Tennessee § 3-3-121 - Prosecution by district attorney general.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 3-3-121 — Prosecution by district attorney general., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-3-121. Prosecution by district attorney general.
Whenever a witness, summoned by subpoena issued as hereinbefore provided, fails to appear, or, having appeared, fails to answer, as provided in § 3-3-112, and the facts are reported to either house, the speaker of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives, as the case may be or the chair of the committee in any event, shall certify such facts forthwith to the district attorney general for any county or counties in which such failing or refusing witness is subject to indictment and trial under this chapter, whose duty it shall be to bring the matter before the grand jury for its action, at the first opportunity, and to prosecute such offending witness by virtue of the office as such district attorney general, and is also the district attorney general's duty ex officio to prefer an indictment against such offending person. It is also the duty of the district attorney general for any county or counties in which any person or witness is subject to indictment and trial under §§ 3-3-113, 3-3-114 and 3-3-120, to bring the matter of any violations of those sections before the grand jury for its action, at the first opportunity, and to prosecute such offending person by virtue of the office as such district attorney general, and it is the district attorney general's duty ex officio to prefer an indictment against such offending person. Acts 1931, ch. 3, § 20; C. Supp. 1950, § 172.20; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 3-321. Law Reviews. The Tennessee Court Systems Prosecution, 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 477 (1978).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 3-3-121
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 3-3-121 cover?
Section 3-3-121 ("Prosecution by district attorney general.") 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 § 3-3-121?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 3-3-121" (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 § 3-3-121 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.