Tennessee § 40-12-209 - Confidentiality of proceedings and documents.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-12-209 — Confidentiality of proceedings and documents., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 40-12-209. Confidentiality of proceedings and documents.

No person who by virtue of the person's official position has knowledge of the filing of an application for consent, the action of the committee on the application, the filing of a petition to convene an investigative grand jury, or any action on the petition, shall disclose that knowledge except in accordance with this section. All written records of applications, committee action, petitions and orders are declared to be confidential and subject to disclosure only in accordance with this section. A grand juror, an interpreter, a stenographer, a typist who transcribes recorded testimony, a district attorney general or any person to whom disclosure is made pursuant to this section, § 40-12-210 or § 40-12-212 shall not disclose matters occurring before the grand jury except in accordance with those sections. No obligation of secrecy may be imposed on any person except in accordance with this section. Disclosure otherwise prohibited by this part of documents and proceedings before a grand jury convened under this part may be made to: The district attorney general for use in the performance of the district attorney general's duty; and Government personnel, including personnel of the federal government or a subdivision of the state, as those personnel are deemed necessary by the district attorney general to assist the district attorney general in the performance of the district attorney general's duties. Any person to whom documents and proceedings before a grand jury convened under this part are disclosed under subdivision (b)(2) shall not utilize those documents or proceedings for any purpose other than assisting the district attorney general in the performance of the district attorney general's duties. The district attorney general shall promptly notify the judge convening the grand jury pursuant to this part of the names of all persons to whom disclosure of grand jury documents or proceedings is made and shall certify that the district attorney general has advised the person of the person's obligation of secrecy under this part. Acts 1990, ch. 1051, § 1. Cross-References. Conditions for disclosure of grand jury proceedings and documents, § 40-12-210 . Confidentiality of public records, § 10-7-504 .

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 40-12-209

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-12-209 cover?

Section 40-12-209 ("Confidentiality of proceedings and documents.") 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 § 40-12-209?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-12-209" (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 § 40-12-209 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.