Tennessee § 39-17-311 - Desecration of venerated object.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-311 — Desecration of venerated object., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-17-311. Desecration of venerated object.
A person commits an offense who intentionally desecrates: A place of worship or burial; or A state or national flag. A violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class E felony. A violation of subdivision (a)(2) is a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2017, ch. 432, § 1. Sentencing Commission Comments. This section consolidates a number of prior statutes. Compiler's Notes. Two United States Supreme Court decisions were handed down concerning the burning of the American flag, which may have implications concerning this code section. See Texas v. Gregory Lee Johnson, 401 U.S. 397 , 109 S. Ct. 2533 , 105 L. Ed. 2 d 342 (1989), and United States v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 , 110 S. Ct. 2404 , 110 L. Ed. 2 d 287 (1990). The sentencing commission terminated June 30, 1995. Sentencing Commission Comments have been retained, but do not reflect 1995 or subsequent legislation. Cross-References. Liability for damage to cemetery, power to arrest, § 46-2-102 . Penalty for Class A misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 . Penalty for Class E felony, § 40-35-111 . Trespass or injury to cemetery property, § 46-2-102 . Vandalism, § 39-14-408 . Violation of graves indictable without prosecutor, § 40-13-104 . Law Reviews. The Flag Defilement Statutes Defiled (Richard Barrett), 5 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 396 (1975). Attorney General Opinions. Commercial use of the state flag, OAG 95-083 (8/15/95). Effect of Texas v. Johnson upon state flag law, OAG 89-138 (11/21/89).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-17-311
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-311 cover?
Section 39-17-311 ("Desecration of venerated object.") 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 § 39-17-311?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-311" (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 § 39-17-311 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.