Tennessee § 16-15-5005 - Judges to be licensed — Vacancies.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-15-5005 — Judges to be licensed — Vacancies., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-15-5005. Judges to be licensed — Vacancies.
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, all persons occupying the office of general sessions judge shall be licensed to practice law in this state. Any person serving in the office of general sessions judge on August 1, 1990, who is not a licensed attorney may seek reelection to the position and serve as a general sessions judge as long as the person is continuously reelected. If a vacancy occurs in the office of a non-attorney general sessions judge elected pursuant to this section, the vacancy shall be filled by a person licensed to practice law and the qualifications set out in subdivision (a)(1) shall thereafter apply to that position. Notwithstanding this section, if a vacancy occurs in the office of general sessions judge and no licensed attorney appears at the meeting when the vacancy is being filled by the county legislative body and offers to become a candidate for the office, the vacancy may be filled by a person not licensed to practice law. If no licensed attorney qualifies for an election being held to fill the office of general sessions judge, or the only attorney candidate legally withdraws, the county election commission shall extend the qualification deadline for a period of ten (10) days, during which period persons not licensed to practice law may qualify to seek the office of general sessions judge. Subdivision (b)(2) shall not apply in counties having a population of not less than fifty-one thousand twenty-five (51,025) nor more than fifty-one thousand one hundred twenty-five (51,125), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census. Acts 1988, ch. 698, § 5; 1990, ch. 637, §§ 3, 4; 1990, ch. 862, § 1; 1990, ch. 1017, § 1. Compiler's Notes. For table of U.S. decennial populations of Tennessee counties, see Volume 13 and its supplement. Cross-References. Qualifications of judges, § 16-15-201 . Attorney General Opinions. Candidates for office required to be licensed, OAG 97-110 (8/06/97). Cited: In re Williams, 987 S.W.2d 837, 1998 Tenn. LEXIS 453 (Tenn. 1998).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 16-15-5005
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-15-5005 cover?
Section 16-15-5005 ("Judges to be licensed — Vacancies.") 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 § 16-15-5005?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-15-5005" (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 § 16-15-5005 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.