(a) It is lawful for the warden of the penitentiary, acting under and subject to the power of the commissioner of correction, to take charge of any property in the possession of any of the inmates at the time of their entering the prison, and, on the application of the inmate, to sue for and receive any goods, chattels or money due or belonging to that inmate and to keep a correct account of such goods, chattels or money.

Terms Used In Tennessee Code 41-21-216

  • Personal representative: when applied to those who represent a decedent, includes executors and administrators, unless the context implies heirs and distributees. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Property: includes both personal and real property. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Representative: when applied to those who represent a decedent, includes executors and administrators, unless the context implies heirs and distributees. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • 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
(b) The money or property thus received shall be held subject to the order of the inmate upon discharge, or to the inmate’s legal representative in case of death, subject at first to the payment of all costs that may have been adjudged against the inmate and the expenses of keeping the inmate, if any, over the value of the inmate’s work.
(c) If no demand is made for the money by the inmate, or a legally authorized agent or personal representative within six (6) months after the inmate’s death or discharge, the amount on hand shall be paid by the warden through the commissioner into the state treasury.
(d) The warden shall also cause the clothes of each inmate, when received into the penitentiary, to be washed and carefully put away, and shall place a ticket with the inmate’s name on the clothes, to be returned to the inmate on the inmate’s discharge; or, if the inmate prefers, to dispose of them to the best advantage, and retain the money, to be paid as provided in subsection (b).