Tennessee § 38-5-101 - Affidavit required to hold inquest.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-5-101 — Affidavit required to hold inquest., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-5-101. Affidavit required to hold inquest.
No inquest shall be held by the coroner or any court of general sessions over the dead body of any person until an affidavit, in writing, is made and signed by two (2) or more reliable persons, averring the death of the person and that there is good reason to believe that the person died by unlawful violence at the hands of some other person; and without the affidavit, in writing, the coroner or court shall have no jurisdiction to hold an inquest over the dead body of any person, and all proceedings without the affidavit shall be utterly void and useless. Unless this section is literally, rigidly, and strictly complied with, and the affidavit filed with the papers, the coroner or court shall receive no fees or compensation for holding the inquest. Acts 1895, ch. 31, § 1; Shan., § 7274; Code 1932, § 11876; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 38-401. Cross-References. Autopsies performed on application of district attorney, § 38-1-104 . Coroners, title 8, ch. 9. Health authorities and recipients of dead bodies to be notified of communicable diseases or AIDS, § 68-5-102 . Mining accidents, inquests, § 59-4-303 . Post-mortem examination act, title 38, ch. 7.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 38-5-101
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-5-101 cover?
Section 38-5-101 ("Affidavit required to hold inquest.") 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 § 38-5-101?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 38-5-101" (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 § 38-5-101 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.