Article I. Declaration of Rights
Article I, Section 17
Constitution of the State of Tennessee
Official text
That all courts shall be open; and every man, for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial, or delay. Suits may be brought against the State in such manner and in such courts as the Legislature may by law direct.
Source: Tennessee Blue Book 2025-2026 (Tennessee Secretary of State)
In plain English
Courts must be open to everyone. A person injured in land, goods, person or reputation is entitled to a legal remedy, and justice must be given without being sold, denied or delayed. The legislature decides how and where people may sue the State.
Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.
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- Your Liberties Under Tennessee Law (Your Rights and Duties in Tennessee)
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