§ 40-38-301 Intent of general assembly
§ 40-38-302 Part definitions
§ 40-38-303 Victim’s immunity from suit except for testimony that is intentionally and maliciously false and defamatory
criminal case

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Terms Used In Tennessee Code > Title 40 > Chapter 38 > Part 3 - Constitutional Rights of Victims

  • Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
  • Attachment: A procedure by which a person's property is seized to pay judgments levied by the court.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Crime: means :
    (A) Any offense the punishment for which is a Class A, B, C, D or E felony. See Tennessee Code 40-38-302
  • 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.
  • family member: is a minor, the minor may be represented by a guardian where appropriate. See Tennessee Code 40-38-302
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Minor: means any person who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Plea agreement: An arrangement between the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for special considerations. Source:
  • Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.
  • 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.
  • Victim: means :
    (i) A natural person against whom a crime was committed. See Tennessee Code 40-38-302