Tennessee § 40-17-117 - Proof of incorporation.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-17-117 — Proof of incorporation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-17-117. Proof of incorporation.
In the trial of criminal cases, it shall not be necessary for the state to prove the incorporation of any corporation mentioned in the indictment or presentment, unless the defendant within thirty (30) days after indictment or presentment, if defendant be under bond, or within thirty (30) days after arrest on capias, denies the existence of the corporation by a sworn plea. On all trials for offenses where the existence of a corporation must be shown, a legally authenticated copy of the charter of the corporation, or a book purporting to be the public statute book of the United States, or of the particular state in which the charter is printed, shall be prima facie evidence of the existence of the corporation. Code 1858, § 5379 (deriv. Acts 1829, ch. 23, § 70); Shan., § 7357; Code 1932, §§ 11961, 11962; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 40-2439, 40-2440. Textbooks. Tennessee Criminal Practice and Procedure (Raybin), § 16.19.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 40-17-117
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-17-117 cover?
Section 40-17-117 ("Proof of incorporation.") 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 § 40-17-117?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-17-117" (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 § 40-17-117 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.