Tennessee § 47-4-103 - Variation by agreement; measure of damages; action constituting ordinary care.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-4-103 — Variation by agreement; measure of damages; action constituting ordinary care., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 47-4-103. Variation by agreement; measure of damages; action constituting ordinary care.

The effect of the provisions of this chapter may be varied by agreement, to the extent the agreement does not disclaim a bank's responsibility for its own lack of good faith and is not manifestly unreasonable. Federal Reserve regulations and operating circulars, clearing-house rules, and the like have the effect of agreements under subsection (a), whether or not specifically assented to by all parties interested in items handled. Action or non-action approved by this chapter or pursuant to Federal Reserve regulations or operating circular is the exercise of ordinary care and, in the absence of special instructions, action or non-action consistent with clearing-house rules and the like or with a general banking usage not disapproved by this chapter, is prima facie the exercise of ordinary care. The specification or approval of certain procedures by this chapter is not disapproval of other procedures that may be reasonable under the circumstances. The measure of damages for failure to exercise ordinary care in handling an item is the amount of the item reduced by an amount that could not have been realized by the exercise of ordinary care. If there is also bad faith it includes any other damages the party suffered as a proximate consequence. Acts 1963, ch. 81, § 1 (4-103); 1995, ch. 397, § 3. Law Reviews. Contractual Choice of Law and the Prudential Foundations of Appellate Review (David Frisch), 56 Vand. L. Rev. 57 (2003). Recent Development, Implied Covenants of Good Faith and Fair Dealing: Loose Cannons of Liability for Financial Institutions, 40 Vand. L. Rev. 1197 (1987). Cited: Vending Chattanooga, Inc. v. American Nat'l Bank & Trust Co., 730 S.W.2d 624, 1987 Tenn. LEXIS 1008 (Tenn. 1987); Smallman v. Home Federal Sav. Bank, 786 S.W.2d 954, 1989 Tenn. App. LEXIS 773 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1989); C-Wood Lumber Co. v. Wayne County Bank, 233 S.W.3d 263, 2007 Tenn. App. LEXIS 44 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2007).

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 47-4-103

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-4-103 cover?

Section 47-4-103 ("Variation by agreement; measure of damages; action constituting ordinary care.") 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 § 47-4-103?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-4-103" (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 § 47-4-103 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.