Tennessee Public Records /Tennessee Court Records Online

Tennessee Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Tennessee Open to the Public?

Yes. Court records in Tennessee are open to the public. The Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) grants individuals the right to inspect and obtain copies of documents maintained by government bodies. To request access, the requester must provide specific details such as the names of the parties involved, the case or docket number, and the filing date. Requests can be made orally or in writing to the Public Record Request Coordinator (PRRC), who will forward the request to the appropriate body.

Custodians of public records may deny requests if the records fall under specific exemptions. These exemptions include medical records, personal details of public employees, and certain judicial documents. The requester will be informed of the denial and the reason for it. Regular updates to the TPRA mean that some previously public documents may now be exempt from disclosure.

What Information Appears in a Tennessee Court Records Search?

Names of parties involved
Case or docket number
Filing date
Name of the presiding judge
Case summary
Court's decision or order
Judgment date

How To Find Court Records in Tennessee

To find court records in Tennessee, start by identifying the court that handled the case of interest. Courthouses maintain official records of court hearings, and clerks serve as custodians of these records.

Requests can be submitted in person, via mail, or online, depending on the court's provisions. Search parameters such as the names of the parties, case or docket number, or the filing date are typically required. Fees may apply; for example, the Tennessee Annotated Code sets a copying fee of 50¢ per page and a $5 fee for certification and seal.

Public Access to Tennessee Court Records

In Tennessee, public access to court records is facilitated by the clerks of various courthouses. Requests for records should be submitted to these clerks, who are responsible for processing and providing the requested documents. The TPRA mandates that custodians respond to public record requests within seven business days, either by providing the records or explaining any delays or denials.

Searching Tennessee Court Records by Name

To search Tennessee court records by name, first identify the court where the case was filed. Submit a court record request form to the court clerk, including the names of case parties, the attorney, or the judge. This can be done in person, via mail, or online.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives also offer services for obtaining court records. Requestors can access up to 20 pages of a court record for a fee. Additional pages incur further charges. The Public Case History tool, managed by the Appellate Court Clerk, allows online searches by party name or organization.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Tennessee

Public access computers provided by courts allow individuals to search for court records for free. However, not all courthouses offer public access terminals, and some may charge fees for inspecting records.

Another option is the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, which provides low-cost access to federal court records. Third-party websites also offer access to court records, often making the search process easier despite potential limitations compared to official sources.

Exemptions for Tennessee Court Case Lookup

Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under Tennessee law. These exemptions include:

Medical records
Personal details of public employees
Sealed court documents
Unpublished judicial opinions and orders
Conference reports and memos prepared by court staff

These exemptions ensure the protection of sensitive information while maintaining transparency in public records.

Finding a Court Docket in Tennessee

A Tennessee court docket is a journal containing detailed case records in the form of sequential notes. Dockets are maintained by the court clerk where the case was filed and can be accessed physically or electronically.

To find a court docket, contact the courthouse clerk with the docket number or the names of the parties involved. The docket will include information such as the filing date, case summary, and names of all parties involved.

What Information Is Found in Tennessee Judgment Records?

Names of litigants
Case summary
Court's decision or order
Judgment date

Judgment records are created when a court issues a decision in a case. These records are public and can be obtained from the court clerk's office.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Tennessee Publicly Accessible?

Yes. Bankruptcy records in Tennessee are publicly accessible. Requesters must provide details such as the debtor's name, the court location, and the case number to obtain these records. These records are maintained by the district bankruptcy courts in Tennessee.

Bankruptcy records can be accessed from the local recorder's office or through electronic databases. Requesters may also use the Voice Case Information System (VCIS) or PACER for online access.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Tennessee

To search for bankruptcy records in Tennessee, first verify the county and court where the case was filed. Requests can be submitted to the court clerk's office either in person, via mail, or online. The Bankruptcy Courts also offer free access to unsealed records through VCIS and AVIS.

PACER provides another option for accessing bankruptcy records online for a nominal fee. This system allows users to search for records using various parameters.

Different Types of Courts in Tennessee

Supreme Court: Highest authority, handles constitutional law and state tax cases.
Court of Appeals: Hears appeals of civil and non-criminal cases.
Criminal Court of Appeals: Presides over appeals of criminal cases.
Circuit Courts: General jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases.
Chancery Courts: Resolve equity cases and some civil matters.
Criminal Courts: Handle criminal matters and some misdemeanor pleas.
Probate Courts: Hear cases involving wills and child custody.
General Sessions Courts: Limited jurisdiction, handle preliminary hearings and small civil cases.
Juvenile Courts: Handle cases involving minors and family matters.
Municipal Courts: Limited to minor offenses with fines and short jail terms.
Federal Bankruptcy Courts: Handle bankruptcy cases in the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Tennessee

Small claims courts in Tennessee are divisions of the General Sessions Court that handle non-criminal disputes involving money up to a certain limit. For counties with less than 700,000 residents, the limit is $15,000, while for larger counties, it is $25,000. There is no limit for eviction or personal property disputes.

To file a small claims suit, contact the General Sessions Court where the defendant resides or where the dispute occurred. Cases can be dismissed if filed in an incorrect location. Common small claims cases include bad debt, dog bites, and return of security deposits.

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