Terms Used In Tennessee Code 40-30-116

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Appellate: About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgement of another lower court or tribunal.
  • Oral argument: An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges' questions.

The order granting or denying relief under this part shall be deemed a final judgment, and an appeal may be taken to the court of criminal appeals in the manner prescribed by the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure. In capital cases, the appellate court in which the case is pending shall render a decision within nine (9) months of the date of oral argument in the case, if oral argument is conducted. If no oral argument occurs, the court shall render an opinion within nine (9) months after submission of the case to the court for decision. The appellate court shall have thirty (30) days in which to dispose of any petition to rehear which may be filed. If an appellate court finds that it is unable to comply with the deadlines, it shall enter an order setting out the circumstances which render an extension beyond these time limits a necessity. Copies of all the orders shall be sent to the administrative office of the courts. The administrative office of the courts shall report annually to the general assembly on the compliance of the appellate courts with the time limits established in this section.