Tennessee § 20-9-301 - Opening statements — Right of parties to make.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-9-301 — Opening statements — Right of parties to make., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-9-301. Opening statements — Right of parties to make.
In all actions of a civil or criminal nature tried before a jury, all parties to the action shall have the right prior to the presentation of any evidence in the case to make an opening statement to the court and jury setting forth their respective contentions, views of the facts and theories of the lawsuit. Acts 1969, ch. 90, § 1; T.C.A., § 20-1329. Textbooks. Tennessee Criminal Practice and Procedure (Raybin), §§ 26.30, 26.32. Law Reviews. Technology and Opening Statements: A Bridge to the Virtual Trial of the Twenty-First Century? 67 Tenn. L. Rev. 523 (2000). The Timing of Opinion Formation by Jurors in Civil Cases: An Empirical Examination, 67 Tenn. L. Rev. 627 (2000).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 20-9-301
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-9-301 cover?
Section 20-9-301 ("Opening statements — Right of parties to make.") 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 § 20-9-301?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-9-301" (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 § 20-9-301 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.