Tennessee § 16-18-203 - Term of office.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-18-203 — Term of office., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16-18-203. Term of office.

The term of office of the city judge elected pursuant to this part shall be eight (8) years, except for any initial term that may be shorter. Once the ordinance is adopted providing for the popularly elected judge, the municipal governing body may appoint a qualified person to serve in that position until the next regular August general state election. The first city judge popularly elected pursuant to this part shall be elected at the next regular August general state election that takes place at least thirty (30) days after the ordinance is passed calling for the judge's election. The person elected at this election shall serve only until replaced by a successor to be chosen at the next regular judicial election held in accordance with Tenn. Const. art. VII, § 5. All subsequent elections for city judge pursuant to this part shall be held in accordance with Tenn. Const. art. VII, § 5. Acts 1993, ch. 115, § 1. Attorney General Opinions. “City election” under city charter construed as November elections, OAG 98-0103 (6/8/98). A former city judge was not entitled to salary or benefits, including payment by the city for COBRA coverage, after the successor assumed office where the judge was originally elected to a term that would have ended in April 2001, but the law mandating the election time for city judge was changed after the judge took office, and the judge's successor took office on September 1, 2000, OAG 01-006 (1/10/01).

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 16-18-203

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-18-203 cover?

Section 16-18-203 ("Term of office.") 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 § 16-18-203?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-18-203" (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 § 16-18-203 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.