Tennessee § 26-6-204 - Standards for recognition of foreign-country judgment.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 26-6-204 — Standards for recognition of foreign-country judgment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26-6-204. Standards for recognition of foreign-country judgment.

Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c), a court of this state shall recognize a foreign-country judgment to which this part applies. A court of this state may not recognize a foreign-country judgment if: The judgment was rendered under a judicial system that does not provide impartial tribunals or procedures compatible with the requirements of due process of law; The foreign court did not have personal jurisdiction over the defendant; or The foreign court did not have jurisdiction over the subject matter. A court of this state need not recognize a foreign-country judgment if: The defendant in the proceeding in the foreign court did not receive notice of the proceeding in sufficient time to enable the defendant to defend; The judgment was obtained by fraud that deprived the losing party of an adequate opportunity to present its case; The judgment or the cause of action on which the judgment is based is repugnant to the public policy of this state or of the United States; The judgment conflicts with another final and conclusive judgment; The proceeding in the foreign court was contrary to an agreement between the parties under which the dispute in question was to be determined otherwise than by proceedings in that foreign court; In the case of jurisdiction based only on personal service, the foreign court was a seriously inconvenient forum for the trial of the action; The judgment was rendered in circumstances that raise substantial doubt about the integrity of the rendering court with respect to the judgment; The specific proceeding in the foreign court leading to the judgment was not compatible with the requirements of due process of law; or The foreign jurisdiction where the judgment was rendered would not give recognition to a similar judgment rendered in this state. A party resisting recognition of a foreign-country judgment has the burden of establishing that a ground for nonrecognition stated in subsection (b) or (c) exists. Acts 2019, ch. 278, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Acts 2019, ch. 278, § 5 provided that the act applies to all actions commenced on or after July 1, 2019, in which the issue of recognition of a foreign-country judgment is raised. Effective Dates. Acts 2019, ch. 278, § 5. July 1, 2019.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 26-6-204

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 26-6-204 cover?

Section 26-6-204 ("Standards for recognition of foreign-country judgment.") 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 § 26-6-204?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 26-6-204" (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 § 26-6-204 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.