Tenn. Code § 39-13-205

Current through Acts 2023-2024, ch. 725
Section 39-13-205 - [Effective when contingency met; see version effective until contingency met and Compiler's Notes.] Waiver of jury trials of first degree murder or grave torture
(a) In trials of first degree murder or grave torture, the defendant, with the advice of the defendant's attorney and the consent of the court and district attorney general, may waive the right to a jury to determine guilt, in which case the trial judge shall determine guilt; provided, that such waiver will not affect the defendant's right to a jury to determine punishment, if the defendant is found guilty of first degree murder or grave torture.
(b) After a verdict of first degree murder or grave torture is found, the defendant, with the advice of the defendant's attorney and the consent of the court and the district attorney general, may waive the right to have a jury determine punishment, in which case the trial judge shall determine punishment as provided by this part.
(c) Reference to a jury in § 39-13-204 shall apply to a judge if the jury is waived.

T.C.A. § 39-13-205

Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1062, s 11, eff. on the thirtieth day following the occurrence of either : (1) The issuance of the judgment in a decision of the United States supreme court overruling, in whole or in relevant part, Kennedy v. Louisiana, 554 U.S. 407 (2008); or (2) The ratification of an amendment to the Constitution of the United States approving the use of the death penalty as punishment for the conviction of an offense involving the infliction of severe physical and mental pain and suffering upon the victim with the intent to perpetrate first degree murder that does not result in the death of the victim.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; T.C.A., § 39-13-204; Acts 1990, ch. 1038, § 3.