(a) As used in this section:

Terms Used In Tennessee Code 40-17-102

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(1) “Forensic analyst” means an expert in the scientific detection of crime; and
(2) “Remote testimony” means any method by which a forensic analyst testifies from a location other than the location where the hearing or trial is being conducted and outside the physical presence of a party or parties.
(b) The court may permit remote testimony by a forensic analyst in any criminal proceeding only if:

(1) The state has provided a copy of any report produced by the forensic analyst that the state is seeking to admit into evidence through remote testimony to the defendant at least fifteen (15) days prior to the proceeding;
(2) The defendant agrees to permit remote testimony;
(3) The court finds that the defendant’s agreement was knowing and voluntary; and
(4) The court and the state agree to permit remote testimony.
(c) Any remote testimony conducted under this section must allow all parties to observe the demeanor of the analyst as the analyst testifies in a similar manner as if the analyst were testifying in the location where the hearing or trial is being conducted. The court shall ensure that the defendant has a full and fair opportunity for examination and cross-examination of the analyst.