Tennessee § 58-1-118 - Offenses involving improper use or display of military decorations, medals or badges.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 58-1-118 — Offenses involving improper use or display of military decorations, medals or badges., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 58-1-118. Offenses involving improper use or display of military decorations, medals or badges.
It is an offense for a person to wear or display any decoration or medal authorized by congress for the armed forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of those forces, or the ribbon, button or rosette of any such badge, decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof, with the intent to deceive or misrepresent to another that the person is authorized under regulations made pursuant to law to wear or display the badge, decoration or medal. It is an offense for a person to falsely represent, whether verbally or in writing, that the person has been awarded any decoration or medal authorized by congress for the armed forces of the United States, any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of those forces, the ribbon, button or rosette of any such badge, decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation of such item. It is an offense for a person to wear or display any decoration or medal authorized by the Tennessee military department, or the ribbon, button or rosette of any such decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof, with the intent to deceive or misrepresent to another that the person is authorized under regulations made pursuant to law to wear or display any such decoration or medal. It is an offense for a person to falsely represent, whether verbally or in writing, that the person has been awarded any decoration or medal authorized by the Tennessee military department, or the ribbon, button or rosette of any such decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof. A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is a Class B misdemeanor, except if a decoration or medal involved is a Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart or any replacement or duplicate medal for such medal as authorized by law, then a violation of subsection (a) or (b) is a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 2009, ch. 274, § 1. Cross-References. Penalties for Class A and B misdemeanors, § 40-35-111 . Priority on wait list of children with parent or guardian serving on active duty in armed forces, § 71-3-518 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 58-1-118
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 58-1-118 cover?
Section 58-1-118 ("Offenses involving improper use or display of military decorations, medals or badges.") 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 § 58-1-118?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 58-1-118" (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 § 58-1-118 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.