Tennessee § 33-6-502 - Prerequisites to judicial commitment for involuntary care and treatment.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 33-6-502 — Prerequisites to judicial commitment for involuntary care and treatment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 33-6-502. Prerequisites to judicial commitment for involuntary care and treatment.
IF AND ONLY IF a person has a mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, AND the person poses a substantial likelihood of serious harm because of the mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, AND the person needs care, training, or treatment because of the mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, AND all available less drastic alternatives to placement in a hospital or treatment resource are unsuitable to meet the needs of the person, THEN the person may be judicially committed to involuntary care and treatment in a hospital or treatment resource in proceedings conducted in conformity with chapter 3, part 6 of this title. Acts 2000, ch. 947, § 1. Law Reviews. One Fell Through the Cracks: Why Tennessee Needs an Initial Outpatient Commitment Statute (Lori R. Holyfield), 42 U. Mem. L. Rev. 221 (2011).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 33-6-502
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 33-6-502 cover?
Section 33-6-502 ("Prerequisites to judicial commitment for involuntary care and treatment.") 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 § 33-6-502?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 33-6-502" (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 § 33-6-502 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.