Tennessee § 8-50-603 - Discipline or discrimination for communication prohibited — Damages.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-50-603 — Discipline or discrimination for communication prohibited — Damages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8-50-603. Discipline or discrimination for communication prohibited — Damages.
It is unlawful for any public employer to discipline, threaten to discipline or otherwise discriminate against an employee because such employee exercised that employee's right to communicate with an elected public official. If the court of competent jurisdiction determines that a public employer has disciplined, threatened to discipline or otherwise discriminated against an employee because such employee exercised the rights provided by this part, such employee shall be entitled to compensatory damages plus reasonable attorney fees. Acts 1980, ch. 806, § 1; 2019, ch. 446, § 1. Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “compensatory damages” for “treble damages” in (b). Effective Dates. Acts 2019, ch. 446, § 2. May 22, 2019.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 8-50-603
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-50-603 cover?
Section 8-50-603 ("Discipline or discrimination for communication prohibited — Damages.") 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 § 8-50-603?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 8-50-603" (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 § 8-50-603 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.