Tennessee § 39-13-201 - Criminal homicide.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-201 — Criminal homicide., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-13-201. Criminal homicide.
Criminal homicide is the unlawful killing of another person, which may be first degree murder, second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide or vehicular homicide. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1991, ch. 377, § 1; 1995, ch. 460, § 3. Sentencing Commission Comments. This section recognizes that homicide may be first degree murder, second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide or vehicular homicide. Prior categories of homicide are preserved, with the exception of the elimination of “involuntary manslaughter” and its replacement with the new offense of “criminally negligent homicide.” [Subsection (b) was deleted by 1995 amendment.] Compiler's Notes. The sentencing commission terminated June 30, 1995. Sentencing Commission Comments have been retained, but do not reflect 1995 or subsequent legislation. Cross-References. Conspiracy to take human life, § 39-12-103 . Prosecutor not required for indictment for homicide, § 40-13-104 . Restoration of voting rights to convicted felons, title 40, ch. 29, part 2. Use of force defending residence against intruder, § 39-11-611 . Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 4 Tenn. Juris., Automobiles, § 33; 14 Tenn. Juris., Homicide, §§ 2, 17. Law Reviews. Recent Developments — Tennessee Homicide Law, 60 Tenn. L. Rev. 675 (1993).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-13-201
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-201 cover?
Section 39-13-201 ("Criminal homicide.") 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 § 39-13-201?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-201" (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 § 39-13-201 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.