Tennessee § 10-7-403 - “Public records” defined.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-403 — “Public records” defined., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 10-7-403. “Public records” defined.
“Public records” within the county shall be construed to mean: All documents, papers, records, books, and books of account in all county offices, including, but not limited to, the county clerk, the county register, the county trustee, the sheriff, the county assessor, the county mayor and county commissioners, if any; The pleadings, documents, and other papers filed with the clerks of all courts, including the courts of record, general sessions courts, and former courts of justices of the peace, and the minute books and other records of these courts; and The minutes and records of the county legislative body. Acts 1959, ch. 253, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 16, 22, 36; T.C.A., § 15-503; Acts 1991, ch. 369, § 1; 1994, ch. 884, § 2; 1999, ch. 167, § 2; 2003, ch. 90, § 2. Compiler's Notes. Acts 1994, ch. 884, § 10 provided that nothing in the amendment by that act shall be construed to permit or authorize a county public records commission, a court clerk, a county or municipal official or any other person from destroying or authorizing the destruction of any original process in a civil action or criminal proceeding. Acts 2003, ch. 90, § 2, directed the code commission to change all references from “county executive” to “county mayor” and to include all such changes in supplements and replacement volumes for the Tennessee Code Annotated. Attorney General Opinions. The general public has a right to access court files as public documents, subject to the discretion of the trial court and clerk, OAG 02-075, 2002 Tenn. AG LEXIS 80 (6/12/02).
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 10-7-403
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-403 cover?
Section 10-7-403 ("“Public records” defined.") 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 § 10-7-403?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-403" (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 § 10-7-403 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.