Tennessee § 20-9-501 - Charge to jury in writing.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-9-501 — Charge to jury in writing., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-9-501. Charge to jury in writing.
On the trial of all civil cases, it is the duty of the judge before whom the civil case is tried, at the request of either party, plaintiff or defendant, to reduce every word of the judge's charge to the jury to writing before it is delivered to the jury, and all subsequent instructions that may be asked for by the jury, or that may be given by the judge, shall, in like manner, be reduced to writing before being delivered to the jury. Acts 1875, ch. 37, § 1; Shan., § 4683; Code 1932, § 8809; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-1315. Cross-References. Instructions to jury, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 51, Tenn. R. Crim. P. 30. Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 211. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 11 Tenn. Juris., Equity, § 73; 15 Tenn. Juris., Instructions, §§ 6, 17. Law Reviews. Jury Reform in Tennessee, 34 U. Mem. L. Rev. 1 (2003). Waiting for the Jury (George W. Jenkins III), 20 No. 4 Tenn. B.J. 31 (1984).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 20-9-501
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-9-501 cover?
Section 20-9-501 ("Charge to jury in writing.") 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 § 20-9-501?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-9-501" (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 § 20-9-501 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.