Tennessee § 4-5-303 - Separation of functions.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-5-303 — Separation of functions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-5-303. Separation of functions.
A person who has served as an investigator, prosecutor or advocate in a contested case may not serve as an administrative judge or hearing officer or assist or advise an administrative judge or hearing officer in the same proceeding. A person who is subject to the authority, direction or discretion of one who has served as investigator, prosecutor or advocate in a contested case may not serve as an administrative judge or hearing officer or assist or advise an administrative judge or hearing officer in the same proceeding. A person who has participated in a determination of probable cause or other equivalent preliminary determination in a contested case may not serve as an administrative judge or hearing officer or assist or advise an administrative judge or hearing officer in the same proceeding. A person may serve as an administrative judge or hearing officer at successive stages of the same contested case, unless a party demonstrates grounds for disqualification in accordance with § 4-5-302. A person who has participated in a determination of probable cause or other equivalent preliminary determination or participated in or made a decision that is on administrative appeal in a contested case may serve as an agency member in the contested case where authorized by law and not subject to disqualification or other cause provided in this chapter. Acts 1982, ch. 874, § 39. Law Reviews. Forfeitures Under the Tennessee Drug Control Act (Lewis L. Laska), 16 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 431 (1986). Symposium – Memphis in The Law: The Process of Determining What Process is Due: The Continuing Saga of Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division v. Craft, 436 U.S. 1 (1978) (Donna Harkness), 41 U. Mem. L. Rev. 745 (2011).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 4-5-303
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-5-303 cover?
Section 4-5-303 ("Separation of functions.") 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 § 4-5-303?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-5-303" (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 § 4-5-303 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.