Tennessee § 39-11-603 - Confinement as justifiable force.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-11-603 — Confinement as justifiable force., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-11-603. Confinement as justifiable force.
Confinement is justified when force is justified by this part, if the person takes reasonable measures to terminate the confinement as soon as the person knows it can be done safely, unless the individual confined has been arrested for an offense. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1. Sentencing Commission Comments. This section recognizes confinement as a form of force which may be used whenever justifiable. This concept is based on present Tennessee law which relieves merchants, employees, and officers from both civil and criminal liability for false arrest, false imprisonment or unlawful detention if the arrest or detention was based on probable cause. § 40-7-116(a) , (b), (c). This section is intended to authorize reasonable alternatives to the use of force. Confinement is recognized as a form of justifiable force; restrictions on the use of force contained elsewhere in this part also apply to confinement. Compiler's Notes. The sentencing commission terminated June 30, 1995. Sentencing Commission Comments have been retained, but do not reflect 1995 or subsequent legislation.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-11-603
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-11-603 cover?
Section 39-11-603 ("Confinement as justifiable force.") 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 § 39-11-603?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-11-603" (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 § 39-11-603 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.