Tennessee § 65-21-108 - Priority of messages — Privacy.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-21-108 — Priority of messages — Privacy., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 65-21-108. Priority of messages — Privacy.
All other messages, including those received from other telegraph or telephone companies, shall be transmitted in order of their delivery, correctly, and without unreasonable delay, and at the usual rates, and shall be kept strictly confidential, subject, however, to disclosure in any legal proceedings; provided, that arrangements may be made with the publishers of newspapers for the transmission of intelligence of general and public interest. Any officer or agent of a telegraph or telephone company who willfully violates subsection (a) commits a Class A misdemeanor, and the telegraph or telephone company so violating is liable in damages to the party aggrieved. Acts 1875, ch. 142, § 8; 1885, ch. 66, §§ 7, 8; 1907, ch. 134, § 1; Shan., §§ 1837, 1838, 2445; Code 1932, §§ 3101, 3102, 4058; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 65-2114, 65-2115; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111. Compiler's Notes. This section is deemed superseded, insofar as interstate communications are concerned, by federal law. See McCollum v. Western Union Tel. Co., 180 Tenn. 403, 175 S.W.2d 544 (1943). Cross-References. Penalties for Class A misdemeanors, § 40-35-111 . Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 16 Tenn. Juris., Interstate Commerce, § 8; 23 Tenn. Juris., Telecommunications, § 13. Attorney General Opinions. Access to bank and telephone records for commercial purposes, OAG 98-0160, 1998 Tenn. AG LEXIS 160 (8/24/98).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 65-21-108
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-21-108 cover?
Section 65-21-108 ("Priority of messages — Privacy.") 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 § 65-21-108?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 65-21-108" (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 § 65-21-108 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.