the purpose of preventing the child from attending or testifying.
The court shall make the findings required by this section on the basis of a hearing conducted outside the presence of the jury and shall make findings of fact on the record, as to the bases for the court's ruling.
Nothing in this section shall affect the admissibility of evidence admitted under § 24-7-117 or § 24-7-120.

Acts 2018, ch. 708, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2018, ch. 708, § 2 provided that the act, which enacted this section, shall apply to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2018.

Effective Dates. Acts 2018, ch. 708, § 2. July 1, 2018.

24-7-102. Use of statement of party given in student disciplinary proceeding concerning sexual misconduct — No right of party to be represented at public expense — Adoption of rules of evidence.

A written or oral statement of a party given in a student disciplinary proceeding concerning sexual misconduct must not be admissible in any civil or criminal trial, hearing, or proceeding for any purpose or be used for impeachment without the informed and written consent of the party if the statement was made in a student disciplinary proceeding in which the party did not have the active assistance of counsel.
This section does not create a right for a party to be represented at the expense of the public, including a public institution of higher education.
This section does not require a public institution of higher education to adopt formal rules of evidence in student disciplinary proceedings that are not a contested case under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
As used in this section:
1. “Active assistance of counsel” means the right to be represented by a licensed attorney who is allowed to fully participate in the student disciplinary proceeding or an appeal of a result of a student disciplinary proceeding;
2. “Civil or criminal trial, hearing, or proceeding” does not include any type of civil action, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint initiated by or against a public institution of higher education;
3. “Fully participate” means being allowed to engage in the following conduct in a student disciplinary proceeding on behalf of a party:
  1. Make arguments to the hearing officer, including opening and closing arguments during a hearing and arguments on procedural and evidentiary issues; and
  2. Examine and cross-examine witnesses, directly or indirectly, if live witness testimony is presented;
4. “Hearing officer” means:
  1. A hearing officer, hearing panel, or hearing board in a student disciplinary proceeding other than a contested case conducted under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act; or
  2. An administrative law judge or hearing officer under the contested case provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act;
5. “Party” means:
  1. A student accused of sexual misconduct; or
  2. A victim of sexual misconduct;
6. “Sexual misconduct” means a violation of a public higher education institution's disciplinary policies concerning sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking; and
7. “Student disciplinary proceeding” means a hearing, proceeding, or any other non-law enforcement process, other than an investigation, that is used by a public higher education institution to determine whether sexual misconduct occurred or to impose a sanction with respect to sexual misconduct.

Acts 2018, ch. 980, § 4.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2018, ch. 980, § 1 provided that the act, which enacted this section, shall be known and may be cited as the “Student Due Process Protection Act.”

Acts 2018, ch. 980, § 14 provided that public institutions of higher education may implement this part by promulgating emergency rules pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in Title 4, Chapter 5.

Acts 2018, ch. 980, § 15 provided that the act, which amended this section, shall apply to all contested cases that are requested on or after July 1, 2018.

Effective Dates. Acts 2018, ch. 980, § 15. July 1, 2018; provided that for purposes of promulgating rules, the act took effect May 21, 2018.

24-7-103 — 24-7-105. [Reserved.]

All receipts, releases, and discharges in writing, whether of a debt of record or a contract under seal, or otherwise, shall have effect according to the intention of the parties thereto. However, the remittance and acceptance of a check or other instrument bearing on its face words that it is payment or satisfaction in full of a debt or obligation shall not be considered conclusive evidence of an intention that the debt or obligation for which the same is given be discharged or released; provided, that the remittee of such instrument tenders back to the remittor the funds represented by such instrument.

Code 1858, § 3789; Shan., § 5570; Code 1932, § 9741; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-706; Acts 1983, ch. 456, § 1.

Textbooks. Tennessee Forms (Robinson, Ramsey and Harwell), No. 1-8.03-1.1.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 21 Tenn. Juris., Release, § 5.

Law Reviews.

Accord and Satisfaction — Release — Check Tendered in Full Payment of Liquidated Debt and Subsequently Endorsed Under Protest by Creditor Operates as a Written Release, 1 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 425.

Contracts (Merton Ferson), 6 Vand. L. Rev. 1040.

Contracts — 1957 Tennessee Survey (Paul J. Hartman), 10 Vand. L. Rev. 1013.

Selected Tennessee Legislation of 1983 (N. L. Resener, J. A. Whitson, K. J. Miller), 50 Tenn. L. Rev. 785 (1983).

Torts — Effect of Release of One of Several Persons Liable for Same Injury, 5 Tenn. L. Rev. 254.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Statutory Purpose.

The purpose was to modify the technical rule of the common law, so that the real intent of the parties might be effectuated. Williams v. Hitchings, 78 Tenn. 326, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 185 (1882).

This section has, since its inception, been confined to contract actions and is not applicable to tort actions. Kreutzmann v. Bauman, 609 S.W.2d 736, 1980 Tenn. App. LEXIS 389 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1980).

2. —Joint Tort-Feasors — Inapplicability.

This section is confined to actions ex contractu only, does not change the common law rule governing the release of one joint tort-feasor. Smith v. Dixie Park & Amusement Co., 128 Tenn. 112, 157 S.W. 900, 1913 Tenn. LEXIS 29 (1913).

3. Written Release.

4. —Consideration.

It is a sufficient consideration that the one released paid before demand his aliquot part of the debt which was accepted in full satisfaction of his liability, and that this situation was acquiesced in with full knowledge by all parties until the other makers, then solvent, had become utterly insolvent. First Nat'l Bank v. Shook, 100 Tenn. 436, 45 S.W. 338, 1897 Tenn. LEXIS 134 (1898).

A payment by a joint maker of his aliquot part of a note is sufficient consideration for his release. First Nat'l Bank v. Shook, 100 Tenn. 436, 45 S.W. 338, 1897 Tenn. LEXIS 134 (1898); Miller v. Fox, 111 Tenn. 336, 76 S.W. 893, 1903 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1903).

The seals having been abolished, a release in writing is sufficient without a consideration. First Nat'l Bank v. Shook, 100 Tenn. 436, 45 S.W. 338, 1897 Tenn. LEXIS 134 (1898); Tippett v. Shaw, 4 Tenn. App. 132, 1926 Tenn. App. LEXIS 172 (1926).

A release or discharge of a debt, in writing, without any new consideration passing, is valid, and will operate according to the intention of the parties. Miller v. Fox, 111 Tenn. 336, 76 S.W. 893, 1903 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1903).

A verbal agreement of a landlord made during the term of a lease to accept a reduced rental without consideration is unenforceable. A consideration is necessary to support the modification, and the original rental sums for the remainder of the term may be recovered after acceptance of a lesser amount for the intervening periods. Winer v. Williams, 165 Tenn. 190, 54 S.W.2d 723, 1932 Tenn. LEXIS 36 (1932).

Where plaintiff released defendant from future negligence in the application of hair straightener, the services rendered in attempting to straighten the hair which subsequently fell out constituted adequate consideration to support the release. Dixon v. Manier, 545 S.W.2d 948, 1976 Tenn. App. LEXIS 264 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1976). But see Cocke v. Stuart, 7 Tenn. 136, 1823 Tenn. LEXIS 17 (1823) noted in the bound volume.

5. —Prospective Operation of Release.

A release is the giving or discharging of a right of action which one has; but it cannot operate prospectively, so as to defeat an action the cause of which may arise in the future. Cocke v. Stuart, 7 Tenn. 136, 1823 Tenn. LEXIS 17 (1823).

Tennessee public policy favors freedom to contract for release for future negligence. Dixon v. Manier, 545 S.W.2d 948, 1976 Tenn. App. LEXIS 264 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1976). But see Cocke v. Stuart, 7 Tenn. 136, 1823 Tenn. LEXIS 17 (1823) noted in the bound volume.

6. —Ratification of Release.

A bank's ratification of the release of a joint maker of a note to it made by its officers may operate as an estoppel. First Nat'l Bank v. Shook, 100 Tenn. 436, 45 S.W. 338, 1897 Tenn. LEXIS 134 (1898).

7. —Parol Evidence to Vary Receipt.

The language of a written release signed by complainant, being plain and unambiguous, it will be given effect according to the intention of the parties as plainly expressed therein, unvaried or not contradicted by parol testimony of the complainant as to his purposes or understanding to the contrary. Akard v. Standard Accident Co., 8 Tenn. Civ. App. 497 (1918).

8. —Receipts as Prima Facie Evidence.

Receipts are only prima facie evidence of their contents, and they may be contradicted or explained by oral evidence, when clear, strong, and irrefragable. Jones v. Ward, 18 Tenn. 160, 1836 Tenn. LEXIS 112 (1836); Kirkpatrick v. Smith & Co., 29 Tenn. 188, 1849 Tenn. LEXIS 43 (1849); Mt. Olivet Cemetery Co. v. Shubert, 39 Tenn. 116, 1858 Tenn. LEXIS 260 (1858); Overton v. Phelan, 39 Tenn. 445, 1859 Tenn. LEXIS 246 (1859); Western & A.R.R. v. McElwee, 53 Tenn. 208, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 346 (Tenn. Oct. 4, 1871); Stewart, Gwynne & Co. v. Phoenix Ins. Co., 77 Tenn. 104, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 18 (1882).

9. —Assigned Note.

Agreement which recited that payee assign all his rights, title and interest to note executed by defendant without prejudice in any manner to rights theretofore acquired by holder, as an innocent purchaser for value, did not upon entry of compromise order of settlement and dismissal as to payee assignor operate as a cancelation of note as to maker, since intent was manifested merely to effect an assignment of all interest of payee to the holder. McClure v. Cobb, 193 Tenn. 667, 249 S.W.2d 891, 1952 Tenn. LEXIS 338 (1952).

10. —Tender and Acceptance of Check.

Cashing of defendant's check which contained specified deductions did not constitute accord and satisfaction where plaintiff wrote it was not accepting check as full payment of account and defendant replied that it would welcome a conference on the matter of the deductions. B. Mifflin Hood Co. v. Lichter, 106 F. Supp. 220, 1950 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 4281 (D. Tenn. 1950), aff'd, 198 F.2d 472, 1952 U.S. App. LEXIS 3194 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1952).

Where there has been no evidence that the creditor ever understood that the debt was in dispute and that the creditor ever agreed to take a lesser sum in payment of the full amount it was unrealistic for a debtor to send an installment payment to a creditor, and to have the balance of his debt deemed discharged as a master of law simply because of a legend the debtor placed thereon. Quality Care Nursing Services, Inc. v. Coleman, 728 S.W.2d 1, 1987 Tenn. LEXIS 861 (Tenn. 1987).

11. Oral Release — Consideration Required.

A release or discharge of a debt, without consideration, and not in a signed writing, is void. Miller v. Fox, 111 Tenn. 336, 76 S.W. 893, 1903 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1903).

The oral release of some of the joint obligors, upon the payment of a portion of the debt owed, after its maturity, without other consideration, is not binding, and all the obligors remain bound for the balance of the debt. Miller v. Fox, 111 Tenn. 336, 76 S.W. 893, 1903 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1903).

An oral release is binding, if supported by a consideration; and a co-obligor will not be relieved thereby, if he consented to the release, and agreed to remain bound. The case also discusses the nature of the required consideration. Miller v. Fox, 111 Tenn. 336, 76 S.W. 893, 1903 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1903).

A verbal agreement by a landlord during the term to accept a reduced rental sum without consideration is unenforceable. At the expiration of the term the landlord may recover the difference between the stipulated rent and the reduced rent that had been paid. Winer v. Williams, 165 Tenn. 190, 54 S.W.2d 723, 1932 Tenn. LEXIS 36 (1932).

It is generally held that where an agreement to reduce rent has been fully executed and a smaller rent paid and accepted in full during term of the lease no form of consideration is necessary. Haun v. Corkland, 55 Tenn. App. 292, 399 S.W.2d 518, 1965 Tenn. App. LEXIS 256 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1965). Commenting on Winer v. Williams, 165 Tenn. 190, 54 S.W.2d 723, 1932 Tenn. LEXIS 36 (1932).

Where defendant entered lease agreement for $600 per month and thereafter because of loss of business, rent was reduced to $100 per week by oral agreement there was a consideration for such reduction in rent passing to the lessor because of the possibility that by so doing he kept the building occupied when otherwise he may have had an empty building in view of the depressed conditions, and a consideration also passed from the lessee in the form of inconvenience of making weekly instead of monthly payments. Haun v. Corkland, 55 Tenn. App. 292, 399 S.W.2d 518, 1965 Tenn. App. LEXIS 256 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1965).

12. Release of One Joint Obligor.

Under this statute, where one of the obligors has been released, it is a question of intention to be determined from the terms of the release whether the effect was to release the other obligors wholly or only for the released obligor's aliquot proportion of the joint liability, or whether the unreleased obligors are still held for the whole joint liability. But the party seeking to enforce the liability against the unreleased obligors, either for the whole joint liability or only for the part remaining after deducting the aliquot proportion of the released obligor, must affirmatively show the liability in either degree, either by admissions of defendants or by some action or course of conduct equivalent thereto, or by the instrument of release to be interpreted by the court. The release of one joint obligor, without the consent or knowledge of the other obligors, and without their express or implied promise to pay the debt or their aliquot proportion of it, does not release them of their part where the expressed intention of the owner of the note, bond, or obligation was not to release them; but oral evidence is inadmissible to show an agreement not expressed in the writing not to release the other parties to the instrument or obligation. Evans v. Pigg, 43 Tenn. 395, 1866 Tenn. LEXIS 66 (1866); Simpson v. Moore, 65 Tenn. 371, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 367 (1873); Richardson v. McLemore, 64 Tenn. 586, 1875 Tenn. LEXIS 132 (1875); Williams v. Hitchings, 78 Tenn. 326, 1882 Tenn. LEXIS 185 (1882); Snyder v. Witt, 99 Tenn. 618, 42 S.W. 441, 1897 Tenn. LEXIS 72 (1897); First Nat'l Bank v. Shook, 100 Tenn. 436, 45 S.W. 338, 1897 Tenn. LEXIS 134 (1898); Miller v. Fox, 111 Tenn. 336, 76 S.W. 893, 1903 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1903); Branch v. Jarrett, 2 Tenn. Civ. App. (2 Higgins) 419 (1911); Smith v. Dixie Park & Amusement Co., 128 Tenn. 112, 157 S.W. 900, 1913 Tenn. LEXIS 29 (1913).

Where joint and several debtors agree each to pay one-half of the debt, the creditor, with knowledge of this agreement, by accepting one-half from one and releasing him does not release the other. The creditor but conformed to the intent and design of the debtors, the debt was by the debtors in effect several, each making his part his debt. Hamilton v. Ritchie, 53 S.W. 198, 1899 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 62 (1899).

This section changed the old technical rule of the common law, whereby the release of one co-obligor automatically released another co-obligor, so that since 1858 the law in Tennessee has been that the release of one co-obligor on a contractual debt does not release another co-obligor, unless the consequent release of the other is the intent of the parties to the release instrument. Kreutzmann v. Bauman, 609 S.W.2d 736, 1980 Tenn. App. LEXIS 389 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1980).

13. —Mode of Releasing Joint Obligor.

A release, upon sufficient consideration, and with the consent of the other interested parties, of one of several makers of a note, by merely erasing his signature, is valid and effectual without other writing. The statute relating to releases in writing has no application in such case. First Nat'l Bank v. Shook, 100 Tenn. 436, 45 S.W. 338, 1897 Tenn. LEXIS 134 (1898); Miller v. Fox, 111 Tenn. 336, 76 S.W. 893, 1903 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1903).

14. —Release of Contractual Obligation.

A release of a railroad company from liability under contractual obligation to protect plaintiff, its employee, does not operate to release defendants, other employees, as to their intentional tort. The consideration paid for the release is not to be considered in mitigation of damages. Brimer v. Scheibel, 154 Tenn. 253, 290 S.W. 5, 1926 Tenn. LEXIS 121, 50 A.L.R. 1052 (1926).

15. Grounds for Avoiding Release.

A misrepresentation, in order to be sufficient to avoid a contract of settlement, must be as to the material facts rather than mere matters of opinion, unless the relation of the parties is such as to render applicable certain well recognized exceptions to the rule, such as where there is a fiduciary relation existing between the parties. Chattanooga R. & L. Co. v. Glaze, 146 Tenn. 49, 239 S.W. 394, 1921 Tenn. LEXIS 3 (1922).

In an action for personal injuries, in which the defendant set up a contract of settlement, the evidence is stated and held to be insufficient to show that the settlement and release were procured by defendant's fraud. Chattanooga R. & L. Co. v. Glaze, 146 Tenn. 49, 239 S.W. 394, 1921 Tenn. LEXIS 3 (1922).

In the absence of fraud or duress, the failure of the plaintiff to read the release agreement is not a valid ground to declare the release void. Dixon v. Manier, 545 S.W.2d 948, 1976 Tenn. App. LEXIS 264 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1976).

16. Covenant Not to Sue One Joint Wrongdoer.

An instrument executed by a person sustaining a personal injury inflicted by joint wrongdoers, whereby he agrees to dismiss the suit against one of them, and not to reinstitute it, and whereby he agrees to hold such wrongdoer harmless from all liability by reason of the accident, is a “covenant not to sue” such wrongdoer, and is not a satisfaction of the liability of the other wrongdoers, and judgment may be recovered against them. Smith v. Dixie Park & Amusement Co., 128 Tenn. 112, 157 S.W. 900, 1913 Tenn. LEXIS 29 (1913); Nashville I. Ry. v. Gregory, 137 Tenn. 422, 193 S.W. 1053, 1916 Tenn. LEXIS 87 (1917).

A covenant by an injured person not to sue one of two joint tort-feasors, if not released does not reduce the liability of the other, and does not entitle the other to credit for the amount received for the covenant, because the consideration is not a satisfaction of the claim for damages, especially where it was expressly contracted that the sum received was not intended as a satisfaction of plaintiff's claim for damages, and the other tort-feasor would have no cross action against the one to whom the covenant was given. Nashville I. Ry. v. Gregory, 137 Tenn. 422, 193 S.W. 1053, 1916 Tenn. LEXIS 87 (1917).

Where there is a covenant not to sue a part of joint wrongdoers in which instrument there is embodied a stipulation that it “may be pleaded as a defense in any action,” such stipulation operates to extinguish the cause of action and releases the joint tort-feasor. Byrd v. Crowder, 166 Tenn. 215, 60 S.W.2d 171, 1932 Tenn. LEXIS 131 (1933), superseded by statute as stated in, Kreutzmann v. Bauman, 609 S.W.2d 736, 1980 Tenn. App. LEXIS 389 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1980).

Instrument in judgment held not to be a release but a covenant not to sue, which did not extinguish the cause of action. Oliver v. Williams, 19 Tenn. App. 54, 83 S.W.2d 271, 1935 Tenn. App. LEXIS 20 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1935).

17. —Parol Proof.

The rule that parol contemporaneous evidence is not admissible to alter or vary the terms of a valid written instrument has reference only to the parties to the instrument, and does not preclude a third party from proving the truth about a document, however the truth may vary from the statements contained in the document; and a tort-feasor is not precluded from showing by parol evidence that an instrument which was in form a covenant not to sue a joint tort-feasor was in fact a release. Nashville I. Ry. v. Gregory, 137 Tenn. 422, 193 S.W. 1053, 1916 Tenn. LEXIS 87 (1917).

18. Maintenance of Children.

Release by mother and maternal grandparents to accused father for $500 whereby the mother and maternal grandparents assumed responsibility for maintenance and support of child born out of wedlock could not discharge rights of child as between accused father and child. Reynolds v. Richardson, 483 S.W.2d 747, 1971 Tenn. LEXIS 341 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1971), cert. denied, Reynolds v. Tennessee, 410 U.S. 944, 93 S. Ct. 1381, 35 L. Ed. 2d 611, 1973 U.S. LEXIS 3521 (1973), overruled, Pickett v. Brown, 638 S.W.2d 369, 1982 Tenn. LEXIS 430 (Tenn. 1982).

19. Debts of Record.

The “debt of record” language of this section encompasses and applies to releases of judgment debts which are grounded on underlying debts that are contractual in nature. Kreutzmann v. Bauman, 609 S.W.2d 736, 1980 Tenn. App. LEXIS 389 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1980).

24-7-107. Settlements of debts.

All settlements in writing, made in good faith, for the composition of debts, shall be taken as evidence, and held to operate according to the intention of the parties, although no release under seal is given, and no new consideration has passed.

Code 1858, § 3790; Shan., § 5571; Code 1932, § 9742; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-707.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 6 Tenn. Juris., Compromise and Settlement, § 9; 21 Tenn. Juris., Release, §§ 4, 5, 8.

Law Reviews.

Accord and Satisfaction — Release — Check Tendered in Full Payment of Liquidated Debt and Subsequently Endorsed Under Protest by Creditor Operates as a Written Release, 1 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 425.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. In General.

The seals having been abolished, a release in writing is sufficient without a consideration. First Nat'l Bank v. Shook, 100 Tenn. 436, 45 S.W. 338, 1897 Tenn. LEXIS 134 (1898).

Discharge in writing for the composition of a debt, and without any new consideration, will operate under this section, according to the intention of the parties. Love v. Allison, 2 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 111 (1874); Miller v. Fox, 111 Tenn. 336, 76 S.W. 893, 1903 Tenn. LEXIS 28 (1903).

2. Compromise — Acceptance of Part.

After the acceptance of part of a debt in full compromise of the whole, the claim to the remainder is extinguished, and such unpaid part will neither sustain a suit nor form a sufficient consideration for a new promise by note. Evans, Fite, Porter & Co. v. Bell, 83 Tenn. 569, 1885 Tenn. LEXIS 81 (1885); Taylor v. Skiles, 113 Tenn. 288, 81 S.W. 1258, 1904 Tenn. LEXIS 26 (1904).

3. —When Limited to Part.

Where life insurance policy contained two riders, one of which provided for disability benefits, and the other for additional benefits in event of accidental death, and company settled disability benefits when insured lost his mind, and written settlement agreement provided that release “did not affect any other provisions of said policy” beneficiary was not barred from recovering thereafter for accidental death of insured. Travelers Ins. Co. v. Sides, 184 Tenn. 663, 202 S.W.2d 815, 1947 Tenn. LEXIS 297 (1947).

4. Release of Joint Obligors.

Release of one party jointly liable with another does not release the other unless that was the intention of the parties. Evans v. International Trust Co., 59 S.W. 373, 1900 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 85 (1900).

Under Code provisions for receipts and compromise of debts, in order for written releases and discharges of fewer than all co-obligors to have effect as to those released, release must show the intention of the parties explicitly set out in the writing. Branch v. Jarrett, 2 Tenn. Civ. App. (2 Higgins) 419 (1911).

5. Rights of Third Persons.

Code provisions relating to settlements, releases, etc., have reference alone to the parties to the instrument as between themselves, and in no manner affects the rights of others not parties thereto. McClung v. Mabry, 2 Shan. 91 (1876).

6. Setting Release Aside.

A party who knowingly and without imposition or duress accepts indemnity payments and signs paper acknowledging full and final payment is bound thereby, although he did not read the instrument. Akard v. Standard Accident Co., 8 Tenn. Civ. App. 497 (1918).

24-7-108 — 24-7-111. [Reserved.]

1. 1. In any contested paternity case, unless the individual is found to have good cause under § 654(29) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 654(29)), the court, or the department of human services in Title IV-D child support cases, shall order the parties and the child to submit to genetic tests to determine the child's parentage upon the request of any party if the request is supported by an affidavit of the party making the request:
    1. and such affidavit: Alleges paternity, and sets forth facts establishing a reasonable possibility of the requisite sexual contact between the parties; or
    2. Denies paternity, and sets forth facts establishing a reasonable possibility of the nonexistence of sexual contact between the parties;
    3. and such affidavit: Denies paternity.
  2. In addition, upon the court's own motion, at such times as it deems equitable, or by administrative order by the department of human services in Title IV-D child support cases, tests and comparisons pursuant to this section shall be ordered; or
  3. In any case, except terminations of parental rights or adoptions under title 36 or title 37, in which the paternity of a child is at issue and the question of parentage arises, and an agreed order or divorce decree has been entered finding that an individual is not the parent of the child, the finding shall not be entitled to preclusive effect unless the finding was based upon scientific tests to determine parentage which excluded the individual from parentage of the child in question.
2. During any other civil or criminal proceeding in which the question of parentage arises, upon the motion of either party or on the court's own motion, the court shall at such time as it deems equitable order all necessary parties to submit to any tests and comparisons which have been developed and adapted for purposes of establishing or disproving parentage.
3. In any civil or criminal proceedings pursuant to this section, the tests ordered shall be conducted by an accredited laboratory. In the case of genetic tests, and at such time as the secretary of health and human services designates accreditation entities which acknowledge the reliability of types of genetic tests used in the establishment of paternity, such genetic tests shall be of the type which are generally acknowledged as reliable by accreditation entities designated by the secretary, and the genetic tests shall be performed by a laboratory approved by such a designated accreditation entity.
4. The results of such tests and comparisons which are ordered pursuant to this section, including the statistical likelihood of the alleged parent's parentage, if available, may be admitted into evidence as provided in subsection (b).
Upon receiving the results of the tests and comparisons conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the court shall proceed as follows:
1. 1. Either party may request an additional parentage test upon the advanced payment of the costs of the additional parentage test. If the additional tests are requested by the department of human services, its contractors or any state agency, the costs of such additional tests shall be paid for upon being billed for such by the testing agent and may be recovered by those entities in any parentage proceeding from the person established as parent of the child;
  2. 1. If the results of the first test exclude paternity and the second test also exclude paternity, or, if the initial test results are negative on the issue of paternity establishment and no second test is requested, this shall be conclusive evidence of nonpaternity and the action shall be dismissed;
    2. If the results of the first test establish paternity and the second test again establishes a positive statistical probability of parentage as described in subdivision (b)(2)(B) or (C), the positive test results with the greater positive probability of parentage shall be definitive for purposes of the application of the appropriate evidentiary standards relative to the presumptions and the defenses available in subdivision (b)(2);
    3. If the results of the second test are different from the first test in their outcome relative to the exclusion or establishment of paternity, the court, or the department in appropriate cases, may order a third test, or the court may make a determination between the accuracy of the previous two (2) tests for purposes of determining paternity;
  3. The results of any tests which may exclude a person as the father shall not preclude the initiation of a new paternity action involving another putative father or by a putative father against a mother to establish his paternity;
2. 1. In any proceeding where the paternity of an individual is at issue, the written report of blood, genetic, or DNA test results by the testing agent concerning the paternity is admissible without the need for any foundation testimony or other proof of the authenticity or accuracy of the test unless a written objection is filed with the court and served upon all parties thirty (30) days prior to the date of the hearing. For purposes of this section, service shall be deemed made upon the date of mailing;
  2. A rebuttable presumption of the paternity of an individual is established by blood, genetic, or DNA testing showing a statistical probability of paternity of that individual at ninety-five percent (95%) or greater. In such event, the case shall be tried before the court without a jury regarding the issue of paternity without the evidentiary limitations of subdivision (b)(2)(C);
  3. When the results of blood, genetic or DNA tests show a statistical probability that a man is the father of the child in question by a statistical probability of ninety-nine percent (99%) or greater, the putative father may only attempt to rebut his paternity of the child by filing a motion with the tribunal and establishing upon clear and convincing evidence one (1) or more of only the following circumstances:
    1. The putative father had undergone a medical sterilization procedure prior to the probable period of conception, or other medical evidence demonstrates that he was medically incapable of conceiving a child during the probable period of conception;
    2. That the putative father had no access to the child's mother during the probable period of conception;
    3. That the putative father has, or had, an identical twin who had sexual relations with the child's mother during the probable period of conception; or
    4. The putative father presents evidence in the form of an affidavit that another man has engaged in sexual relations with the mother of the child in question during the period of probable conception. In this case, the court shall order genetic testing of that other man in conformity with this section. The results of that genetic test must indicate that the other man has a statistical probability of paternity of ninety-five (95%) or greater to establish an effective defense pursuant to this subdivision.
  4. 1. If, after test results showing a statistical probability of ninety-nine percent (99%) or greater, the putative father is able to show by clear and convincing evidence to the court that one (1) of the enumerated defenses in subdivision (b)(2)(C) is present, the matter shall be set for trial before the court without a jury;
    2. If the putative father does not raise one (1) of the enumerated defenses in subdivision (b)(2)(C) or does not establish by clear and convincing evidence that one (1) of the enumerated defenses in subdivision (b)(2)(C) is present after test results showing a statistical probability of paternity of ninety-nine percent (99%) or greater, the court shall, upon motion by the other party, establish that individual as the father of the child in question, and shall order child support as required by title 36, chapter 5;
  5. An affidavit documenting the chain of custody of any specimen used in any test pursuant to this section is admissible to establish the chain of custody;
3. All costs relative to the tests and comparisons under this section shall be paid initially by the party requesting such tests with the final allocation of costs awaiting the outcome of the proceedings, at which time the court shall determine the proper allocation of costs. Costs for initial tests requested by the department of human services or its contractors or any other state agency shall be paid by those entities with the costs to be recovered in any parentage proceeding from the person established as parent of the child.

Acts 1957, ch. 30, § 1; T.C.A., § 24-716; Acts 1983, ch. 459, § 1; 1991, ch. 268, § 1; 1994, ch. 988, §§ 2-4; 1997, ch. 551, §§ 43, 44; 2000, ch. 922, § 1.

Cross-References. Voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, § 24-7-113.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 5 Tenn. Juris., Bastardy, § 14.

Law Reviews.

Constitutional Law — Constitutionality of Statutes of Limitations in Paternity Actions, 13 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 263 (1983).

Domestic Relations — 1963 Tennessee Survey (T. A. Smedley), 17 Vand. L. Rev. 1039.

Evidence — 1963 Tennessee Survey (Lyman R. Patterson), 17 Vand. L. Rev. 1058.

Selected Tennessee Legislation of 1983 (N. L. Resener, J. A. Whitson, K. J. Miller), 50 Tenn. L. Rev. 785 (1983).

The Cradle Will Rock: Intentional Misrepresentation of Paternity, 49 Tenn. B.J. 12 (2013).

Attorney General Opinions. Conflict of interest of volunteers in district attorney general's office, OAG 99-085, 1999 Tenn. AG LEXIS 85 (4/6/99).

If DNA testing for paternal identification were required before child support is ordered by a court, such a requirement would not violate the Tennessee or the United States Constitutions, OAG 06-131, 2006 Tenn. AG LEXIS 156 (8/15/06).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Constitutionality.

Defendant has no statutory or common law right to trial by jury and there is no constitutional breach in applying subdivision (b)(1) of this section. Rooker v. Rimer, 776 S.W.2d 124, 1989 Tenn. App. LEXIS 321 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1989), cert. denied, 493 U.S. 1073, 110 S. Ct. 1120, 107 L. Ed. 2d 1027, 1990 U.S. LEXIS 962 (1990).

2. Jurisdiction.

Under prior decisions, this section, and § 36-2-106 [repealed], common law presumptions relating to paternity and legitimacy are rebuttable and, thus, the courts have jurisdiction to entertain an action to establish paternity of a legitimate child in one other than the legitimate father. Shell v. Law, 935 S.W.2d 402, 1996 Tenn. App. LEXIS 321 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1996).

3. Prerequisites to Admissibility.

Blood grouping tests made by qualified persons in laboratories located in this state for the purpose of exclusion of a person as an alleged parent are admissible in evidence but such tests should not be received in evidence without affording the parties involved an opportunity to examine the witness who made the tests as to his competency and as to the means employed by him and all other factors having to do with the reliability of such tests. Nicks v. Nicks, 51 Tenn. App. 520, 369 S.W.2d 909, 1962 Tenn. App. LEXIS 124 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1962).

In divorce suit where paternity of child born to wife was in issue action of trial court in concluding that husband was not the father was improper where blood test was made by out of state doctor and was not offered in evidence or presented by person preparing report as a witness or otherwise identified. Nicks v. Nicks, 51 Tenn. App. 520, 369 S.W.2d 909, 1962 Tenn. App. LEXIS 124 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1962).

Where parties voluntarily submitted to blood testing without judicial intervention, they waived the formal requirements of this section. Shell v. Law, 935 S.W.2d 402, 1996 Tenn. App. LEXIS 321 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1996).

4. Demand for Testing.

This section requires that the demand for testing by either party must be made at the initial appearance of the demanding party in the juvenile court only if the issue of paternity is tried in the juvenile court. If it is transferred to the circuit court for trial, that court becomes “the court before whom the matter may be brought.” State ex rel. Overton v. Taylor, 786 S.W.2d 942, 1990 Tenn. LEXIS 128 (Tenn. 1990).

This section establishes a procedure for requesting blood tests in the initial proceeding in which a party raises the issue of parentage; a contempt proceeding for failure to pay child support arises out of the order in a divorce and custody proceeding, and is not a separate and distinct proceeding in which a party can request a blood test. Steioff v. Steioff, 833 S.W.2d 94, 1992 Tenn. App. LEXIS 115 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1992).

5. Discretion of Judge.

The trial judge is vested with wide latitude in setting up procedures to guarantee that blood testing will be conducted fairly, properly, and without fraud. Tennessee Dep't of Human Services v. Jones, 647 S.W.2d 942, 1982 Tenn. App. LEXIS 446 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1982).

It was within the discretion of the trial judge to grant a motion to require a blood test that was filed subsequent to the mother's initial appearance. State ex rel. Scott v. Brown, 937 S.W.2d 934, 1996 Tenn. App. LEXIS 507 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1996).

Trial court abused its discretion in allowing the husband in a divorce case to proceed on a post-decree petition challenging the paternity of the child for whom the husband had agreed to pay support, where the information causing the husband to doubt his paternity had been known to the husband for several years before he filed his petition, and the petition was brought almost 10 years after the divorce. State ex rel. Russell v. West, 115 S.W.3d 886, 2003 Tenn. App. LEXIS 262 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2003).

6. Paternity Not Established.

Where plaintiff mother testified that she and defendant had sexual relations prior to the birth of her son and that she had relations with no other during the normal gestation period, while defendant denied that he had relations with plaintiff during the same period of time, and doctor testified that based on blood grouping tests which are over 99.9 percent accurate, that in his opinion defendant could not be the father of the boy while laboratory technician testified concerning the procedures used in the tests that developed the accuracy thereof, the evidence on the issue of defendant's paternity established that defendant was not the father of the child. Hudson v. Capps, 651 S.W.2d 243, 1983 Tenn. App. LEXIS 564 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1983).

7. Conclusive Presumption of Paternity.

The 1994 amendment, adding the conclusive presumption feature contained in subdivision (b)(2)(B), is procedural and could be applied retroactively. State ex rel. Scott v. Brown, 937 S.W.2d 934, 1996 Tenn. App. LEXIS 507 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1996).

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 36-2-302 and T.C.A. § 24-7-112, the biological father was the legal father of the child, absent the termination of his rights, and a best-interests analysis was relevant if an only if termination was appropriate; the evidence did not support the arguments of the mother and her husband that the biological father willfully failed to visit or support the child, as the evidence showed that: (1) The mother actively concealed the child's parentage; and (2) The mother declined the biological father's offer of support. In re T.K.Y., 205 S.W.3d 343, 2006 Tenn. LEXIS 757 (Tenn. 2006), rehearing denied, — S.W.3d —, 2006 Tenn. LEXIS 891 (Tenn. Sept. 19, 2006).

Although the juvenile court erred in taking judicial notice of a paternity test report previously entered as an exhibit in proceedings before a magistrate, the error was harmless because the mother's copy of the report was admissible; because the report showed a statistical probability of paternity of ninety-nine percent or greater, the putative father had an extremely high burden of proof to rebut the statutory presumption of paternity, but he failed to meet that burden. In re Michael J., — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. App. LEXIS 52 (Tenn. Ct. App. Jan. 31, 2018), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. LEXIS 303 (Tenn. May 16, 2018).

24-7-113. Voluntary acknowledgment of paternity.

A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity which is completed under § 68-3-203(g), § 68-3-302, or § 68-3-305(b) or under similar provisions of another state or government shall constitute a legal finding of paternity on the individual named as the father of the child in the acknowledgment, subject to rescission as provided in subsection (c). The acknowledgment, unless rescinded pursuant to subsection (c), shall be conclusive of that father's paternity without further order of the court.
1. A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity which is completed under § 68-3-203(g), § 68-3-302, or § 68-3-305(b), or under similar provisions of another state or government, when certified by the state registrar or other governmental entity maintaining the record of the acknowledgment, or the copy of the voluntary acknowledgment completed pursuant to § 68-3-302(d), shall be a basis for establishing a support order without requiring any further proceedings to establish paternity.
2. An acknowledgment of paternity executed as described in subdivision (b)(1) shall be entitled to full faith and credit in any judicial or administrative proceeding in this state.
3. No judicial or administrative proceedings are required, nor shall any such proceedings be permitted, to ratify an unchallenged acknowledgment of paternity in order to create the conclusive status of the acknowledgment of paternity.
1. A signatory to a voluntary acknowledgment shall be permitted to rescind the voluntary acknowledgment at the earlier of:
  1. The completion and submission of a sworn statement refuting the named father on a form provided by the state registrar. This form must be filed in the office of vital records of the department of health, together with the fee required by the registrar within sixty (60) days of the date of completion of the acknowledgment; or
  2. Within the sixty-day period following completion of the acknowledgment, at any judicial or administrative proceeding during that period at which the signatory is a party and which proceeding relates to the child, by completion of the form described in subdivision (c)(1)(A) or by the entry of an order by the administrative or judicial tribunal which directs the rescission of such acknowledgment.
2. The registrar may impose a fee for the filing of the rescission of voluntary acknowledgment in subdivision (c)(1)(A) and the registrar shall send a copy of the rescinded acknowledgment to the other signatory of the original acknowledgment. If an individual seeking to rescind an acknowledgment completes an affidavit of indigency which accompanies the rescission form, the fee shall be waived. Any fee for filing a rescission of a voluntary acknowledgment based upon fraud shall be assessed by the court against the person found to be the perpetrator of the fraud.
If, at any time during the hearing described in subdivision (c)(1)(B), the court, the referee, or the hearing officer has reasonable cause to believe that a signatory of the acknowledgment is or was unable to understand the effects of executing such acknowledgment, the court, the referee or hearing officer shall explain orally to the individual the effects of the execution of the acknowledgment, and the right to rescind the voluntary acknowledgment pursuant to subsection (c), and the right to parentage tests to determine paternity pursuant to § 24-7-112 in any proceeding relative to the issue of paternity of the child.
1. If the voluntary acknowledgment has not been rescinded pursuant to subsection (c), the acknowledgment may only be challenged on the basis of fraud, whether extrinsic or intrinsic, duress, or material mistake of fact.
2. The challenger must institute the proceeding upon notice to the other signatory and other necessary parties including the Title IV-D agency within five (5) years of the execution of the acknowledgment, and if the court finds based upon the evidence presented at the hearing that there is substantial likelihood that fraud, duress, or a material mistake of fact existed in the execution of the acknowledgment of paternity, then, and only then, the court shall order parentage tests. Such action shall not be barred by the five-year statute of limitations where fraud in the procurement of the acknowledgment by the mother of the child is alleged and where the requested relief will not affect the interests of the child, the state, or any Title IV-D agency. Nothing herein shall preclude the challenger from presenting any other form of evidence as a substitute for the parentage tests if it is not possible to conduct such tests.
3. The test results certified under oath by an authorized representative of an accredited laboratory shall be filed with the court and shall be admissible on the issue of paternity pursuant to § 24-7-112(b). If the acknowledged father is found to be excluded by the tests, an action seeking support shall be dismissed or the acknowledgment of paternity shall be rescinded, as appropriate. If the test results show a statistical probability of ninety-five percent (95%) or greater, a rebuttable presumption of paternity shall be established and the issue of paternity shall be tried before the court without a jury. If the test results show a probability of paternity of ninety-nine percent (99%) or greater, the acknowledgment of paternity will become conclusive and no further action shall be necessary to establish paternity unless a motion asserting the defenses of § 24-7-112(b)(2)(C) is successfully brought.
4. The burden of proof in any such proceeding shall be upon the challenger.
5. During the pendency of the hearing under this subsection (e) and any appeal from such hearing, the legal responsibilities of the signatory, including any child support obligations, may not be suspended, except for good cause shown.
The state of Tennessee, its officers, employees, agents or contractors, or any Title IV-D child support enforcement agency shall not be liable in any case to compensate any person for repayment of child support paid or for any other costs as a result of the rescission of any voluntary acknowledgment or the rescission of any orders of legitimation, paternity, or support entered under this section.
1. The rescission of an acknowledgment of paternity or entry of any order rescinding any acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to subsection (c) shall not preclude the initiation of a paternity action against the signatory who is the alleged putative father, or by a putative father against a mother to establish his paternity, nor shall it preclude the initiation of a paternity action against another putative father.
2. If, however, the voluntary acknowledgment is rescinded by order of the court based upon tests conducted pursuant to subsection (e) which excluded a person as parent, no further action may be initiated against such excluded person.
1. The original of the form rescinding the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or a certified copy of any order rescinding a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or a prior order of legitimation or paternity shall be sent by the person rescinding it or, as the case may be, by the clerk to the state registrar at the office of vital records of the department of health.
2. Upon receipt of the form rescinding the acknowledgment which was executed and filed with the registrar within the sixty-day period or upon receipt of the order which shows on its face that the voluntary acknowledgment has been rescinded at the hearing which is held no later than the sixtieth day following the completion of the voluntary acknowledgment, or upon receipt of a certified court order with a finding shown clearly in the court order that the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity was rescinded due to fraud, either intrinsic or extrinsic, duress or material mistake of fact, the registrar shall make the appropriate amendments to the birth certificate of the child who was the subject of the order.

Acts 1994, ch. 988, § 1; 1997, ch. 551, § 35; 1998, ch. 1098, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 24-7-118.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-7-113, concerning inadmissibility of testimony before committee of the general assembly, was transferred to § 24-7-114 in 2000.

Cross-References. Admissibility in evidence of DNA analysis, § 24-7-112.

Child support, title 36, ch. 5.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 501 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Generally.

Trial court's narrow reading of T.C.A. § 24-7-113 to allow a man not related to the minor child (whose mother was incarcerated) to retain parental status he had obtained as a result of his voluntary acknowledgement of paternity was against public policy; limiting paternity challenges to the signatories to a voluntary acknowledgment would make that status virtually unassailable, even to the biological father. In re C.A.F., 114 S.W.3d 524, 2003 Tenn. App. LEXIS 134 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2003).

T.C.A. § 24-7-113 creates a mechanism for establishing paternity without the intervention of the court; its main purpose is to make it possible to decree child support orders without first having to go through a paternity proceeding. It was not meant to allow a non-parent to obtain parental rights over a child without having to go through an adoption proceeding. In re C.A.F., 114 S.W.3d 524, 2003 Tenn. App. LEXIS 134 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2003).

Termination of the putative father's rights to five children was appropriate because the record clearly and convincingly established that the Department of Children's Services used reasonable efforts to assist him in establishing his parentage of the children. When the DCS obtained the results of the genetic testing, it provided the results to the putative father and advised him to take the results to the juvenile court to establish his paternity, but the father was not successful; he did not testify that he informed the DCS that his efforts to establish his paternity had failed or that he requested further assistance from the DCS to accomplish that task. In re Bernard T., 319 S.W.3d 586, 2010 Tenn. LEXIS 683 (Tenn. Aug. 26, 2010).

Although, in its 1994 amendment to the Vital Records Act of 1977, T.C.A. § 68-3-305(b), the Legislature did not use the specific term “voluntary acknowledgment of paternity” that it used in T.C.A. § 24-7-113, the Legislature intended the “sworn acknowledgment” or “affidavit” contemplated in § 68-3-305(b) to receive the legal status of a § 24-7-113 voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. In re Estate of Davis, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. App. LEXIS 235 (Tenn. Ct. App. Mar. 30, 2016).

With the enactment of T.C.A. § 24-7-113, the “affidavits” that had previously been executed under the Vital Records Act of 1977, T.C.A. § 68-3-305(b), are given the status of voluntary acknowledgments of paternity constituting a legal finding of paternity and are entitled to full faith and credit in any judicial proceeding. In re Estate of Davis, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. App. LEXIS 235 (Tenn. Ct. App. Mar. 30, 2016).

Trial court properly ruled that a child was an heir-at-law of the decedent, who died intestate, because the inclusion of the decedent's name on the child's birth certificate evinced the execution of a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity that constituted a legal finding of paternity; therefore, the child's portion of the estate vested in him immediately upon the decedent's death. In re Estate of Davis, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. App. LEXIS 235 (Tenn. Ct. App. Mar. 30, 2016).

2. Contested Voluntary Acknowledgements of Paternity.

Trial court erred in denying a motion filed by a child's mother to set aside a settlement reached by the decedent's mother in an underlying wrongful death lawsuit, staying its proceedings, and transferring the paternity issue to the Probate Court because, while the decedent executed a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity in Mississippi, the court did not make the statutorily required findings concerning fraud, duress, or material mistake when the child's paternity was challenged, and the Probate Court had no authority to enroll the foreign acknowledgment of paternity under the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act. Hussey v. Woods, — S.W.3d —, 2015 Tenn. App. LEXIS 763 (Tenn. Ct. App. Sept. 23, 2015), rev'd, 538 S.W.3d 476, 2017 Tenn. LEXIS 824 (Tenn. Dec. 18, 2017).

Although a legal parent, who was not the biological father of a child, claimed that the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity (VAP) for the child which the legal parent signed should have been rescinded due to a material mistake of fact in that the legal parent did not appreciate the consequences of signing the VAP, the VAP was not rescinded within 60 days of its completion and submission and the legal parent failed to prove the existence of a material mistake of fact that would have warranted rescission of the VAP. Accordingly, the legal parent was properly ordered to pay child support. State ex rel. Kimberly C. v. Gordon S., — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. App. LEXIS 541 (Tenn. Ct. App. Nov. 30, 2020).

3. Standing to Sue for Visitation Rights.

Although the voluntary acknowledgement of paternity signed by the mother and the father alone did not vest custody rights or visitation rights upon the legal father, it did vest the father with standing to sue for those rights. Baxter v. Rowan, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. App. LEXIS 569 (Tenn. Ct. App. Dec. 15, 2020).

24-7-114. Testimony before committee of general assembly inadmissible.

Without the consent of such witness there shall not be admitted into evidence in any civil proceeding in the courts of this state the testimony of a witness given before any committee of the general assembly of the state; provided such testimony when given was pertinent to the inquiry of such committee or responsive to a question from such committee.

Acts 1959, ch. 27, § 1; T.C.A., § 24-717; T.C.A § 24-7-113.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-2-114, concerning opinions as to medical findings, was transferred to § 24-7-115 in 2000.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rules 501 and 803 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

Textbooks. Tennessee Forms (Robinson, Ramsey and Harwell), No. 1-45.01-1.

Law Reviews.

Should Tennessee Bury the Dead Man Statute As Arkansas Has? (W. Dent Gitchel), 18 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 195 (1989).

24-7-115. Opinions as to medical findings.

In the trial of any civil suit, there shall be received in evidence if offered on behalf of any party thereto, opinions as to medical findings as a result of treatment or examination of the party, whether such opinions are based on subjective or objective findings; provided such opinions are those of persons otherwise qualified as medical experts. It is declared to be the intent of this section that medical opinions based on subjective findings are no longer to be excluded from evidence whether the opinion is from the treating expert or an expert called in for purposes of examination and evaluation.

Acts 1967, ch. 262, § 1; T.C.A.; § 24-718, T.C.A., § 24-7-114.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-7-115, concerning telephone company records, was transferred to § 24-7-116 in 2000.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 11 Tenn. Juris., Evidence, § 154.

Law Reviews.

Physical Condition in the New Tennessee Rules of Evidence (Donald F. Paine), 26 No. 2, Tenn. B.J. 25 (1990).

Policing the Bases of Modern Expert Testimony (Ronald L. Carlson), 39 Vand. L. Rev. 577 (1986).

The Hearsay Rule — Expert Medical Testimony Based upon Out-of-Court Statements by Other Medical Personnel, 43 Tenn. L. Rev. 481.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. In General.

Earlier cases to the contrary, since the enactment of this section in 1967, expert witnesses can testify as to their professional opinion and it is the responsibility of the trial judge to choose from conflicting opinions expressed by highly qualified and conscientious expert witnesses. Combustion Engineering, Inc. v. Kennedy, 562 S.W.2d 202, 1978 Tenn. LEXIS 585 (Tenn. 1978).

Under this section, the opinion of a qualified medical expert witness based on subjective findings alone is sufficient to establish medical causation and the permanency of disability, if the evidence is found to be credible by the trial judge. Johnson v. Schevenell Ready Mix, Inc., 608 S.W.2d 582, 1980 Tenn. LEXIS 514 (Tenn. 1980).

2. Testimony Based on Subjective Findings.

In workers' compensation case, the fact that there was no objective finding upon which physician could base a permanent partial disability rating did not render his testimony inadmissible; rather the fact that his opinion was based upon subjective findings alone affected only its weight. Cates v. Better-Bilt Aluminum Products Co., 607 S.W.2d 476, 1980 Tenn. LEXIS 506 (Tenn. 1980).

It was error to reject testimony of a doctor because the doctor was a nontreating physician and his testimony was based upon subjective complaints alone. Haley v. Dyersburg Fabrics, Inc., 729 S.W.2d 665, 1987 Tenn. LEXIS 902 (Tenn. 1987).

24-7-116. Telephone company records.

1. In any judicial proceeding in which a telephone company is subpoenaed to produce records of customer service or billing charges, it shall be sufficient compliance with the subpoena if the custodian or other authorized agent of the company shall, either by personal delivery or by certified or registered mail, file with the court clerk a true and correct copy of all records described in such subpoena. The records shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the custodian stating in substance:
  1. That the affiant is duly authorized custodian of the records and has authority to certify the records;
  2. That the copy is a true copy of all the records described in the subpoena; and
  3. That the records were prepared by the personnel of the company acting under the control of the company, in the ordinary course of business.
2. If the company has none of the records described, or only part thereof, the custodian shall so state in the affidavit and file the affidavit and such records as are available.
1. Where the personal attendance of the custodian of telephone company records is required, the subpoena duces tecum shall contain a clause which reads:
  “The custodian must personally attend in order to comply with this subpoena.”
2. Where both the personal attendance of the custodian and the production of the original record are required, the subpoena duces tecum shall contain a clause which reads:
  “The custodian must personally attend and produce the original records in order to comply with this subpoena.”
3. Where the personal attendance of the custodian is required, the reasonable cost of producing the records and attendance of the custodian shall be taxed as costs of court, subject to review by the court after notice and hearing to the involved parties and to the telephone company.
1. If the records are confidential by state or federal law, the copy of the records shall be separately enclosed in an inner envelope or wrapper, sealed, with the title and number of the action, name of witness and date of subpoena clearly inscribed thereon. The sealed envelope or wrapper shall then be enclosed in an outer envelope or wrapper, sealed, and directed as follows:
  1. If the subpoena directs attendance in court, to the clerk of such court or to the judge thereof;
  2. If the subpoena directs attendance at a deposition, to the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken, at the place designated in the subpoena for the taking of the deposition or at the officer's place of business; and
  3. In other cases, to the officer, body or tribunal conducting the hearing, at a like address.
2. Unless the sealed envelope or wrapper is returned to a witness who is to appear personally, the copy of the records shall remain sealed and shall be opened only at the time of trial, deposition, or other hearing, upon the direction of the judge, court, officer, body or tribunal conducting the proceeding, in the presence of all parties who have appeared in person or by counsel at such trial, deposition or hearing. Records which are not introduced in evidence or required as part of the records shall be returned to the person or entity from whom received.
1. The copy of the record shall be admissible in evidence to the same extent as though the original thereof were offered and the custodian had been present and testified to the matters stated in the affidavit.
2. The affidavit shall be admissible in evidence and the matters stated therein shall be presumed true in the absence of a preponderance of evidence to the contrary.
In view of the property right of a telephone company in its records, original records may be withdrawn after introduction into evidence and copies substituted, unless otherwise directed for good cause by the court, judge, officer, body or tribunal conducting the hearing. The custodian may prepare copies of original records in advance of testifying for the purpose of making substitution of the original record, and the reasonable charges for making such copies shall be taxed as costs of court. If copies are not prepared in advance, they can be made and substituted at any time after introduction of the original record, and the reasonable charges for making such copies shall be taxed as costs of court.
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, telephone company records that have been subpoenaed may be delivered by facsimile to local law enforcement officials. The custodian or other authorized agent of the company subsequently, by registered or certified mail, shall file with the court clerk a true and correct copy of all records described in such subpoena.

Acts 1984, ch. 899, §§ 1-5; T.C.A., § 24-7-115; Acts 2003, ch. 56, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-7-116, concerning audio-visually recorded testimony in child sexual abuse proceedings, was transferred to § 24-7-117 in 2000.

Cross-References. Certified mail in lieu of registered mail, § 1-3-111.

Confidentiality of public records, § 10-7-504.

Attorney General Opinions. Access to bank and telephone records for commercial purposes, OAG 98-0160, 1998 Tenn. AG LEXIS 160 (8/24/98).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Harmless Error.

Although defendant's cell phone records were improperly introduced into evidence through a detective's testimony, the error was harmless because the phone records would not change the jury's verdict or affect the outcome of the trial as the records were introduced to refute the assertion that the victim called defendant in the middle of the night to invite him over to her aunt's house because the victim testified that she did not call defendant, that she did not have her own cell phone, and that there was not a landline at her aunt's house; the victim's aunt stated that she had taken her own cell phone with her on her trip; and the victim's uncle testified that the victim had no access to a phone on the night of the incident. State v. Hill, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 426 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 9, 2016).

24-7-117. Audiovisually recorded testimony in child sexual abuse proceedings.

This section shall apply to proceedings in the prosecution of offenses defined in § 37-1-602 as “child sexual abuse” and to any civil proceeding in which child sexual abuse as defined in § 37-1-602 is an issue, and it shall apply only to the statements of a child or children under the age of thirteen (13) years of age who are victims of such abuse.
The court may, on the motion of any party, order that the testimony of the child be taken outside the courtroom and be recorded for showing in the courtroom before the court and the finder of fact. Only the court, the attorneys for the parties, the defendant, persons necessary to operate the equipment, and any person whose presence would contribute to the welfare and well-being of the child may be present in the room with the child during the child's testimony. Only the attorneys or the court may question the child. The persons operating the equipment shall be confined to an adjacent room or behind a screen or mirror that permits such persons to see and hear the child during the child's testimony, but does not permit the child to see or hear them. The court shall permit the defendant to observe and hear the testimony of the child in person. The court shall also ensure that:
1. The recording is both visual and oral and is recorded on film or videotape or by other similar audiovisual means;
2. The recording equipment was capable of making an accurate recording, the operator was competent, and the recording is accurate and is not altered;
3. Each voice on the recording is identified; and
4. The attorney for the defendant is afforded an opportunity to view the recording before it is shown in the courtroom.
The court may, on the motion of either party upon showing of good cause, order that additional testimony of the child be taken, if time and circumstances permit, outside the courtroom and be recorded for showing in the courtroom before the court and the finder of fact in the proceeding in accordance with subsection (b). If time and circumstances do not permit such additional out of court recording, the court may order the child to testify in court. The testimony of the child shall be restricted to the matters specified by the court as the basis for granting such order.
If the court orders the testimony of a child to be taken under subsection (b) or (c), the child shall not be required to testify in court at the proceeding for which the testimony was taken, unless so ordered pursuant to subsection (c).

Acts 1985, ch. 478, § 18; 1991, ch. 273, § 29; T.C.A., § 24-7-116.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-7-117, concerning admissibility in evidence of DNA analysis, was transferred to § 24-7-118 in 2000.

Cross-References. Audio-visual recordings in child abuse and child sexual abuse proceedings, §§ 37-1-405, 37-1-406.

Use of closed circuit television for testimony of child victim, § 24-7-120.

Use of videotapes in child sexual abuse investigations, §§ 37-1-607, 37-1-609.

Law Reviews.

Are Videotapes in Child Sexual Abuse Prosecutions Constitutional? (Donald F. Paine), 25 No. 2 Tenn. B.J. 29 (1989).

Evidence — State v. Begley: When the Tennessee Supreme Court Meets PCR-Method DNA Analysis, Its Love at First Sight, 28 U. Mem. L. Rev. 1239 (1998).

The Confrontation Clause Applied to Minor Victims of Sexual Abuse, 42 Vand. L. Rev. 1511 (1989).

The New McDaniel Test for Expert Opinions (Donald F. Paine), 34 No. 1 Tenn. B.J. 23 (1998).

Attorney General Opinions. Videotaped statements, OAG 85-196, 1985 Tenn. AG LEXIS 98 (6/17/85).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

Decisions Under Prior Law

1. Constitutionality.

Former subdivision (c)(1)(I)(ii), which permitted the use of pretrial, ex parte, videotaped statements of child victims at trial as evidence in chief against the accused defendant, prohibited contemporaneous cross-examination, and was unconstitutional. State v. Pilkey, 776 S.W.2d 943, 1989 Tenn. LEXIS 395 (Tenn. 1989), rehearing denied, — S.W.2d —, 1989 Tenn. LEXIS 426 (1989), cert. denied, Pilkey v. Tennessee, 494 U.S. 1032, 110 S. Ct. 1483, 108 L. Ed. 2d 619, 1990 U.S. LEXIS 1318 (1990), cert. denied, Tennessee v. Pilkey, 494 U.S. 1046, 110 S. Ct. 1510, 108 L. Ed. 2d 646, 1990 U.S. LEXIS 1305 (1990), cert. denied, In re Disbarment of Marcone, 108 L. Ed. 2d 967, 110 S. Ct. 1839, 494 U.S. 1092, 1990 U.S. LEXIS 1998 (1990).

2. In General.

Pretrial, ex parte, videotaped statements by child victims may be used for purposes such as showing prior inconsistent statements, or proving a child's condition at the time the tape was made, but should not be introduced to prove the truth of the complaint asserted unless taken by way of deposition under Tenn. R. Crim. P. 15 or on court order pursuant to subsection [now (b) or (c)], supported by specific findings of necessity, unless defendant agrees or waives the issue. State v. Pilkey, 776 S.W.2d 943, 1989 Tenn. LEXIS 395 (Tenn. 1989), rehearing denied, — S.W.2d —, 1989 Tenn. LEXIS 426 (1989), cert. denied, Pilkey v. Tennessee, 494 U.S. 1032, 110 S. Ct. 1483, 108 L. Ed. 2d 619, 1990 U.S. LEXIS 1318 (1990), cert. denied, Tennessee v. Pilkey, 494 U.S. 1046, 110 S. Ct. 1510, 108 L. Ed. 2d 646, 1990 U.S. LEXIS 1305 (1990), cert. denied, In re Disbarment of Marcone, 108 L. Ed. 2d 967, 110 S. Ct. 1839, 494 U.S. 1092, 1990 U.S. LEXIS 1998 (1990).

24-7-118. DNA analysis — Admissibility in evidence.

As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “DNA analysis” means the process through which deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in a human biological specimen is analyzed and compared with DNA from another biological specimen for identification purposes.
1. In any civil or criminal trial, hearing or proceeding, the results of DNA analysis, as defined in subsection (a), are admissible in evidence without antecedent expert testimony that DNA analysis provides a trustworthy and reliable method of identifying characteristics in an individual's genetic material upon a showing that the offered testimony meets the standards of admissibility set forth in the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.
2. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting any party in a civil or criminal trial from offering proof that DNA analysis does not provide a trustworthy and reliable method of identifying characteristics in an individual's genetic material, nor shall it prohibit a party from cross-examining the other party's expert as to the lack of trustworthiness and reliability of such analysis.
In any civil or criminal trial, hearing or proceeding, statistical population frequency evidence, based on genetic or blood test results, is admissible in evidence to demonstrate the fraction of the population that would have the same combination of genetic markers as was found in a specific biological specimen. For purposes of this subsection (c), “genetic marker” means the various blood types or DNA types that an individual may possess.

Acts 1991, ch. 480, § 3; T.C.A., § 24-7-117.

Compiler's Notes. Former § 24-7-118, concerning voluntary acknowledgement of paternity, was transferred to § 24-7-113 in 2000.

Cross-References. DNA analysis, collection and preservation of human biological specimens, § 38-6-113.

DNA analysis, collection of biological specimens from persons convicted of certain offenses, § 40-35-321.

Post-conviction DNA analysis, title 40, ch. 30, part 3.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. In General.

Evidence of DNA analysis is admissible upon a showing that the evidence otherwise meets the standards of admissibility set forth in the Tennessee Rules of Evidence. State v. Scott, 33 S.W.3d 746, 2000 Tenn. LEXIS 682 (Tenn. 2000).

Because DNA evidence is statutorily regarded as trustworthy and reliable, DNA evidence is exempted from the trial court's determination under Tenn. R. Evid. 703 of whether DNA analysis provides a trustworthy and reliable method of identifying characteristics in an individual's genetic material. State v. Spratt, 31 S.W.3d 587, 2000 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 465 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000).

T.C.A. § 24-7-118 effectively exempts DNA evidence from the reliability and trustworthiness inquiry required by Tenn. R. Evid. 703. State v. Price, 46 S.W.3d 785, 2000 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 597 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000), review or rehearing denied, — S.W.3d —, 2001 Tenn. LEXIS 146 (Tenn. Feb. 26, 2001).

DNA testing evidence “substantially assisted” the trier of fact, despite that the testing excluded neither the defendant nor the victim, where it did conclusively exclude codefendant and the defense's theory was that the codefendant attacked and killed the victim. State v. Price, 46 S.W.3d 785, 2000 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 597 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000), review or rehearing denied, — S.W.3d —, 2001 Tenn. LEXIS 146 (Tenn. Feb. 26, 2001).

Trial court did not abuse its discretion in determining that DNA evidence was admissible and that defendant's recourse was to challenge the evidence at trial because under the plain terms of the statute, the DNA evidence was admissible without a prior hearing on its reliability; a forensic DNA analyst testified the testing was a type of DNA testing, and she compared DNA from the Y chromosomes recovered from a swab to DNA from the Y chromosomes recovered from the specimen obtained from defendant. State v. Reed, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 22 (Tenn. Crim. App. Jan. 16, 2020), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. LEXIS 288 (Tenn. Aug. 6, 2020).

2. Expert Testimony.

Trial court correctly denied defendant's motion seeking to prohibit the introduction of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) evidence in an aggravated rape prosecution, since through this act the legislature has clearly mandated that DNA analysis is to be admissible in evidence without the need for expert testimony as to its reliability as long as it meets the standards set forth in the Tenn. R. Evid. State v. Harris, 866 S.W.2d 583, 1992 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 492 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1992).

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method of DNA analysis is an inherently trustworthy and reliable method of identification and is admissible into evidence without antecedent expert testimony as to its trustworthiness and reliability. Parties are nevertheless allowed to offer proof that DNA analysis is not trustworthy and reliable; such a challenge, however, will go to the weight, not the admissibility, of DNA evidence. State v. Reid, — S.W.3d —, 2003 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 1086 (Tenn. Crim. App. Dec. 29, 2003), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2005 Tenn. LEXIS 161 (Tenn. Feb. 28, 2005), aff'd, 164 S.W.3d 286, 2005 Tenn. LEXIS 481 (Tenn. 2005).

3. Criminal Defendant's Request for Expert.

Defendant failed to make showing required for authorization of funds for him to employ deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) expert where his request for “assistance in his defense” or for “information regarding the DNA evidence the state would seek to introduce” was too general in nature and circumstances did not adequately establish “particularized necessity” for DNA expert. State v. Edwards, 868 S.W.2d 682, 1993 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 228 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1993).

The trial court's failure to provide expert assistance to the defendant in the field of DNA analysis was not harmless beyond a reasonable doubt; thus, a new trial was required to ensure that the defendant was afforded due process of law. State v. Scott, 33 S.W.3d 746, 2000 Tenn. LEXIS 682 (Tenn. 2000).

4. Method of DNA Analysis.

The “polymerase chain reaction” (PCR) method of DNA analysis is a “DNA analysis” within the definition of that term in subsection (a) and is therefore exempt from a judicial determination of reliability and trustworthiness, as would normally be required under Tenn. R. Evid 703. State v. Begley, 956 S.W.2d 471, 1997 Tenn. LEXIS 522 (Tenn. 1997).

24-7-119. Introduction of reproduction in place of original.

If any business, institution, member of a profession or calling, or any department or agency of government, in the regular course of business or activity has kept or created any writing, recording or photograph of any act, transaction, occurrence or event, and in the regular course of business has caused any or all of the same to be recorded, copied, or reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic, electronic image or other process which accurately reproduces or forms a durable medium for so reproducing the original, the original may be destroyed in the regular course of business unless its preservation is required by law.
Such reproduction, when satisfactorily identified, is as admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding whether the original is in existence or not, and an enlargement or facsimile of such reproduction is likewise admissible in evidence if the original reproduction is in existence and available for inspection under direction of court.
The introduction of a reproduced record, enlargement or facsimile does not preclude admission of the original.

Acts 1998, ch. 995, § 1.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 1001 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence.

24-7-120. Child's testimony—Closed circuit television.

In a criminal case where the victim of any of the offenses listed in subsection (e) was thirteen (13) years of age or younger at the time the offense was committed, the court may order the child's testimony be taken outside the courtroom by means of two-way closed circuit television, hereafter referred to as “CCTV.” Prior to entering such an order, the trial judge must make a case-specific finding of necessity that:
1. The particular child involved would be traumatized;
2. The source of the trauma is not the courtroom generally, but the presence of the defendant; and
3. The emotional distress suffered by the child would be more than de minimis, such that the child could not reasonably communicate.
If the testimony of a child is ordered to be taken by two-way CCTV, it shall be taken during the judicial proceeding and the following rules shall apply:
1. Only the prosecuting attorney, the attorney for the defendant, and the judge may question the child;
2. The operators of CCTV shall make every effort to be unobtrusive;
3. Only the following persons shall be permitted in the room with the child while the child testifies by CCTV:
  1. The prosecuting attorney;
  2. The attorney for the defendant;
  3. An interpreter, where necessity dictates;
  4. The operators of CCTV equipment;
  5. Court security personnel, where required;
  6. A parent, counselor or therapist; and
  7. Any person whose presence, in the opinion of the court, contributes to the well-being of the child, including a person who has dealt with the child in a therapeutic setting concerning the offense;
4. The child's testimony shall be memorialized by video-taped recording;
5. During the child's testimony by CCTV, the judge, jury and the defendant shall remain in the courtroom;
6. The judge and the defendant shall be allowed to communicate with those persons in the room where the child is testifying by any appropriate electronic method; and
7. The defendant shall not be allowed to enter the room where the child is testifying by way of CCTV, except where the defendant is acting as an attorney pro se.
This section shall not be interpreted to preclude, for the purpose of identification of the defendant, the presence of both the victim and the defendant in the courtroom at the same time.
This section shall also apply to a witness who was not the victim of any of the offenses set out in subsection (e) but who was thirteen (13) years of age or younger at the time the offense which gave rise to the criminal case was committed; provided, there is an individual finding of necessity by the trial judge that conforms to the requirements of this section.
The offenses to which this section applies are:
1. Aggravated sexual battery, as defined in § 39-13-504;
2. Rape of a child, as defined in § 39-13-522;
3. Incest, as defined in § 39-15-302;
4. Aggravated child abuse, as defined in § 39-15-402;
5. Kidnapping, as defined in § 39-13-303;
6. Aggravated kidnapping, as defined in § 39-13-304;
7. Especially aggravated kidnapping, as defined in § 39-13-305;
8. Criminal attempt, as defined in § 39-12-101, to commit any of the offenses enumerated within this subsection (e);
9. Trafficking for commercial sex act as defined in § 39-13-309; and
10. Patronizing prostitution as defined in § 39-13-514.

Acts 1998, ch. 1086, § 1; 2013, ch. 251, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 1998, ch. 1086, § 2 applies to all applicable criminal trials occurring on or after July 1, 1998.

Cross-References. Admissibility into evidence of audio-visually recorded testimony in child sexual abuse proceedings, § 24-7-117.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Child's Testimony Properly Permitted.

Trial court did not err by allowing the son of the victim and defendant to testify by closed circuit television because the trial court accredited the son's therapist's testimony that the son would “shut down” when scared or anxious and that he still exhibited fear and anxiety of defendant. The trial court also accredited the victim's testimony that the son was afraid to testify, and the trial court found that the son was traumatized and would be traumatized in a courtroom setting with defendant present, and that the emotional distress to the son would be substantial and that he would likely not be able to testify with defendant in the courtroom. State v. Olivera, — S.W.3d —, 2019 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 447 (Tenn. Crim. App. July 26, 2019), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2019 Tenn. LEXIS 580 (Tenn. Dec. 5, 2019).

24-7-121. Child support payment records.

1. 1. The department of human services child support payment records shall be the official records for all payments which have been appropriately sent to the central collection and distribution unit pursuant to § 36-5-116.
  2. Notwithstanding any other law or rule of evidence to the contrary, a computer printout or copy, by telecopier facsimile or otherwise, an electronic mail copy or copy obtained by way of internet access, of the child support payment screen which is generated from the Tennessee child support enforcement system (TCSES) operated by the department or its contractors shall be admitted into evidence as a nonhearsay, self-authenticating document in all judicial and administrative proceedings without the need for certification by a records custodian.
2. No conclusive presumption of correctness shall attach to such record following admission, but the record shall constitute prima facie evidence of its correctness and shall be subject to rebuttal by alternative or conflicting documentary evidence of payment of the support obligation.
1. In order to implement the provisions of subsection (a) and to provide access to any other requesting persons, the department shall develop child support program policies and procedures which allow the department, through its staff or its contractors, to provide copies of payment information from the TCSES child support payments screens utilized by the department or its contractors to any person requesting such information. The department may provide such information in any suitable manner which provides the information necessary for judicial or administrative proceedings under subsection (a) including, but not limited to, the transmission of the hard-copy prints of the TCSES child support payment screens by facsimile or by transmission by any electronic means, and may, specifically, make such payment records available through electronic mail of the record, or by internet access to information contained on TCSES. The department may establish a reasonable fee for such services.
2. Any individual who knowingly alters, or who assists any individual to alter, any information obtained from the department pursuant to this section and such altered information is utilized for the purposes of establishing, enforcing, or modifying child or spousal support or defending such actions, or for the purposes of defending or prosecuting any contempt action involving child or spousal support, commits a Class A misdemeanor.
For purposes of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), compiled in title 36, chapter 5, parts 21-29, the department or its contractors shall be considered custodians of the support records subject to such act.
In the event that any testimony regarding payment records is required by any state officer, employee or contractor of the department in any child support case, no personal appearance shall be required and such officer, employee or contractor of the department shall have the option to appear in person or to testify by telephonic or other suitable electronic means or by affidavit. In no event shall any state officer, employee or contractor of the department be required to testify in any proceeding unless such officer, employee or contractor of the department has personal knowledge of the facts underlying such payment record.

Acts 2000, ch. 922, § 2.

Cross-References. Penalty for Class A misdemeanor, § 40-35-111.

24-7-122. Medical records.

As used in this section, “medical records” means all written clinical information that relates to the treatment of individuals, when the information is kept in an institution.
Medical records or reproductions of medical records, when duly certified by their custodian, physician, physical therapist or chiropractor, need not be identified at the trial and may be used in any manner in which records identified at the trial by these persons could be used. The records shall be accompanied by a statement signed by the person containing the following information:
1. The person has authority to certify the records;
2. The copy is a true copy of all the records described in the subpoena; and
3. The records were prepared by the personnel of the company acting under the control of the company, in the ordinary course of business.
When records or reproductions of records are used at trial pursuant to this section, the party desiring to use the records or reproductions in evidence shall serve the opposing party with a copy of the records or reproductions no later than sixty (60) days before the trial, with notice that the records or reproductions may be offered in evidence, notwithstanding any other rules or statutes to the contrary.

Acts 2006, ch. 842, § 1.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Compliance.

Trial court erred in a motor vehicle accident case by excluding the accident victim's prior medical records from a medical group and a medical center because the jury was never able to see the victim's medical records from before the accident and consider the earlier diagnosis of the victim's prior injuries and whether the victim's medical condition predated the accident. The error was not harmless because the error prejudiced the judicial process and more probably than not affected the jury's verdict in the case. Goodwin v. Hanebis, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. App. LEXIS 510 (Tenn. Ct. App. Aug. 29, 2018).

24-7-123. Admission of video recording of interview of child describing sexual conduct.

Notwithstanding any of this part to the contrary, a video recording of an interview of a child by a forensic interviewer containing a statement made by the child under thirteen (13) years of age describing any act of sexual contact performed with or on the child by another is admissible and may be considered for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant in evidence at the trial of the person for any offense arising from the sexual contact if the requirements of this section are met.
A video recording may be admitted as provided in subsection (a) if:
1. The child testifies, under oath, that the offered video recording is a true and correct recording of the events contained in the video recording and the child is available for cross examination;
2. The video recording is shown to the reasonable satisfaction of the court, in a hearing conducted pretrial, to possess particularized guarantees of trustworthiness. In determining whether a statement possesses particularized guarantees of trustworthiness, the court shall consider the following factors:
  1. The mental and physical age and maturity of the child;
  2. Any apparent motive the child may have to falsify or distort the event, including, but not limited to, bias or coercion;
  3. The timing of the child's statement;
  4. The nature and duration of the alleged abuse;
  5. Whether the child's young age makes it unlikely that the child fabricated a statement that represents a graphic, detailed account beyond the child's knowledge and experience;
  6. Whether the statement is spontaneous or directly responsive to questions;
  7. Whether the manner in which the interview was conducted was reliable, including, but not limited to, the absence of any leading questions;
  8. Whether extrinsic evidence exists to show the defendant's opportunity to commit the act complained of in the child's statement;
  9. The relationship of the child to the offender;
  10. Whether the equipment that was used to make the video recording was capable of making an accurate recording; and
  11. Any other factor deemed appropriate by the court;
3. The interview was conducted by a forensic interviewer who met the following qualifications at the time the video recording was made, as determined by the court:
  1. Was employed by a child advocacy center that meets the requirements of § 9-4-213(a) or (b); provided, however, that an interview shall not be inadmissible solely because the interviewer is employed by a child advocacy center that:
    1. Is not a nonprofit corporation, if the child advocacy center is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency; or
    2. Employs an executive director who does not meet the criteria of § 9-4-213(a)(2), if the executive director is supervised by a publicly elected official;
  2. Had graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a field related to social service, education, criminal justice, nursing, psychology or other similar profession;
  3. Had experience equivalent to three (3) years of fulltime professional work in one (1) or a combination of the following areas:
    1. Child protective services;
    2. Criminal justice;
    3. Clinical evaluation;
    4. Counseling; or
    5. Forensic interviewing or other comparable work with children;
  4. Had completed a minimum of forty (40) hours of forensic training in interviewing traumatized children and fifteen (15) hours of continuing education annually;
  5. Had completed a minimum of eight (8) hours of interviewing under the supervision of a qualified forensic interviewer of children;
  6. Had knowledge of child development through coursework, professional training or experience;
  7. Had no criminal history as determined through a criminal records background check; and
  8. Had actively participated in peer review;
4. The recording is both visual and oral and is recorded on film or videotape or by other similar audiovisual means;
5. The entire interview of the child was recorded on the video recording and the video recording is unaltered and accurately reflects the interview of the child; and
6. Every voice heard on the video recording is properly identified as determined by the court.
The video recording admitted pursuant to this section shall be discoverable pursuant to the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure.
The court shall make specific findings of fact, on the record, as to the basis for its ruling under this section.
The court shall enter a protective order to restrict the video recording used pursuant to this section from further disclosure or dissemination. The video recording shall not become a public record in any legal proceeding. The court shall order the video recording be sealed and preserved following the conclusion of the criminal proceeding.

Acts 2009, ch. 413, § 1; 2015, ch. 320, § 1.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Admissibility.

Requirements of T.C.A. § 24-7-123 were satisfied, because the victim authenticated the recording of the forensic interview and was subject to cross-examination by defendant. State v. Austin, — S.W.3d —, 2015 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 343 (Tenn. Crim. App. May 12, 2015).

Trial court did not err by admitting a video recording of the victim's forensic interview where the questions were not leading and were framed in the only conceivable way to elicit whether defendant had told the victim about abusing others, the forensic interviewer's curriculum vitae showed that she was a professional who went far above the minimum requirements imposed on her, and neither the trial court nor did defense counsel had a problem understanding what the victim was saying in the video. State v. Tyler, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 322 (Tenn. Crim. App. Apr. 29, 2016).

Decision to attack a witness's testimony in closing argument was a strategic decision entitled to deference and petitioner failed to establish ineffective assistance in this regard, in light of the trial court's pretrial determination that the witness had not asked leading questions in the interview and the ruling admitting the evidence. Davis v. State, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 864 (Tenn. Crim. App. Nov. 16, 2016).

Video recording of the victim's forensic interview was properly admitted under this section because defendant stipulated the forensic interviewer met the requirements of this section, the victim testified under oath that the video was a true and correct recording of the events, and she available for cross-examination at trial, and the trial court determined that the recording possessed particularized guarantees of trustworthiness. State v. Smith, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 370 (Tenn. Crim. App. May 11, 2017), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. LEXIS 608 (Tenn. Sept. 22, 2017).

In a case in which defendant was convicted of aggravated sexual battery, the victim's forensic interview was properly admitted as the statutory requirements were met because the victim testified under oath that the video was a true and correct recording of the events, and he was subjected to cross-examination by defense counsel; the forensic interviewer testified, and the trial court determined that she met the requirements of this statute; and the trial court determined that the video recording had particularized guarantees of trustworthiness. State v. Alvarado, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 548 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 27, 2017), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. LEXIS 677 (Tenn. Oct. 4, 2017).

In a case in which defendant was convicted of aggravated sexual battery, even if the statements challenged by defendant were improperly admitted, any error was harmless as none of the statements in the video recording of the victim's forensic interview were so prejudicial that they more probably than not affected the jury's decision making because, although the victim talked about other behavior by defendant, such behavior did not involve children, and the victim stated that he was unsure if the allegations involving others were true; men spending time with other men had no inherent negative sexual connotation; and the other statements by the interviewer were simply statements of empathy. State v. Alvarado, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 548 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 27, 2017), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. LEXIS 677 (Tenn. Oct. 4, 2017).

Even though the trial court erred by admitting the forensic interview, because the forensic interviewer held a business degree, which did not sufficiently align with the educational focus of the other listed degrees, the error was harmless because the State provided overwhelming evidence, including the victim's testimony, sufficient to support defendant's convictions. State v. Earhart, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 152 (Tenn. Crim. App. Feb. 27, 2018).

Trial court properly admitted the video of a child's forensic interview because prior to trial, it fully complied with the requirements of the statute, and the victim testified at trial and confirmed that the statements he provided in the video of the forensic interview were true. State v. Ray, — S.W.3d —, 2019 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 263 (Tenn. Crim. App. Apr. 24, 2019).

Trial court did not err by admitting the recording of the child victim's forensic interview because the victim authenticated the recording and was subject to cross-examination by defendant, the victim testified about the recording at trial, and defendant was provided an opportunity to cross-examine her about the statements in the recording and any inconsistencies. State v. Barnett, — S.W.3d —, 2019 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 333 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 3, 2019).

Although the victim testified she did not remember the forensic interview, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting the video and accrediting the victim's testimony that she recognized the interview and was telling the truth when she answered the questions on the video because the victim had reviewed the video and recognized herself in it. State v. Blackwell, — S.W.3d —, 2019 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 353 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 13, 2019), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. LEXIS 334 (Tenn. June 5, 2020).

Trial court did not abuse its discretion in finding the video of the forensic interview trustworthy, and it was undisputed that the forensic interviewer met the requirements of the statute; nothing on the video indicated that the victim made up her story or that she was coached, there were no alleged inconsistencies during the interview that would render it untrustworthy, and the victim gave no sign of being intimidated by her surroundings during the interview. State v. Franklin, 585 S.W.3d 431, 2019 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 377 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 28, 2019).

A videotaped forensic interview of an alleged minor sexual assault victim may be admitted as substantive evidence. State v. Gleason, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 78 (Tenn. Crim. App. Feb. 10, 2020), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. LEXIS 350 (Tenn. Aug. 10, 2020).

2. Qualifications.

Statute provides that the forensic interviewer must not have a criminal history as determined by a criminal records background check, but this statute does not require that such records be admitted into evidence in determining the qualifications of the forensic interviewer; the witness testified that she did not have a criminal background, defendant did not contend that this testimony is false, and given her extensive history of working as a forensic interviewer, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in determining that she was qualified under the statute. State v. Hawkins, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 42 (Tenn. Crim. App. Jan. 20, 2016), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. LEXIS 427 (Tenn. June 23, 2016).

Trial court found that the requirements of the statute had been met and allowed the admission of the forensic interview, and defendant chose not to cross-examine the witness and did not object to her qualifications as a forensic interviewer; in light of her extensive background in forensic interviewing, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in determining that she was qualified under the statute. State v. Hawkins, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 42 (Tenn. Crim. App. Jan. 20, 2016), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. LEXIS 427 (Tenn. June 23, 2016).

Trial court did not err by admitting forensic interviews of a child sexual abuse victim because the person who conducted the interviews was a qualified forensic interviewer, as the interviewer received at least forty hours of training and received at least eight hours of supervision from a qualified forensic interviewer who had also completed at least forty hours of training. State v. Johnson, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 97 (Tenn. Crim. App. Feb. 10, 2016).

Trial court did not err by admitting a forensic interview of the child victim, and therefore defendant was not entitled to plain error review of the issue, where the court concluded that the forensic interviewer was a “qualified forensic interviewer” for the purposes of this section, as she testified that she had completed a 40-hour forensic interview training course at the National Child Advocacy Center, shadowed a forensic interviewer during her internship, completed an advanced forensic interview training, and conducted over 2,000 forensic interviews during her six-year employment. State v. Long, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 630 (Tenn. Crim. App. Aug. 25, 2016), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. LEXIS 970 (Tenn. Dec. 15, 2016).

Trial court did not err in admitting the victim's forensic interview, as the interviewer's experience as a family advocate, forensic interviewer, and brain injury transition liaison for children qualified her. State v. Clymer, — S.W.3d —, 2017 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 945 (Tenn. Crim. App. Nov. 9, 2017), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. LEXIS 161 (Tenn. Mar. 14, 2018).

Defendant's objection to the interviewer's qualification was waived, plus he could not establish that a clear and unequivocal rule of law was breached; the interviewer testified that she met the three-year requirement by having been employed for one year as a forensic interviewer and having worked with the center on the various social work positions for seven years, and defense counsel had the opportunity to cross-examine her regarding which of the statutory fields her work experience fell into, yet he chose not to do so. State v. Haven, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 431 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 19, 2020).

3. Right to Confrontation.

Defendant raised no complaint about being denied the right to confront the victim, and he did not request that the victim's testimony and the video be stricken, and thus this issue was waived; in any event, there was no denial of defendant's right to confront the victim, who answered every question asked by defendant on cross-examination, and defendant had the opportunity to bring out such matters as witness bias. State v. Franklin, 585 S.W.3d 431, 2019 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 377 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 28, 2019).

4. Compliance.

While the statute required a protective order preventing disclosure or dissemination of videos, preventing them from becoming public record, and required that they be sealed following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, defendant's contention that the trial court failed to comply with these requirements would not entitle him to relief on his conviction, nor would it remove the videos from consideration. State v. Haven, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 431 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 19, 2020).

24-7-124. Results of radar, laser or similar devices used to measure the speed of a motor vehicle — Results of a breathalyzer or similar device to measure blood alcohol content.

In any judicial or administrative proceeding in which the results of a radar, laser or similar device used to measure the speed of a motor vehicle are being introduced for the purpose of proving the speed of the motor vehicle or the conduct of the driver of the vehicle, such results shall not be admissible for such purposes unless the law enforcement officer operating the device has been trained pursuant to guidelines established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Tennessee peace officer standards and training (POST) commission.
In any judicial or administrative proceeding in which the results of a breathalyzer or similar device used to measure the alcohol content in a person's blood are being introduced for the purpose of proving the alcohol content in a person's blood or the intoxication of such person, such results shall not be admissible for such purposes unless the law enforcement officer operating the device has been trained by a recognized organization in the field as qualified to operate the device used.

Acts 2010, ch. 703, § 1.

Cross-References. Speed limits, § 55-8-152.

Attorney General Opinions. Effect of T.C.A. § 24-7-124 on admissibility of photographs generated by automated speed detection devices. OAG 10-116, 2010 Tenn. AG LEXIS 122 (12/21/10).

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Admissibility.

In a driving under the influence case, a trial court erroneously excluded an officer's testimony about a radar reading based on the fact that he had no knowledge of the calibration of the radar device since this was not required by statute, but the evidence was inadmissible to show that defendant was speeding since the officer did not testify that he was trained pursuant to the statutory guidelines. State v. Neumann, — S.W.3d —, 2016 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 333 (Tenn. Crim. App. May 4, 2016).

24-7-125. Admissibility of evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts — Conditions for admission.

In a criminal case, evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the character of any individual, including a deceased victim, the defendant, a witness, or any other third party, in order to show action in conformity with the character trait. It may, however, be admissible for other purposes. The conditions which must be satisfied before allowing such evidence are:

The court upon request must hold a hearing outside the jury's presence;
The court must determine that a material issue exists other than conduct conforming with a character trait and must upon request state on the record the material issue, the ruling, and the reasons for admitting the evidence;
The court must find proof of the other crime, wrong, or act to be clear and convincing; and
The court must exclude the evidence if its probative value is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.

Acts 2014, ch. 713, § 2.

Compiler's Notes. For the Preamble to the act concerning admissibility of certain character evidence in criminal cases, please refer to Acts 2014, ch. 713.

Acts 2014, ch. 713, § 1 provided that the act, which enacted this section, shall be known and may be cited as the “Channon Christian Act”.

Cross-References. Character evidence not admissible to prove conduct, Tenn. R. Evid. 404.

Evidence of character and conduct of witness, Tenn. R. Evid. 608.

Law Reviews.

The Time is Right to Amend Rule 404(b), 45 U. Mem. L. Rev. 149 (2014).

24-7-106. Receipts and releases.

24-7-112. Tests to determine parentage — Admissibility in evidence — Costs.

Chapter 8
Lost Evidence

24-8-101. Affidavit of loss.

Any lost instrument may be supplied by affidavit of any person acquainted with the facts, stating the contents thereof, as near as may be, and that such instrument has been unintentionally lost or mislaid, and is still the property of the person claiming under it, unpaid and unsatisfied.

Code 1858, § 3901 (deriv. Acts 1819, ch. 27, § 1); Shan., § 5694; Code 1932, § 9879; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-801.

Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), §§ 395, 396.

Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), § 840.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 18 Tenn. Juris., Lost Instruments and Records, §§ 1, 4-6.

Law Reviews.

“Best Evidence” Rule in Tennessee (Robert Townsend), 38 Tenn. L. Rev. 97.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Jurisdiction of Law Courts.

This section did not confer any new jurisdiction on a court of law but only prescribed the manner of suing on lost instruments, regulating the practice thereon. Murlock v. Brown, 26 Tenn. 61, 1846 Tenn. LEXIS 57 (1846).

Where a bank note has been cut for the purpose of transmission by mail, and one of the parts has been lost or stolen, the holder of the other part, upon satisfactory proof of the loss, may recover at law, upon the ground that the halves of a bill or note are not separately negotiable; but the court may, in its discretion, require the plaintiff to give an indemnity bond to the defendant. The court has this jurisdiction independent of the statute. Union Bank v. Warren, 36 Tenn. 167, 1856 Tenn. LEXIS 73 (1856).

A court of law has jurisdiction as against the indorser upon the lost indorsement. Hughes v. Herrin, 6 Tenn. App. 604, — S.W. —, 1926 Tenn. App. LEXIS 154 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1926).

2. —Equity Jurisdiction.

The remedy at law, under the statute, does not supersede the former remedy in equity. That remains as it was before. Carter v. Vaulx, 32 Tenn. 639, 1853 Tenn. LEXIS 98 (1853).

3. Affidavit of Loss.

4. —Requisites of Affidavit.

The affidavit of the loss of an apprentice bond and of its contents, made by the apprentice upon belief, and signed by his mark, suggesting that he could not have read the instrument, the bond being executed when he was under eight years of age, and not stating that he had ever seen it or read it, is insufficient. Cheek v. James, 49 Tenn. 170, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 209 (1870).

The affidavit is defective if it omits statement that the instrument is still the property of the claimant, and unintentionally lost. It must be made in the court in which the suit is brought. Buckner v. Geodeker, 45 S.W. 448, 1897 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 1, 1897 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 105 (1897).

5. —Questioning Sufficiency.

The affidavit of the lost of the instrument, appended to the declaration, is made a part of the record, and is to be taken as a substitute for profert of the instrument, and the sufficiency and validity of the declaration, including the affidavit, may be tested by demurrer. Carter v. Vaulx, 32 Tenn. 639, 1853 Tenn. LEXIS 98 (1853).

Where affidavit is rejected as defective, and no application to amend and no further proof offered, a decree for defendant is properly rendered. Buckner v. Geodeker, 45 S.W. 448, 1897 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 1, 1897 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 105 (1897).

In action on lost note want of profert or want of affidavit in lieu thereof can be taken advantage of only by demurrer, and a verdict cures the defect. Hughes v. Herrin, 6 Tenn. App. 604, — S.W. —, 1926 Tenn. App. LEXIS 154 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1926).

6. —Who May Make Affidavit.

The affidavit of loss must be made by a person acquainted with the facts; and it may be made by an agent or attorney of the owner, if he knows the facts. Carter v. Vaulx, 32 Tenn. 639, 1853 Tenn. LEXIS 98 (1853); Halliburton v. Jackson, 79 Tenn. 471, 1883 Tenn. LEXIS 86 (1883).

7. —Where Affidavit to be Filed.

Where suit is brought upon a lost instrument, the affidavit of its loss must be made in the court before the court or the clerk thereof, in which the suit was instituted, or was commenced or is pending. Carter v. Vaulx, 32 Tenn. 639, 1853 Tenn. LEXIS 98 (1853); Tyree v. Magness, 33 Tenn. 276, 1853 Tenn. LEXIS 41 (1853); Baker v. Grigsby, 54 Tenn. 627, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 97 (1872); Jones v. Blackburn, 61 Tenn. 399, 1873 Tenn. LEXIS 193 (1873).

8. —Cure by Verdict.

The want of an affidavit of the loss of the instrument sued on, accompanying the declaration in lieu of making profert, is waived by a plea to the merits, without insisting upon the omission, and is cured by the verdict, and the judgment will not be arrested for such defect. Lowry v. Medlin, 25 Tenn. 450, 1846 Tenn. LEXIS 20 (1846); McMillan Marble Co. v. Black, 89 Tenn. 118, 14 S.W. 479, 1890 Tenn. LEXIS 29 (1890).

9. Lost Instruments.

10. —In General.

Lost endorsement is within the statute, and may be supplied as any other lost instrument. Union Bank v. Osborne, 25 Tenn. 318, 1845 Tenn. LEXIS 93 (1845).

11. —Intentional Destruction.

Where the payee of a note intentionally had same destroyed intending to forgive the debt, his administrator cannot recover thereon as a lost or destroyed note. Henson v. Henson, 151 Tenn. 137, 268 S.W. 378, 1924 Tenn. LEXIS 54, 37 A.L.R. 1131 (1925).

12. Proof of Lost Instrument.

Secondary evidence as to the contents of a lost instrument cannot be heard until its nonproduction is accounted for by the person last having the legal custody thereof. It is the province of the judge, and not the jury, to determine from the proof whether there is a reasonable presumption that the paper has been lost. Pharis v. Lambert, 33 Tenn. 228, 1853 Tenn. LEXIS 34 (1853); Tyree v. Magness, 33 Tenn. 276, 1853 Tenn. LEXIS 41 (1853); Vaulx v. Merriwether, 34 Tenn. 683, 1855 Tenn. LEXIS 119 (1855); Anderson v. Maberry, 49 Tenn. 653, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 60 (1871); Cornelius v. City Bank, 3 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 5 (1875); Southern R. Co. v. Seymour, 113 Tenn. 523, 83 S.W. 674, 1904 Tenn. LEXIS 44 (1904).

Oral proof as to the contents of a lost deed or other paper relied on as evidence cannot be heard until ground has been laid by proof that all the proper sources for the recovery of the original have been searched in vain. Vaulx v. Merriwether, 34 Tenn. 683, 1855 Tenn. LEXIS 119 (1855); King v. Cox, 126 Tenn. 553, 151 S.W. 58, 1912 Tenn. LEXIS 77 (1912).

The loss of a bond is not sufficiently established by the testimony of the clerk of the county court (now county clerk), who came into the office 16 or 17 years after its execution, that, since the case was called for trial, he had examined the papers in his office labeled “1851” (the year the bond was given), and did not find the bond, so as to authorize secondary evidence of the contents of the bond. Cheek v. James, 49 Tenn. 170, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 209 (1870).

The contents of a lost bond are not established by the testimony of the chairman of the county court, who states that he does not recollect much about the circumstances, and conjectures the contents from the usual form in such cases. Cheek v. James, 49 Tenn. 170, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 209 (1870).

In a suit upon a constable's bond against the sureties, a copy of the bond, certified by the clerk of the county court (now county clerk) to be a true and correct copy, as it appears of record and on file in his office, and produced by the clerk of the circuit court from a file of papers in his office, in a suit against the same sureties, in which a final judgment had been pronounced, is prima facie evidence of the bond, and that it was duly executed, acknowledged, and recorded by the county court, it having been first shown that the records and papers of that court, for the year in which the bond was given, and for several years immediately preceding and following, were lost or destroyed, and the defendants admitting by their pleadings that they did sign the bond. Amis v. Marks, 71 Tenn. 568, 1879 Tenn. LEXIS 117 (1879).

If a suit to recover penalty on title bond is founded on a copy, the original claimed to have been lost, and suit brought ten years after its claimed execution, its execution and acknowledgment must be established by clear and cogent testimony. Johnson v. McKamey, 53 S.W. 221, 1899 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 65 (1899).

Evidence stated was sufficient to prove execution of lost retention of title note. Brasfield Hardware Co. v. Harris, 5 Tenn. App. 652, — S.W. —, 1927 Tenn. App. LEXIS 104 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1927).

Copies of lost instruments are admissible in evidence if it was shown by the testimony of a justice of the peace, before whom the suit was brought on the note, that the original warrant, the note, and the notice had been lost; that careful search had been made and they could not be found; that he was acquainted with the facts of the case; and that the copies filed by him he believed to be true and perfect copies. This was sufficient to supply the lost instruments. McDonald v. Baldwin, 24 Tenn. App. 670, 148 S.W.2d 385, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 79 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940).

The fact that the justice could not remember every detail when testifying about the proceedings, went to the weight of his testimony only. McDonald v. Baldwin, 24 Tenn. App. 670, 148 S.W.2d 385, 1940 Tenn. App. LEXIS 79 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1940).

Grocery store failed to prove a lost instrument as a witness could not testify that a document which the store asserted was a missing agreed upon shopping center site plan was the exact document attached to the shopping center lease. Hutton Team, LLC v. Ingles Mkts., Inc., — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. App. LEXIS 46 (Tenn. Ct. App. Jan. 31, 2020), appeal denied, — S.W.3d —, 2020 Tenn. LEXIS 368 (Tenn. June 3, 2020).

13. —Proof of Search.

Where the existence of a trust was predicated upon a written agreement which it was alleged had either been lost or destroyed by the defendants, a demand upon the defendants to produce the agreement in the absence of any showing that they ever had it did not obviate the necessity of proof of diligent search and inquiry on the part of the complainants in an effort to locate it. Pearson v. McCallum, 26 Tenn. App. 413, 173 S.W.2d 150, 1941 Tenn. App. LEXIS 144 (1941).

14. Res Judicata.

A judgment or decree in a suit on a lost note is binding on one to whom the note was assigned during the pendency of the suit. The assignee was a privy and found as such. Buckner v. Geodeker, 45 S.W. 448, 1897 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 1, 1897 Tenn. Ch. App. LEXIS 105 (1897).

24-8-102. Instrument in possession of adverse party.

If an instrument is wrongfully in the possession of the opposite party, who fails to produce it upon notice, its place may be supplied by the affidavit of any person acquainted with the facts, stating the contents as near as may be, the wrongful possession of the opposite party, notice to produce, and that such instrument is the property of the person claiming under it, unpaid and unsatisfied.

Code 1858, § 3902 (deriv. Acts 1819, ch. 27, § 1); Shan., § 5695; Code 1932, § 9880; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-802.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 18 Tenn. Juris., Lost Instruments and Records, § 1.

Law Reviews.

“Best Evidence” Rule in Tennessee (Robert Townsend), 38 Tenn. L. Rev. 97.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Action on Instrument.

A suit on an instrument fraudulently in the possession of the defendant must be brought, under this section, on the instrument, and an action cannot be maintained in some other form. Powers v. Fitzhugh, 29 Tenn. 415, 1850 Tenn. LEXIS 1 (1850).

Suit is on the instrument, and, except that profert is dispensed with, the suit is to be brought and conducted as if the instrument were in plaintiff's possession. Powers v. Fitzhugh, 29 Tenn. 415, 1850 Tenn. LEXIS 1 (1850).

2. Loss by Adverse Party.

Proof of the loss of an instrument by the adverse party who had the custody and control of it will dispense with the necessity of an affidavit of loss by the party offering to prove its contents. Hale v. Darter, 29 Tenn. 92, 1849 Tenn. LEXIS 15 (1849).

3. —Notice to Produce.

Oral evidence is not admissible to show the contents of an instrument in the possession of the opposite party, unless notice has been given him to produce it. Kimble v. Joslin, 1 Tenn. 380, 1808 Tenn. LEXIS 63 (1809); Farnsworth v. Sharp, 37 Tenn. 615, 1858 Tenn. LEXIS 77 (1858).

4. —Proof of Search — Necessity.

24-8-103. Effect of affidavit.

If the instrument is one which the law requires should be denied under oath, the affidavit, produced before or at the trial, shall be sufficient to establish the claimant's right, whether such claimant is plaintiff or defendant; and if denied under oath, or otherwise legally put in issue, may be established by competent evidence of its contents.

Code 1858, § 3903 (deriv. Acts 1819, ch. 27, §§ 1, 3, 4); Shan., § 5696; Code 1932, § 9881; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-803.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. In General.

The evidence is wholly insufficient to authorize a court, in the face of our statute of frauds and registration laws, to set up an alleged lost and unregistered paper as a deed of conveyance, where its execution and delivery is denied, and only one witness testifies as to the existence of such paper, without proving its genuineness, or the fact of its execution, delivery, or loss. Copeland v. Murphey, 42 Tenn. 64, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 18 (1865).

24-8-104. Requirement of indemnity bond.

The court, before whom the action is tried, may, in case recovery is had upon a lost instrument, require the party claiming under it to give bond with good security, in double the amount of the claim, payable to the opposite party, and conditioned to indemnify such party against any demand by action on such lost instrument; and execution shall be stayed until such bond is given.

Code 1858, § 3904 (deriv. Acts 1819, ch. 27, § 6); Shan., § 5697; Code 1932, § 9882; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-804.

Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 395.

Tennessee Jurisprudence, 12 Tenn. Juris., Executions, § 52.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. On Appeal.

It is error in the court rendering judgment on a lost instrument not to order the stay until a bond of indemnity is given, and the appellate court, upon appeal, will reverse such judgment, and render judgment for the amount of the judgment below, with interest, and order the stay until a bond of indemnity shall be filed according to law. Lowry v. Medlin, 25 Tenn. 450, 1846 Tenn. LEXIS 20 (1846).

24-8-105. Sureties on indemnity bond.

In cases of lost notes, bonds, life insurance policies, and other instruments which by law are negotiable or assignable when the party claiming under the same is required to execute a bond to indemnify the party issuing the same, it shall be lawful for such indemnity bond to be secured either by personal sureties or by corporations lawfully authorized to become sureties on such bonds; and the party demanding the execution of such bond shall accept same in either form.

Acts 1919, ch. 35, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 5697a1; Code 1932, § 9883; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-805.

24-8-106. Action without bond.

The person recovering on such lost instrument may, however, after the lapse of two (2) years from the maturity of such instrument, enforce such person's recovery without giving the bond prescribed in §§ 24-8-104 and 24-8-105, in which case, the person from whom the recovery is had, may plead the judgment in bar of an action by the actual holder of such lost instrument.

Code 1858, § 3905 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 86, §§ 1, 2); Shan., § 5698; Code 1932, § 9884; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-806.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 18 Tenn. Juris., Lost Instruments and Records, § 7.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. In General.

Where the owner of a lost certificate of deposit construed to be payable on demand, made demand for payment more than two years before the judgment thereon, such owner is entitled to recover without presentation of the certificate, and without executing to the bank an indemnity bond to secure it from loss, if the certificate appears in other hands. The defendant may plead the judgment in bar of the action by the actual holder of such lost instrument. Easley v. East Tennessee Nat'l Bank, 138 Tenn. 369, 198 S.W. 66, 1917 Tenn. LEXIS 42, L.R.A. (n.s.) 1918C689 (1917).

2. Costs.

In a suit on a lost certificate of deposit, where the litigation was rendered necessary by the carelessness of the complainant or her deceased husband, the defendant bank acting in good faith throughout, and only desiring to be protected, the costs were properly taxed to the complainant, though she was permitted to recover without giving indemnity bond. Easley v. East Tennessee Nat'l Bank, 138 Tenn. 369, 198 S.W. 66, 1917 Tenn. LEXIS 42, L.R.A. (n.s.) 1918C689 (1917).

24-8-107. Intervention by true owner.

If the actual holder of such lost instrument brings an action thereon after the lost instrument has been recovered in accordance with this chapter, the true owner may intervene and defend the action.

Code 1858, § 3906 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 86, § 2); Shan., § 5699; Code 1932, § 9885; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-807.

Cross-References. Intervention, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 24.

24-8-108. [Reserved.]

Any record, proceeding, or paper filed in an action, either at law or equity, if lost or mislaid unintentionally, or fraudulently made away with, may be supplied, upon application, under the orders of the court, by the best evidence of which the nature of the case will admit.

Code 1858, § 3907 (deriv. Acts 1847-1848, ch. 116, § 1); Shan., § 5701; Code 1932, § 9887; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-809.

Cross-References. Certificate of search, § 24-6-107.

Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 18 Tenn. Juris., Lost Instruments and Records, §§ 11, 12, 16.

Law Reviews.

“Best Evidence” Rule in Tennessee (Robert Townsend), 38 Tenn. L. Rev. 97.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Common-Law Rule.

This section is only a substantial reproduction of the common law upon the subject of supplying lost records. Lane v. Jones, 42 Tenn. 318, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 67 (1865); Cornelius v. City Bank, 3 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 5 (1875); Western Union Tel. Co. v. Ordway, Gordon & McGuire, 76 Tenn. 558, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 45 (1881).

2. —Nature of Power to Supply Lost Records.

The power to supply lost or destroyed records is inherent in every court, because essential to the performance of its functions. Western Union Tel. Co. v. Ordway, Gordon & McGuire, 76 Tenn. 558, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 45 (1881).

3. Jurisdiction.

4. —Chancery.

The lost record or other paper cannot be supplied in a court of law, except that in which the cause is pending, and to which the paper belonged, or of which the record is a part. But a party may resort to a court of chancery to have such lost or destroyed record supplied. Graves v. Keaton, 43 Tenn. 8, 1866 Tenn. LEXIS 7 (1866); Hale v. Hord, 58 Tenn. 232, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 252 (1872); Western Union Tel. Co. v. Ordway, Gordon & McGuire, 76 Tenn. 558, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 45 (1881); Baker Watkins Supply Co. v. Fowlkes, 129 Tenn. 663, 168 S.W. 153, 1914 Tenn. LEXIS 157 (1914).

This section does not take away from the courts of chancery their jurisdiction to grant relief in case of the loss of records at law. Hale v. Hord, 58 Tenn. 232, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 252 (1872).

5. —Appellate Courts Covered.

This section applies to the appellate courts. Western Union Tel. Co. v. Ordway, Gordon & McGuire, 76 Tenn. 558, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 45 (1881).

6. —Circuit Court — Appeal from Justice Court.

A note lost after suit had been brought upon it before a justice of the peace may be supplied on transfer to the circuit court, by copies, like any other lost papers in the cause. Travis v. Laurace, 2 Shan. 109 (1876).

Where a cause had been transferred from a justice to the circuit court, after the levy of an execution on land, for the purpose of obtaining an order of condemnation, the circuit court could make an order supplying the original summons, though it had never been on file in that court, it having been lost before the transfer of the cause, because the power vested in courts by this section is not limited to papers filed in the court which makes the order, but applies to any paper “filed in an action.” Baker Watkins Supply Co. v. Fowlkes, 129 Tenn. 663, 168 S.W. 153, 1914 Tenn. LEXIS 157 (1914).

7. Records Covered.

8. —Judgment Lost.

The provisions of this section were intended only to enable a party, during the pendency of the suit, to supply any record, proceeding, or paper which had been filed in the action, and had been lost or destroyed, or fraudulently made away with, and which he might conceive to be necessary to a correct adjudication of his rights in such action, and not for the supplying of a final judgment which had been destroyed. The proper practice, where the record of a judgment has been lost, and the plaintiff desires an execution thereon, is to apply to the court where the judgment was rendered for an execution, and, upon satisfactory proof of the rendition of the judgment and the loss of the record thereof, execution may be awarded. Faust v. Echols, 44 Tenn. 397, 1867 Tenn. LEXIS 62 (1867); Childress v. Marks, 61 Tenn. 12, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 334 (1872); Randall v. Payne, 1 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 137 (1873); Whitworth v. Thompson, 76 Tenn. 480, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 36 (1881); Scott v. Watson, 3 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 652 (1878); Baker Watkins Supply Co. v. Fowlkes, 129 Tenn. 663, 168 S.W. 153, 1914 Tenn. LEXIS 157 (1914).

9. —Pleadings Lost.

It is suggested that the spirit of the provision of this section, and perhaps the common law, would authorize the court, in its discretion, to order new pleadings to be prepared, if the parties are alive; but this would not be allowable where the loss was occasioned with that end in view, nor where a copy of the lost pleadings may be had, nor where the new pleadings are in conflict with the old, as shown by the evidence. Cornelius v. City Bank, 3 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 5 (1875).

10. —Declaration.

Where an original declaration is lost the court can given permission to substitute a carbon copy. Chumbley v. Coffee County, 36 Tenn. App. 177, 253 S.W.2d 32, 1952 Tenn. App. LEXIS 104 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1952).

11. Preliminary Proof.

12. —Proof of Loss — Necessity.

The question whether there has been a loss is a preliminary one, and the judge must determine from the proof whether there has been such loss, before secondary evidence as to the contents thereof is admissible; and when the loss has been adjudged, the court must then order the lost paper or record to be supplied by secondary evidence; and the court adjudges as to the sufficiency of such evidence. If it is adjudged sufficient, the court orders the supplied paper or record to be substituted for the original. State v. Harrison, 18 Tenn. 542, 1837 Tenn. LEXIS 82 (1837); Tyree v. Magness, 33 Tenn. 276, 1853 Tenn. LEXIS 41 (1853); Lane v. Jones, 42 Tenn. 318, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 67 (1865); Galbraith v. McFarland, 43 Tenn. 267, 1866 Tenn. LEXIS 50 (1866); Anderson v. Maberry, 49 Tenn. 653, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 60 (1871); Cornelius v. City Bank, 3 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 5 (1875); Western Union Tel. Co. v. Ordway, Gordon & McGuire, 76 Tenn. 558, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 45 (1881).

The requirement that the best evidence within the power of the party shall be produced admits of no evasion. So, where a peace warrant, the foundation of an action for malicious prosecution, was lost in the hands of plaintiff's counsel, his evidence, if he be in reach of process, is indispensably necessary to account for the nonproduction of the original warrant, before proof can be heard of its contents. Pharis v. Lambert, 33 Tenn. 228, 1853 Tenn. LEXIS 34 (1853); Vaulx v. Merriwether, 34 Tenn. 683, 1855 Tenn. LEXIS 119 (1855); Cornelius v. City Bank, 3 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 5 (1875); Southern R. Co. v. Seymour, 113 Tenn. 523, 83 S.W. 674, 1904 Tenn. LEXIS 44 (1904).

Unintentional loss must be shown before order to supply is made, and the order to supply must then be made. Lane v. Jones, 42 Tenn. 318, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 67 (1865); Galbraith v. McFarland, 43 Tenn. 267, 1866 Tenn. LEXIS 50 (1866); Western Union Tel. Co. v. Ordway, Gordon & McGuire, 76 Tenn. 558, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 45 (1881).

Application for supplying a lost record, or paper, or proceeding must be supported by satisfactory evidence that the same has been lost or made way with as provided in the statute; then the same may be supplied, under the order of the court, but not otherwise. Graves v. Keaton, 43 Tenn. 8, 1866 Tenn. LEXIS 7 (1866); Galbraith v. McFarland, 43 Tenn. 267, 1866 Tenn. LEXIS 50 (1866); Cornelius v. City Bank, 3 Cooper's Tenn. Ch. 5 (1875).

13. —Proof of Loss by Whom.

The proof of the loss of a paper or record by the legal custodian dispenses with the necessity of an affidavit of loss by the party offering to prove its contents. Hale v. Darter, 29 Tenn. 92, 1849 Tenn. LEXIS 15 (1849).

The fact of the loss of the paper or record should appear from the affidavit of the clerk of the court, as the keeper of the records. Peirce & Pittman v. Bank of Tennessee, 31 Tenn. 265, 1851 Tenn. LEXIS 59 (1851); Lane v. Jones, 42 Tenn. 318, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 67 (1865); Rhea v. McCorkle, 58 Tenn. 415, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 278 (1872).

The unintentional loss or destruction of the record may ordinarily be established by the evidence of the clerk or other officer entrusted by law with the care and custody of the same, instead of the attorney in the case. Lane v. Jones, 42 Tenn. 318, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 67 (1865).

The fact that a party to a suit, instead of the clerk, made the affidavit of loss, is not reversible error. Johnson v. Hall, 68 Tenn. 351, 1878 Tenn. LEXIS 21 (1878).

Defendant is entitled to have lost search warrant and affidavit upon which it issued supplied upon trial; but, in absence of testimony from clerk of court that such papers in his custody are lost, testimony of others as to loss is insufficient for admission of secondary evidence. Strunk v. State, 154 Tenn. 56, 289 S.W. 532, 1926 Tenn. LEXIS 102 (1926).

14. —Filing in Action — Necessary.

No paper can be supplied, unless it has been “filed in an action” and has thus become a record. Baker v. McMinnville, 49 Tenn. 117, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 200 (1870).

Papers which have not been filed in an action and have not thus become a record cannot be supplied after the cause has been determined, by proof that they were read at the hearing. The chancery court has no power thus to manufacture records from the uncertain memory of witnesses after a cause has been determined. Mullins v. Aiken, 49 Tenn. 535, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 42 (1871); Hearst v. Proffit, 115 Tenn. 560, 91 S.W. 207, 1905 Tenn. LEXIS 88 (1905).

15. —Justice Court Proceedings.

Where the warrant and note were lost before the justice, they cannot be established and supplied upon the justice's mere certificate of their loss and his certificate of copies thereof. The facts stated should be under oath. Halliburton v. Jackson, 79 Tenn. 471, 1883 Tenn. LEXIS 86 (1883); Baker Watkins Supply Co. v. Fowlkes, 129 Tenn. 663, 168 S.W. 153, 1914 Tenn. LEXIS 157 (1914).

16. Best Evidence of Record.

If newly supplied evidence is the best that the nature of the case will permit, and if it is sufficiently clear, cogent and definite, then it will be accepted with all the force and effect of the original. Goins v. University of Tennessee Memorial Research Center & Hosp., 821 S.W.2d 942, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 510 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991).

17. —Examples.

When the record books are burned, mutilated or lost, the clerk's docket and the notes of the presiding judge are the next best evidence of the contents of the record, and must be produced, in preference to the parol evidence of witnesses, for the law is justly jealous of the memory of witnesses, when they come to speak of the contents of a written instrument. Lane v. Jones, 42 Tenn. 318, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 67 (1865).

Under an order to supply lost papers, the evidence of the clerk of the court, or of the solicitor in the cause, to the fact that the copies presented to the court are true copies of the lost papers, is sufficient. Terry v. Wood, 66 Tenn. 292, 1874 Tenn. LEXIS 127 (1874).

A lost indictment or presentment may be supplied upon satisfactory affidavits of the district attorney, the grand jury officer, and the entries on the grand jury book, independent of the recollection of the presiding judge. State v. Gardner, 81 Tenn. 134, 1884 Tenn. LEXIS 13, 49 Am. Rep. 660 (1884).

Where appeal bond was lost in lower court after filing, clerk's certificate as to the filing and loss will not be accepted in lieu of the bond. Such lost bond should be supplied in the mode provided by statute. Bray v. Blue-Ridge Lumber Co., 3 Tenn. App. 417, — S.W. —, 1925 Tenn. App. LEXIS 121 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1925).

Proof of both loss and contents of paper must be by best evidence obtainable. Strunk v. State, 154 Tenn. 56, 289 S.W. 532, 1926 Tenn. LEXIS 102 (1926).

Where judicial review of an administrative judge's decision is sought, missing evidence is ordinarily supplied by affidavit from the clerk and master, the attorneys, or any other person who is best acquainted with the facts or nature of the missing record. Goins v. University of Tennessee Memorial Research Center & Hosp., 821 S.W.2d 942, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 510 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991).

The proper procedure for supplying the lost portions of the record would have been to offer summaries of the video tape, photographs and other exhibits by sworn affidavit not by making a motion for summary judgment or remand of the case for a new administrative hearing. Goins v. University of Tennessee Memorial Research Center & Hosp., 821 S.W.2d 942, 1991 Tenn. App. LEXIS 510 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991).

18. —Transcript on Appeal.

Where the imperfect transcript of a pretended supplied record in the court below discloses the fact that the case had been appealed, the presumption arises that a perfect transcript of the record is on file in the office of the clerk of the appellate court and a certified copy of such transcript would be the best evidence with which to supply the lost record. Lane v. Jones, 42 Tenn. 318, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 67 (1865); Southern R. Co. v. Seymour, 113 Tenn. 523, 83 S.W. 674, 1904 Tenn. LEXIS 44 (1904).

19. —Filed in Another Court.

When it appears that a transcript of a lost record, previous to its loss, in a proceeding authorized by law, has been filed in another court, and this is known or should be known to the party offering to prove the record, the presumption is that it remains in that court, and a certified copy of such transcript is the best secondary evidence of the contents of the original record so lost, and must be produced, or its absence explained, before oral evidence can be heard. Southern R. Co. v. Seymour, 113 Tenn. 523, 83 S.W. 674, 1904 Tenn. LEXIS 44 (1904).

20. —Appeal — New Record.

In the case of the loss of the transcript of a record in the appellate court, the best evidence would ordinarily be a new transcript of the original record, certified by the clerk of the lower court. Western Union Tel. Co. v. Ordway, Gordon & McGuire, 76 Tenn. 558, 1881 Tenn. LEXIS 45 (1881).

21. —Appeal — Record Lost Below.

The appellate court will not supply a record lost or destroyed in the court below, and where the record was not properly supplied below, so that there is nothing before the appellate court that will enable it to take jurisdiction of the cause, so as to review the judgment of the court below, the cause will be struck from the docket, with leave to proceed in the proper mode to establish the loss of the record. Lane v. Jones, 42 Tenn. 318, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 67 (1865).

22. —Affidavit as Proof.

Decree could not be sustained in favor of defendant on basis of affidavit by defendant as to what was contained in papers lost since no substantial copy of the proceedings was presented for court's approval and in no event should a decree be based on mere affidavits by a party to the proceedings. Bates v. Russell, 37 Tenn. 222, 1857 Tenn. LEXIS 111 (1857).

23. —Objections.

If, from the nature of the case itself, it is manifest that a more satisfactory kind of secondary evidence exists, the party will be required to produce it; but when the nature of the case does not, of itself, disclose the existence of such better evidence, the objector must not only prove its existence, but also must prove that it was known to the other party, in season to have been produced at the trial. Lane v. Jones, 42 Tenn. 318, 1865 Tenn. LEXIS 67 (1865).

24-8-110. Retaking lost depositions.

If the lost papers consist of depositions, the court may, in its discretion, order the testimony to be retaken, if the witnesses are alive.

Code 1858, § 3908 (deriv. Acts 1847-1848, ch. 116, § 2); Shan., § 5702; Code 1932, § 9888; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-810.

24-8-109. Lost records.

Chapter 9
Depositions

Part 1
General Provisions

24-9-101. Deponents exempt from subpoena to trial but subject to subpoena to deposition — Award of fees and expenses if court grants motion to quash.

Deponents exempt from subpoena to trial but subject to subpoena to a deposition are:
1. An officer of the United States;
2. An officer of this state;
3. An officer of any court or municipality within the state;
4. The clerk of any court of record other than that in which the suit is pending;
5. A member of the general assembly while in session, or clerk or officer thereof;
6. A practicing physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, psychologist, senior psychological examiner, chiropractor, dentist or attorney;
7. A jailer or keeper of a public prison in any county other than that in which the suit is pending;
8. A custodian of medical records, if such custodian files a copy of the applicable records and an affidavit with the court and follows the procedures provided in title 68, chapter 11, part 4, for the production of hospital records pursuant to a subpoena duces tecum; and
9. A licensed clinical social worker, as defined in § 63-23-105 and engaged solely in independent clinical practice, in proceedings in which the department of children's services is the petitioner or intervening petitioner.
If the court grants a motion to quash a subpoena issued pursuant to subsection (a), the court may award the party subpoenaed its reasonable attorney's fees and expenses incurred in defending against the subpoena.

Acts 1986, ch. 750, § 1; 1991, ch. 456, § 1; 2006, ch. 729, § 1; 2009, ch. 55, § 1; 2012, ch. 678, § 1; 2014, ch. 590, § 1; 2016, ch. 980, § 1; 2018, ch. 851, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Former chapter 9, §§ 24-9-101 — 24-9-133 (Code 1858, §§ 3836, 3838-3856, 3858-3870, 3875 (deriv. acts 1794, ch. 1, §§ 30, 31; 1795, ch. 3, §§ 1, 2; 1801, ch. 6, §§ 32, 39; 1811, ch. 100, § 1; 1817, ch. 189, §§ 2, 3; 1817, ch. 199, § 5; 1824, ch. 6, § 2; 1826, ch. 24, § 1; 1826 Private, ch. 77, § 2; 1827, ch. 81, § 5; 1833, ch. 30, § 1; 1835-1836, ch. 11, § 7; 1843-1844, ch. 158, §§ 1, 2; 1847-1848, ch. 17; 1851-1852, ch. 118; 1851-1852, ch. 128, § 1; 1851-1852, ch. 161); Acts 1859-1860, ch. 53, §§ 1, 2; 1859-1860, ch. 94; 1870, ch. 16, § 1; 1899, ch. 276, §§ 1, 2; 1909, ch. 160, §§ 1-3; Shan., §§ 5624, 5627-5647, 5649-5654, 5656-5663, 5668; Acts 1923, ch. 26, § 1; Shan. Supp., 5668a12; Mod. Code 1932, §§ 98061, 9809-9829, 9831-9853; Acts 1949, ch. 126, § 1; C. Supp., 1950, § 9806; Acts 1959, ch. 275, §§ 2, 3-7; 1963, ch. 321, § 1; 1976, ch. 527, §§ 1-3; 1982, ch. 754, § 1; 1983, ch. 41, § 1; 1986, ch. 584, §§ 1, 2), concerning depositions, was repealed by Acts 1986, ch. 750, § 1.

Acts 1986, ch. 584, §§ 1 and 2, effective March 24, 1986, purportedly amended former § 24-9-105 and added a new section to this chapter which would have been designated § 24-9-134; however, Acts 1986, ch. 750, § 1, effective July 1, 1986, repealed this chapter in its entirety. The provisions in Acts 1986, ch. 584, §§ 1 and 2 are deemed repealed by chapter 750. Section 24-9-134, had it taken effect, would have read:

“(a) The witness, if he is a practicing physician, shall be exempt from appearance in court to testify, provided he clearly states his profession in his deposition. No subpoena need be served on such a witness in order for such exemption to be valid.

“(b) If the witness fails to claim exemption at the time mentioned, he may be allowed the benefit of it, by application to the court.

“(c) A false claim set up by the witness shall in no way affect the right of the party summoning the witness under the provisions of this Code, and the burden of proof is on the witness, upon scire facias, to show the fact entitling him to exemption.”

Amendments. The 2018 amendment added (a)(9).

Effective Dates. Acts 2018, ch. 851, § 2. July 1, 2018.

Cross-References. Clerk's fees, § 8-21-401.

Depositions by physicians, § 50-6-235.

Depositions of members of armed forces, §§ 58-1-604 — 58-1-606.

Depositions previously filed in federal court, § 16-1-111.

Evidence at trials, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 43.

Laws in conflict with court rules nullified, § 16-3-406.

Medical attendance and hospitalization, reports, physical examinations, § 50-6-204.

Notary fee, § 8-21-1201.

Power of clerks to take depositions, §§ 18-1-108, 18-6-113.

Retaking testimony after loss of deposition, § 24-8-110.

Scope of discovery, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 26.

Subpoena for a hearing or trial; personal attendance, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 45.05.

Testimony of convict, § 41-21-304(a).

Rule Reference. This chapter is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments under Rule 26 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.

This section is referred to in the Advisory Commission Comments of Rule 32, and in the Advisory Commission Comments of Rule 45 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.

Textbooks. Tennessee Forms (Robinson, Ramsey and Harwell), Nos. 1-32.01-1, 1-45.01-1, 1-45.05-1.

Tennessee Law of Evidence (2nd ed., Cohen, Paine and Sheppeard), § 804(a).5.

Law Reviews.

Evidentiary Privileges Against The Production Of Data Within The Control Of Executive Departments (William V. Sanford), 3 Vand. L. Rev. 73.

Selected Tennessee Legislation of 1986, 54 Tenn. L. Rev. 457 (1987).

Statutory Construction — Restriction of Application of Statute to Contemporary Circumstances — Parties as “Witnesses” under Tennessee Deposition Statute, 3 Vand. L. Rev. 666.

Suggested Changes in Pre-Trial Procedure, 17 Tenn. L. Rev. 201.

Tennessee and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Donald F. Paine), 27 No. 5 Tenn. B.J. 25 (1991).

The Present Status of Discovery Before Trial in Actions at Law in Tennessee, 16 Tenn. L. Rev. 439.

Trial, 4 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 335.

1. Construction and Interpretation. 2. —Deposition of Witness Not Exempt from Trial.

1. Construction and Interpretation.

postconviction court erred by failing to grant petitioner's physician's motion to quash a judicial subpoena compelling him to testify at a hearing on behalf of petitioner because he was statutorily exempt from subpoena to the hearing but was subject to subpoena to a deposition. The court further held that it saw no reason why petitioner could not participate in the physician's deposition via telephone, video, or some other media, and therefore petitioner's inability to leave prison to attend a deposition was not sufficient justification for denying the physician's motion to quash. Sexton v. State, — S.W.3d —, 2018 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 876 (Tenn. Crim. App. Nov. 30, 2018).

2. —Deposition of Witness Not Exempt from Trial.

Admitting portions of a physician's deposition transcript pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 32.01(3) was not error where, as a practicing physician, he was exempt from subpoena to trial under T.C.A. § 24-9-101(a), and thus unavailable under Tenn. R. Evid. 804(a)(5). Spearman v. Shelby Cty. Bd. of Educ., — S.W.3d —, 2021 Tenn. App. LEXIS 17 (Tenn. Ct. App. Jan. 15, 2021).

Decisions Under Prior Law

1. Construction and Interpretation.

Tenn. R. Civ. P. 26 and 30 are identical to, but supersede, The Deposition Law of 1959. Ingram v. Phillips, 684 S.W.2d 954, 1984 Tenn. App. LEXIS 3387 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1984).

2. —History of Section.

For historical treatment of this section, see Hubbard v. Haynes, 189 Tenn. 335, 225 S.W.2d 252, 1949 Tenn. LEXIS 434 (1949).

3. —Deposition of Witness Not Exempt From Trial.

Deposition of vocational expert was inadmissible since there was no proof in the record that he was presently a practicing psychologist, and therefore he was not a witness exempt from subpoena to trial under this section. Raines v. Shelby Williams Industries, Inc., 814 S.W.2d 346, 1991 Tenn. LEXIS 273 (Tenn. 1991).

4. When Deponent Present.

5. —Reading Deposition.

When a deposition is taken under subsection 3, the party taking it may read it though the deponent may be present at the trial under summons by the opposite party. Ford v. Ford, 30 Tenn. 89, 1850 Tenn. LEXIS 63 (1850).

Court did not err in allowing plaintiff to read deposition of witness taken under necessity of witness leaving state before trial even though witness was in fact present at trial as witness for defendants. International Harvester Co. v. Sartain, 32 Tenn. App. 425, 222 S.W.2d 854, 1948 Tenn. App. LEXIS 129 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1948).

Court did not err in allowing one defendant to read deposition of plaintiff's witness, although plaintiff had elected to examine witness orally. International Harvester Co. v. Sartain, 32 Tenn. App. 425, 222 S.W.2d 854, 1948 Tenn. App. LEXIS 129 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1948).

6. —Removal Threatened.

Where affiant's witness was present in court but could not attend again due to contemplated removal the court could not order a commission to take deposition of witness, but it could refuse a continuance unless consent was given to take deposition de bene esse. M'Farlane v. Moore, 1 Tenn. 32, 1804 Tenn. LEXIS 11 (1799).

7. —Cross-Examination as Making Witness One's Own.

The adverse party does not, by cross-examining, make the witness his own. Sweat v. Rogers, 53 Tenn. 117, 1871 Tenn. LEXIS 328 (1871).

24-9-102. General sessions cases.

Discovery pursuant to Rules 26-37 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, excluding physical and mental examinations under Rule 35 of such rules, may be taken in all civil cases pending in the courts of general sessions in the discretion of the court after motion showing both good cause and exceptional circumstances and pursuant to an order describing the extent and conditions of such discovery.
Depositions of custodians of hospital and medical records may be taken in all cases pending before the judges of the courts of general sessions, under the same rules, regulations, and restrictions as in cases pending in the courts of record.

Acts 1986, ch. 750, § 1; 1988, ch. 943, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. For repeal of former section, see the Compiler's Notes under § 24-9-101.

Cross-References. Laws in conflict with court rules nullified, § 16-3-406.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Reading in Circuit Court on Appeal.

Depositions taken in a case pending before a justice may be read as evidence in the circuit court, on appeal to that court, though they were, upon exceptions, improperly excluded by the justice. Hawkins v. McNamara, 48 Tenn. 352, 1870 Tenn. LEXIS 66 (1870); Bailey v. Brooks, 58 Tenn. 1, 1872 Tenn. LEXIS 217 (1872).

24-9-103. [Reserved.]

Any court of record, or any clerk thereof, may issue commissions to take depositions.

Acts 1991, ch. 273, § 37.

Compiler's Notes. For repeal of former section, see the Compiler's Notes under § 24-9-101.

24-9-105 — 24-9-134. [Reserved.]

Depositions taken in this state that are to be used in its courts shall be taken before:

A hearing examiner;
A judge, clerk, commissioner, or official reporter of a court;
A licensed court reporter;
A notary public; or
Before other persons and under other circumstances authorized by law.

Acts 2000, ch. 741, § 1; 2010, ch. 1123, § 9.

Cross-References. Depositions, § 18-6-113.

24-9-136. Persons before whom depositions not to be taken — Disclosure of prohibited relationship — Video recording by lawyer or lawyer's agent — Election to void deposition.

Unless all of the parties have entered into a written stipulation otherwise pursuant to Rule 29 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, a deposition shall not be taken before a person who is:
1. A party to the action or an attorney for one (1) of the parties;
2. A relative, including a spouse of one (1) of the parties or of an attorney for one (1) of the parties;
3. An employee of one (1) of the parties or of an attorney for one (1) of the parties. As used in this subdivision (a)(3), “employee” includes a person who has a contractual relationship with a person or entity interested in the outcome of the litigation, including anyone who may ultimately be responsible for payment to provide reporting or other court services, and a person who is employed part-time or full-time under contract or otherwise by a person who has a contractual relationship with a party to provide reporting or other court services; provided, however, that this subdivision (a)(3) shall not restrict in any way the ability of an attorney or a pro se litigant to hire court reporting services on a case-by-case basis in any case where the attorney is not a party, nor restrict an attorney from reimbursement for such court reporting services;
4. Someone who has, or has had during the past two (2) years, a sexual relationship with one (1) of the parties or with an attorney for one (1) of the parties; or
5. Someone with a financial interest in the action or its outcome.
1. The person before whom a deposition is to be taken shall disclose to the parties in a timely fashion the existence of any facts known to the person that are relevant to factors set forth in subsection (a).
2. A person commits a Class C misdemeanor who takes a deposition and knowingly fails or refuses to disclose any facts required by subdivision (b)(1).
Notwithstanding this section, if a videotaped deposition has been agreed to or ordered by the court pursuant to Rule 30 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, any lawyer or lawyer's agent may operate the video equipment pursuant to Rules 28.01 and 30.02(4)(B).
1. A deposition taken by a person described in subsection (a) is voidable at the election of any party unless:
  1. After compliance with subsection (b), the parties have entered into a stipulation pursuant to Rule 29 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure;
  2. An order has been entered pursuant to Rule 30.02(4)(A) of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure; or
  3. The party attempting to void the deposition has violated this section directly or through a related person described in subsection (a).
2. An election to void a deposition pursuant to this section shall be made within thirty (30) days of discovery of the violation of this section.
This section shall not apply to contracts for court reporting services for the courts, agencies or instrumentalities of the United States or the state of Tennessee.

Acts 2000, ch. 741, § 2; 2002, ch. 612, §§ 1, 2; 2009, ch. 427, § 1; 2010, ch. 1016, § 1.

Cross-References. Depositions, § 18-6-113.

Penalty for Class C misdemeanor, § 40-35-111.

Person forbidden to take deposition pursuant to § 24-9-136 not to record or transcribe any hearing concerning action, § 24-9-137.

Rule Reference. This section is referred to in the text and Advisory Commission Comments of Rule 28 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.

Attorney General Opinions. Timeliness of notification of conflicts of interest by persons taking depositions. OAG 10-114, 2010 Tenn. AG LEXIS 120 (11/24/10).

Deposition stipulation is not limited to notice, time extensions, place, and manner. The disqualification provisions of T.C.A. § 24-9-135(a)(3), (5) may be waived by stipulation, including the disqualification for an employee by one of the parties or of an attorney for one of the parties or someone with a financial interest in the action or its outcome. OAG 14-40, 2014 Tenn. AG LEXIS 39 (3/31/14).

24-9-137. Person forbidden to take deposition pursuant to § 24-9-136 not to record or transcribe any hearing concerning action.

Any person forbidden to take a deposition in an action pursuant to § 24-9-136 shall not record or transcribe for submission to any court or administrative tribunal any hearing before any court or administrative agency concerning the action.

Acts 2009, ch. 427, § 2.

Cross-References. Persons before whom depositions not to be taken, § 24-9-136.

Part 2
Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act

24-9-201. Short title.

This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act.”

Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 3 provided that the act shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on July 1, 2008.

Law Reviews.

How to Act During a Deposition (Daniel C. Headrick), 48 Tenn. B.J. 22 (2012).

24-9-202. Part definitions.

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:

“Foreign jurisdiction” means a state other than Tennessee;
“Foreign subpoena” means a subpoena issued under authority of a court of record of a foreign jurisdiction;
“Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity;
“State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, federally recognized Indian tribes, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and
“Subpoena” means a document, however denominated, issued under authority of a court of record requiring a person to:
1. Attend and give testimony at a deposition;
2. Produce and permit inspection and copying of designated books, documents, records, electronically stored information, or tangible things in the possession, custody, or control of the person; or
3. Permit inspection of premises under the control of the person.

Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 3 provided that the act shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on July 1, 2008.

24-9-203. Issuance of subpoena.

A party may submit a foreign subpoena to a clerk of court in the county in which discovery is sought to be conducted in this state. The request for and issuance of a subpoena in this state under this part shall not constitute making an appearance in the courts of this state.
When a party submits a foreign subpoena to a clerk of court in this state, the clerk, in accordance with the rules of court, shall promptly issue a subpoena for service upon the person to which the foreign subpoena is directed. The subpoena shall incorporate the terms used in the foreign subpoena and contain or be accompanied by the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all counsel of record in the proceeding to which the subpoena relates and of any party not represented by counsel.

Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 3 provided that the act shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on July 1, 2008.

Law Reviews.

How to Act During a Deposition (Daniel C. Headrick), 48 Tenn. B.J. 22 (2012).

24-9-204. Service of subpoena.

A subpoena issued by a clerk of court under § 24-9-203 shall be served in compliance with the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure relative to service of process.

Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 3 provided that the act shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on July 1, 2008.

24-9-205. Deposition, production, and inspection.

When a subpoena issued under § 24-9-203 commands a person to attend and give testimony at a deposition, produce designated books, documents, records, electronically stored information, or tangible things, or permit inspection of premises, the time and place and the manner of the taking of the deposition, the production, or the inspection must comply with the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure relative to discovery.

Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 3 provided that the act shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on July 1, 2008.

Law Reviews.

How to Act During a Deposition (Daniel C. Headrick), 48 Tenn. B.J. 22 (2012).

24-9-206. Application to court.

An application to the court for a protective order or to enforce, quash, or modify a subpoena issued by a clerk of court under § 24-9-203 shall comply with the applicable rules or statutes of this state and be submitted to the court in the county in which discovery is to be conducted.

Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 3 provided that the act shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on July 1, 2008.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Motion for Protective Order.

When a Tennessee trial court granted an attorney's motion under the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, T.C.A. § 24-9-206, for a protective order and quashed a subpoena issued and served at the request of adult clubs as a part of their discovery in a Florida case, the clubs' appeal of the ruling was rendered moot by the dismissal of the underlying Florida action. Cheetah Lounge v. Sarasota County (In re Cheetah Lounge), 387 S.W.3d 10, 2012 Tenn. App. LEXIS 351 (Tenn. Ct. App. May 31, 2012), appeal denied, Cheetah Lounge, Inc. v. Sarasota County, — S.W.3d —, 2012 Tenn. LEXIS 788 (Tenn. Oct. 17, 2012).

24-9-207. Award of attorney's fees and expenses.

If the court grants a motion to modify or quash a subpoena issued pursuant to this part, the court, in its discretion, may award the party subpoenaed its reasonable attorney's fees and expenses incurred in defending against the subpoena. A final order of the court awarding attorney's fees and expenses shall have the status of a judgment entitled to full faith and credit under the constitution of the United States. If the court sustains the subpoena as issued, the court in its discretion may award the prevailing party its reasonable attorney's fees and expenses.

Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 1.

Compiler's Notes. Acts 2008, ch. 908, § 3 provided that the act shall apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on July 1, 2008.

Part 3
Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act

24-9-301. Short title.

This part may be cited as the “Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act.”

Acts 2010, ch. 902, § 1.

24-9-302. Part definitions.

In this part:

“Boundaries of the United States” means the geographic boundaries of the United States, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;
“Law” includes the federal or a state constitution, a federal or state statute, a judicial decision or order, a rule of court, an executive order, and an administrative rule, regulation, or order;
“Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form;
“Sign” means with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
1. To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
2. To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process;
“State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;
“Sworn declaration” means a declaration in a signed record given under oath. The term includes a sworn statement, verification, certificate, and affidavit; and
“Unsworn declaration” means a declaration in a signed record that is not given under oath, but is given under penalty of perjury.

Acts 2010, ch. 902, § 1.

24-9-303. Applicability of part.

This part applies to an unsworn declaration by a declarant who at the time of making the declaration is physically located outside the boundaries of the United States whether or not the location is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This part does not apply to a declaration by a declarant who is physically located on property that is within the boundaries of the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of another country or a federally recognized Indian tribe.

Acts 2010, ch. 902, § 1.

24-9-304. Validity of unsworn declaration.

Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), if a law of this state requires or permits use of a sworn declaration, an unsworn declaration meeting the requirements of this part has the same effect as a sworn declaration.
This part does not apply to:
1. A deposition;
2. An oath of office;
3. An oath required to be given before a specified official other than a notary public;
4. A declaration to be recorded pursuant to title 66, chapter 24; or
5. An oath required by § 32-2-110.

Acts 2010, ch. 902, § 1.

24-9-305. Required medium.

If a law of this state requires that a sworn declaration be presented in a particular medium, an unsworn declaration must be presented in that medium.

Acts 2010, ch. 902, § 1.

24-9-306. Form of unsworn declaration.

An unsworn declaration under this part must be in substantially the following form:

I declare under penalty of perjury under the law of Tennessee that the foregoing is true and correct, and that I am physically located outside the geographic boundaries of the United States, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Executed on the day of , , at (date) (month) (year) .(city or other location, and state) (country) (printed name) (signature)

Acts 2010, ch. 902, § 1.

24-9-307. Uniformity of application and construction.

In applying and construing this part, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.

Acts 2010, ch. 902, § 1.

24-9-308. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.

This part modifies, limits, and supersedes the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.), but does not modify, limit, or supersede § 101(c) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7001(c)), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in § 103(b) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7003(b)).

Acts 2010, ch. 902, § 1.

Chapter 1 Witnesses and Privileged Communications

Part 1 [Reserved]

Part 2 Privileged Communications

24-1-201. Married persons.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. In General.

2. Construction with Other Law.

3. —Transactions with Decedent or Ward.

4. —Emancipation Act.

5. —Transactions with Incompetents.

6. Marital Relation Disqualifying.

7. —Examples.

8. —Presumptions.

9. —Burden of Proof.

10. —Criminal Cases.

11. —Death or Divorce.

12. —Corroboration Required.

13. —Subscribing Witnesses Not Covered.

14. —Joint Title Transactions.

15. Marital Relation Not Disqualifying.

16. —Examples.

17. —Interspousal Tort Immunity Abolished.

18. —Statements of Fact.

19. —Waiver.

20. —Failure to Object.

21. —Tax Fraud.

22. —Communications in Presence of Third Persons.

23. —Resulting Trust.

24. Divorce.

25. —To Show Cohabitation.

26. —Grounds.

27. Interest.

28. —Credibility.

29. —Competency.

30. —Directed Verdict.

24-1-202. Transactions with mentally incompetent party.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Construction with Other Sections.

Decisions Under Prior Law

1. Incompetency of Party to Divorce.

24-1-203. Transactions with decedent or ward — Dead man's statute.

NOTES TO DECISIONS

1. Purpose and Policy.

2. —Section Inapplicable to Suit Concerning Manner of Distribution Only.

3. Construction and Interpretation.

4. —Strict Construction Against Exclusion.

5. —Matters Bringing Case Within Rule.

6. —Oral or Written Transactions.

7. “Opposite Party” — Meaning.

8. —“Transaction” — Meaning.

9. —Testimony by Other Witnesses.

10. —Interest Alone Does Not Disqualify.

11. Determination of Competency.

12. —Trial Judge.

13. —Burden of Proof.

14. Evidence Admissible.

15. —Transactions with Third Person.

16. —Observations as to Physical Facts.

17. —Personal Representative Not a Party.

18. —Statements of Deceased Agent of Party as Evidence.

19. —Persons Not Parties as Witnesses — Examples.

20. —Interested Persons Not Parties — Competency.

21. —Widow Sued Individually.

22. —Assignee for Creditors and Heirs Sued.

23. —Heirs or Distributees.

24. —Will Contest.

25. —Executor De Son Tort Sued.

26. —Personal Representative Sued in Own Right.

27. —Personal Representative as Nominal Party.

28. —Witness When Nominal Party.

29. —Parties Not Testifying for Own Benefit.

30. —Rebutting Admissions.

31. —Testimony by Party as to Facts Not Specified.

32. —Transaction with Surviving Partner Arising After Partner's Death.

33. —Agent of “Party” Not Disqualified.

34. —Testimony Admissible Against Third Person.

35. —Administrator as to Funeral Expenses.

36. —Ownership of Property by Widow.

37. —Establishment of Share by Dissentient Widow.

38. Evidence Inadmissible.

Chapter 1
Witnesses and Privileged Communications

Part 1
[Reserved]

Part 2
Privileged Communications

Chapter 2
Attendance of Witnesses