Tennessee § 16-5-103 - Election of judges — Oath.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-5-103 — Election of judges — Oath., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-5-103. Election of judges — Oath.
The judges of the court of criminal appeals shall be elected by the qualified voters of the state in a statewide retention election conducted in accordance with title 17, chapter 4, part 1. Vacancies on the court of criminal appeals shall be filled by the governor in accordance with title 17, chapter 4, part 1. Their oath of office shall be filed and entered on the minutes of the court in the particular grand division from which the judge has been appointed or elected. The oath shall likewise be filed and entered on the records in the office of the secretary of state at Nashville. Acts 1967, ch. 226, § 3; 1969, ch. 330, § 3; 1976, ch. 636, § 2; modified; T.C.A., § 16-443; Acts 2016, ch. 528, § 19. Compiler's Notes. For the Preamble to the act concerning an orderly procedure for the appointment, confirmation, and retention of appellate court judges as required by Tennessee Constitution, Article VI, Section 3, please refer to Acts 2016, ch. 528. Amendments. The 2016 amendment in (a), substituted “of the state in a statewide retention election conducted in accordance with title 17, chapter 4, part 1.” for “for a full term of eight (8) years at the same time the regular judicial election is held in this state for the judges of the other courts of record.” and added the second sentence. Effective Dates. Acts 2016, ch. 528, § 23. January 28, 2016. Cross-References. Grand divisions, title 4, ch.1, part 2. Law Reviews. The Tennessee Court System — Court of Criminal Appeals (Frederic S. Le Clercq), 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 231.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 16-5-103
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-5-103 cover?
Section 16-5-103 ("Election of judges — Oath.") 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 § 16-5-103?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-5-103" (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 § 16-5-103 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.