Tennessee § 4-21-701 - Creation of civil action — Damages.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-21-701 — Creation of civil action — Damages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-21-701. Creation of civil action — Damages.
There is hereby created a civil cause of action for malicious harassment. A person may be liable to the victim of malicious harassment for both special and general damages, including, but not limited to, damages for emotional distress, reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and punitive damages. Acts 1990, ch. 908, § 1; 1996, ch. 675, § 8. Cross-References. Harassment, § 39-17-308 . Instruction to raise awareness and prevent hate crimes and sexual offenses, § 49-7-137 . Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence. 6A Tenn. Juris., Constitutional Law, § 71; 23 Tenn. Juris., Threats, § 2. Attorney General Opinions. When this section is read in context and as it relates to T.C.A. § 39-17-309 , an individual would not have a cause of action for malicious harassment under this section unless the person alleging malicious harassment claimed that it occurred because of her race, color, ancestry, religion or national origin, OAG 04-129, 2004 Tenn. AG LEXIS 137 (8/11/04).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 4-21-701
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-21-701 cover?
Section 4-21-701 ("Creation of civil action — Damages.") 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 § 4-21-701?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-21-701" (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 § 4-21-701 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.