Tennessee § 1-3-104 - Tense — Gender — Number of words.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 1-3-104 — Tense — Gender — Number of words., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1-3-104. Tense — Gender — Number of words.
Words used in this code in the past or present tense include the future, and the future tense includes the present. Words importing the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter, except when the contrary intention is manifest. Singular includes the plural and the plural the singular, except when the contrary intention is manifest. Code 1858, § 50; Shan., § 62; mod. Code 1932, § 14; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 1-304. Cross-References. English deemed official and legal language, § 4-1-404 . Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 23 Tenn. Juris., Statutes, § 23. Attorney General Opinions. Senate Bill 1085/House Bill 1111, 110th Gen. Assem. (2017), which would codify one of the most basic canons of statutory construction, the “ordinary-meaning canon,” could be construed as a violation of the separation-of-powers doctrine embodied in the Tennessee Constitution. In construing certain statutes with gender-limiting words, a court would likely apply the very specific gender-inclusive requirements of T.C.A. § 1-3-104(b) rather than the very general “ordinary meaning” requirements of the proposed legislation. OAG 17-29, 2017 Tenn.AG LEXIS 28 (4/13/2017).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 1-3-104
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 1-3-104 cover?
Section 1-3-104 ("Tense — Gender — Number of words.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 1-3-104?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 1-3-104" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 1-3-104 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.