Tennessee § 8-8-301 - Liability for wrongs of deputies — Limitation.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-8-301 — Liability for wrongs of deputies — Limitation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8-8-301. Liability for wrongs of deputies — Limitation.
No sheriff, whether elected or appointed, nor any surety on the sheriff's bonds, shall be liable for any wrongs, injuries, losses, damages or expenses incurred as a result of any act or failure to act on the part of any deputy appointed by the sheriff, whether the deputy is acting by virtue of office, under color of office or otherwise. As used in this section and § 8-8-302, “deputy” includes a jailer appointed by a sheriff pursuant to § 41-4-101. Acts 1972, ch. 800, § 1; T.C.A., § 8-832; Acts 2017, ch. 261, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Acts 2017, ch. 261, § 2 provided that the act, which amended this section, shall apply to acts and failures to act on or after May 2, 2017. Amendments. The 2017 amendment added (b). Effective Dates. Acts 2017, ch. 261, § 2. May 2, 2017. Cross-References. Liability for acts of jailer, § 41-4-101 . Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 560. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 22 Tenn. Juris., Sheriffs, §§ 12, 13, 21, 23, 27, 30. Law Reviews. “Official” Explanation: Defining “Official Capacity” and Related “Color of Office” Phrases in Bribery and Extortion Law (Steven J. Mulroy), 38 U. Mem. L. Rev. 587 (2008). Policing the Police: Clarifying the Test for Holding the Government Liable Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the State-Created Danger Theory, 54 Vand. L. Rev. 165 (2001).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 8-8-301
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-8-301 cover?
Section 8-8-301 ("Liability for wrongs of deputies — Limitation.") 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 § 8-8-301?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-8-301" (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 § 8-8-301 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.