Tennessee § 41-21-401 - Defense against violence or attempt to escape.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 41-21-401 — Defense against violence or attempt to escape., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 41-21-401. Defense against violence or attempt to escape.
When personal violence is offered by a inmate to an officer, employee or to another inmate, or when an attempt is made to escape, or to do injury to the building, or any material, implements, etc., those officers and employees are authorized to use all necessary means of defense and to secure the person of the offender. Code 1858, § 5523 (deriv. Acts 1829, ch. 38, § 25); Shan., § 7542; Code 1932, § 12140; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 41-706.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 41-21-401
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 41-21-401 cover?
Section 41-21-401 ("Defense against violence or attempt to escape.") 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 § 41-21-401?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 41-21-401" (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 § 41-21-401 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.