Tennessee Constitution Article VI - Judicial Department.
Tennessee Constitution – Article VI: Judicial Department
Summary:
Article VI of the Tennessee Constitution establishes the structure, powers, and administration of the state’s judicial branch. It defines the courts, judges’ qualifications and terms, jurisdiction, and disciplinary provisions.
Section-by-Section Overview:
Section 1 – Judicial Power
The judicial power of the state is vested in a Supreme Court, a Court of Appeals, a Court of Criminal Appeals, circuit courts, chancery courts, and other courts authorized by law.
Section 2 – Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in Tennessee.
It consists of five justices, who serve 8-year terms.
Justices are selected by the Tennessee General Assembly or by a merit-based system (depending on amendments and laws).
The Chief Justice is chosen by the members of the Supreme Court.
Section 3 – Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals
These intermediate appellate courts handle civil and criminal appeals respectively.
Judges serve 8-year terms and are selected similarly to Supreme Court justices.
Section 4 – Judges of Lower Courts
Circuit and chancery court judges serve 8-year terms.
Other courts include juvenile and probate courts.
Qualifications and terms are established by law.
Section 5 – Judicial Qualifications
Judges must be residents of Tennessee and licensed attorneys.
Specific qualifications for each court may be established by law.
Section 6 – Compensation and Retirement
Judicial compensation is fixed by law and cannot be reduced during a judge’s term.
Judges must retire at age 75.
Section 7 – Removal and Discipline
Judges may be removed for misconduct, incapacity, or incompetence.
Removal is carried out through procedures established by law, often involving judicial conduct commissions.
Section 8 – Judicial Administration
The Supreme Court oversees administration and rules of practice and procedure in all state courts.
The court may establish courts and judicial districts as needed.
Key Points:
Judicial power is clearly separated and vested in multiple courts.
Judges serve fixed terms, often 8 years.
There is a mandatory retirement age of 75.
Judicial discipline and removal are governed by statutory law.
The Supreme Court holds supervisory authority over the judicial system.
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