Tennessee § 39-17-908 - Enforcement — Initiation of criminal actions — Civil proceedings.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-908 — Enforcement — Initiation of criminal actions — Civil proceedings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-17-908. Enforcement — Initiation of criminal actions — Civil proceedings.
Criminal action shall commence only on criminal indictment or the issuance of a warrant by a judge of any court of record; provided, that the commencement of any criminal action shall be made only with the prior knowledge and written approval of the district attorney general or any assistant district attorney general. Sections 39-17-901 — 39-17-908 may be enforced by either criminal actions or by actions for injunctive relief, or both, and the actions may be commenced simultaneously and proceed independently of each other. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1. Cross-References. Persons whose compensation is contingent upon issuance or nonissuance are prohibited from issuing search warrant, an arrest warrant or mittimus, § 40-5-106 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 39-17-908
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-908 cover?
Section 39-17-908 ("Enforcement — Initiation of criminal actions — Civil proceedings.") 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 § 39-17-908?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-908" (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 § 39-17-908 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.