Tennessee § 44-8-301 - Damages for failure to keep up fences, or for trespass.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-301 — Damages for failure to keep up fences, or for trespass., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 44-8-301. Damages for failure to keep up fences, or for trespass.

It is lawful for two (2) or more owners of adjoining farms to enclose the same under one (1) common fence or enclosure, to be kept up to the standard of a lawful fence by each owner upon that owner's own land, or in such manner and proportion as the owners may agree upon in writing. In the absence of an agreement, the owner of any of the land embraced in the common fence shall be liable to the owners of the other lands and their tenants for all damages to their lands, pastures, fruit trees, crops, or vegetables, occasioned by the failure or neglect of the other owner to keep and maintain the common fence on that owner's land up to the standard of a lawful fence, or by the owner's own stock or that of the owner's tenants trespassing beyond the owner's own land within the common enclosure. Acts 1875, ch. 64, § 2; 1897, ch. 48, § 1; Shan., § 3001a1; Code 1932, § 5216; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 44-1715, 44-9-301. Cross-References. Cattle guards, title 65, ch. 6, part 3. Cited: Porter v. Poole, 8 Tenn. App. 453, 1928 Tenn. App. LEXIS 161 (1928).

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 44-8-301

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-301 cover?

Section 44-8-301 ("Damages for failure to keep up fences, or for trespass.") 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 § 44-8-301?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-301" (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 § 44-8-301 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.