Tennessee § 20-4-208 - Incompetency of judge.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-4-208 — Incompetency of judge., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20-4-208. Incompetency of judge.

As a further provision to prevent delay in cases of incompetency, it is the duty of the circuit court judges and chancellors, whenever there is a cause before one (1) of them, in which the circuit court judge or chancellor is interested, at the request of the opposite party, to transfer the cause to any court in an adjoining district or division that the adverse party may choose; and the original papers, with a certified copy of all orders, shall be immediately transmitted to the court to which the venue is changed. Where the judge of any court of law or chancery is incompetent, from any other cause, to try the cause, upon application of either of the parties to the suit, the suit shall be transferred to the nearest court having jurisdiction of such cases where like incompetency does not exist. Code 1858, § 3924; Acts 1870, ch. 9, § 1; Shan., §§ 5720, 5721; mod. Code 1932, §§ 9906, 9907; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-508. Cross-References. Disqualification of judge and grounds of incompetency, § 17-2-101 , Tenn. Const., art. VI, § 11. Special judge, §§ 17-2-109 — 17-2-113 . Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 621. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 24 Tenn. Juris., Venue, § 6. Law Reviews. The Tennessee Court System — Circuit Court (Frederic S. Le Clercq), 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 241. Collateral References. 77 Am. Jur. 2d Venue § 61. Affidavit or motion for disqualification of judge as contempt. 70 A.L.R.3d 797. Disqualification of judge by state in criminal case for bias or prejudice. 68 A.L.R.3d 509. Disqualification of judge for having decided different case against litigant — state cases. 85 A.L.R.5th 547. Disqualification of judge for having decided different case against litigant. 21 A.L.R.3d 1369. Disqualification of original trial judge to sit on retrial after reversal or mistrial. 60 A.L.R.3d 176. Laws governing judicial recusal or disqualification in state proceeding as violating federal or state constitution. 91 A.L.R.5th 437. Membership in fraternal or social club or order affected by a case as ground for disqualification of judge. 75 A.L.R.3d 1021. Prior representation or activity as prosecuting attorney as disqualifying judge from sitting or acting in criminal case. 85 A.L.R.5th 471. Venue 45.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 20-4-208

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-4-208 cover?

Section 20-4-208 ("Incompetency of judge.") 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 § 20-4-208?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-4-208" (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 § 20-4-208 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.