Article I. Declaration of Rights

Article I, Section 35

Constitution of the State of Tennessee

Official text

To preserve and protect the rights of victims of crime to justice and due process, victims shall be entitled to the following basic rights:

1. The right to confer with the prosecution. 2. The right to be free from intimidation, harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice system. 3. The right to be present at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present. 4. The right to be heard, when relevant, at all critical stages of the criminal justice process as defined by the General Assembly. 5. The right to be informed of all proceedings, and of the release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted person. 6. The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence. 7. The right to restitution from the offender. 8. The right to be informed of each of the rights established for victims. The General Assembly has the authority to enact substantive and procedural laws to define, implement, preserve and protect the rights guaranteed to victims by this section.

Source: Tennessee Blue Book 2025-2026 (Tennessee Secretary of State)

In plain English

Crime victims have constitutional rights: to confer with the prosecution; to be free from intimidation, harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice system; to be present at proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present; to be heard, when relevant, at critical stages; to be informed of proceedings and of the release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted person; to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt final conclusion of the case; to restitution from the offender; and to be informed of these rights. The General Assembly may pass laws to carry out these rights.

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