construction rule (Tennessee) · Go Syfert
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construction rule in Tennessee

33 Tennessee opinions name it 4 courts 1971–2026 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Tennessee courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (20)

CaseFollowedCited
International Harvester Company v. Carrgreen
tenn · 1971 · cited in 8 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1981–2011
2 sentences

2011Computing Co. v. Olson, 677 S.W.2d 445, 448 (Tenn. 1984). “[C]ourts must give effect to the ‘plain import of the language of the act’ and must not use the strict construction rule to thwart ‘the legislative intent to tax.’” Johnson, 56 S.W.3d at 504 (citing Int’l Harvester Co. v. Carr, 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (Tenn. 1971); Bergeda v. State, 167 S.W.2d 338, 340 (Tenn. 1943)).

2010We also give effect to the “plain import of the language of the act” and must not use the strict construction rule to thwart “the legislative intent to tax.” International Harvester Co. v. Carr, 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (Tenn. 1971); see also Bergeda v. State, 167 S.W.2d 338, 340 (Tenn. 1943).

88
Bergeda v. Stategreen
tenn · 1943 · cited in 5 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2000–2011
2 sentences

2011Computing Co. v. Olson, 677 S.W.2d 445, 448 (Tenn. 1984). “[C]ourts must give effect to the ‘plain import of the language of the act’ and must not use the strict construction rule to thwart ‘the legislative intent to tax.’” Johnson, 56 S.W.3d at 504 (citing Int’l Harvester Co. v. Carr, 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (Tenn. 1971); Bergeda v. State, 167 S.W.2d 338, 340 (Tenn. 1943)).

2010We also give effect to the “plain import of the language of the act” and must not use the strict construction rule to thwart “the legislative intent to tax.” International Harvester Co. v. Carr, 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (Tenn. 1971); see also Bergeda v. State, 167 S.W.2d 338, 340 (Tenn. 1943).

55
Northland Insurance Co. v. Stategreen
tenn · 2000 · cited in 3 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2004–2025
2 sentences

2025Co. v. State, 33 S.W.3d 727, 730 (Tenn. 2000); see also Chattanooga-Hamilton Cnty.

2004See Stewart v. State, 33 S.W.3d 785, 791 (Tenn.2000); Cfi North-land Insurance Co. v. State, 33 S.W.3d 727, 730 (Tenn.2000).

33
Colonial Pipeline Co. v. Morgangreen
tenn · 2008 · cited in 3 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2014–2018
2 sentences

2018The traditional construction of the clause is that suits cannot be brought against the State unless explicitly authorized by statute.” Colonial Pipeline Co. v. Morgan, 263 S.W.3d 827, 849 (Tenn. 2008).

2015The traditional construction of the clause is that suits cannot be brought against the State unless explicitly authorized by statute.‖ Colonial Pipeline Co. v. Morgan, 263 S.W.3d 827, 849 (Tenn. 2008).

33
Exxon Corp. v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson Countygreen
tenn · 2002 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Gov’t, 72 S.W.3d 638, 641 (Tenn.2002); Jackson Express, Inc. v. Tenn. Pub.

2008Gov't, 72 S.W.3d 638, 641 (Tenn.2002); Jackson Express, Inc. v. Tenn. Pub.

22
Stewart v. Stategreen
tenn · 2000 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
2 sentences

2004See Stewart v. State, 33 S.W.3d 785, 791 (Tenn.2000); Cf. Northland Insurance Co. v. State, 33 S.W.3d 727, 730 (Tenn.2000).

2004See Stewart v. State, 33 S.W.3d 785, 791 (Tenn.2000); Cfi North-land Insurance Co. v. State, 33 S.W.3d 727, 730 (Tenn.2000).

22
Dodds v. Duncangreen
tenn · 1884 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2000–2001
2 sentences

2001Dodds v. Duncan, 80 Tenn. 731, 733 (1884); Jenkins v. Ewin, 55 Tenn. (8 Heisk.) 456 , 475 (1872).

2001Dodds v. Duncan, 80 Tenn. 731, 733 (1884); Jenkins v. Ewin, 55 Tenn. (8 Heisk.) 456 , 475 (1872).

22
State Ex Rel. Witcher v. Bilbreygreen
tennctapp · 1994 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2000–2001
2 sentences

2001Witcher v. Bilbrey, 878 S.W.2d 567, 573 (Tenn.Ct.App.1994), and in light of the construction and analysis of earlier cases.

2001Witcher v. Bilbrey, 878 S.W.2d 567, 573 (Tenn.Ct.App.1994), and in light of the construction and analysis of earlier cases.

22
Tennessee Products & Chemical Corp. v. Dickinsongreen
tenn · 1953 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1971–1981
2 sentences

1981See Tennessee Products & Chemical Corp. v. Dickinson, 195 Tenn. 63 , 256 S.W.2d 709 ." The decree of the Chancery Court of Davidson County is affirmed.

1981See Tennessee Products & Chemical Corp. v. Dickinson, 195 Tenn. 63 , 256 S.W.2d 709 ." The decree of the Chancery Court of Davidson County is affirmed.

22
American Airlines, Inc. v. Johnsongreen
tennctapp · 2000 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2006–2011
2 sentences

2011Computing Co. v. Olson, 677 S.W.2d 445, 448 (Tenn. 1984). “[C]ourts must give effect to the ‘plain import of the language of the act’ and must not use the strict construction rule to thwart ‘the legislative intent to tax.’” Johnson, 56 S.W.3d at 504 (citing Int’l Harvester Co. v. Carr, 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (Tenn. 1971); Bergeda v. State, 167 S.W.2d 338, 340 (Tenn. 1943)).

2006American Airlines, Inc. v. Johnson, 56 S.W.3d 502, 504 (Tenn.Ct.App.2000).

12
Daley v. Stategreen
tennctapp · 1993 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
2 sentences

1999Pool v. State, 987 S.W.2d 566 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998); Morris v. State, 1999 WL 98965 (Tenn. Mar. 1, 1999); Daley v. State, 869 S.W.2d 338 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993).1 Applying the strict construction rule to Tennessee Code Annotated section 9-8-307, still leaves for decision the question of whether or not the acts or omissions of Trooper Ray constituted "... negligent care, custody and control ..." of persons or personal property within the meaning of categories (E) and (F).

1999See also Daley v. State, 869 S.W.2d 338, 340 (Tenn. App. 1993); Beare Co. v. Olson, 711 S.W.2d 603, 605 (Tenn. 1986). 6 in such a manner.

12
Wyckoff v. Board of Administration of the Retirement Systemgreen
tenn · 1961 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
2 sentences

2026See Id.

2026Long, 2025 WL 2902078 , at *9 (citing Wyckoff, 348 S.W.2d at 290 ).

11
Win Myint and wife Patti KI. Myint v. Allstate Insurance Companygreen
tenn · 1998 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
1 sentence

2019Myint, 970 S.W.2d at 927 (citation omitted).

11
University Computing Co. v. Olsengreen
tenn · 1984 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011Computing Co. v. Olson, 677 S.W.2d 445, 448 (Tenn. 1984). “[C]ourts must give effect to the ‘plain import of the language of the act’ and must not use the strict construction rule to thwart ‘the legislative intent to tax.’” Johnson, 56 S.W.3d at 504 (citing Int’l Harvester Co. v. Carr, 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (Tenn. 1971); Bergeda v. State, 167 S.W.2d 338, 340 (Tenn. 1943)).

11
Insurance Co. v. Craiggreen
· 1901 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008See, e.g., N. British & Mercantile Co. v. Craig, 106 Tenn. 621 , 62 S.W. 155, 157 (1900); State v. Bank of Tenn., 62 Tenn. (3 Baxt.) 395, 403 (1874).

2008See, e.g., N. British & Mercantile Co. v. Craig, 106 Tenn. 621 , 62 S.W. 155, 157 (1900); State v. Bank of Tenn., 62 Tenn. (3 Baxt.) 395, 403 (1874).

11
Petrosky v. ZON. BD., UPPER CHICHESTER TP.green
pa · 1979 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
1 sentence

2003Id. at 1385, 1390.

11
Beare Co. v. Olsengreen
tenn · 1986 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
1 sentence

1999See also Daley v. State, 869 S.W.2d 338, 340 (Tenn. App. 1993); Beare Co. v. Olson, 711 S.W.2d 603, 605 (Tenn. 1986). 6 in such a manner.

11
H. L. Medler v. United States of America, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interiorgreen
ca9 · 1980 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1988–1988
11
Karen Frances ULANE, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. EASTERN AIRLINES, INC., a Delaware Corporation, Defendant-Appellantgreen
ca7 · 1984 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1988–1988
11
Oliver v. Kinggreen
tenn · 1981 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1986–1986
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Tennessee. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (16)

CaseCitedYears
Brewington v. Brewington green
tenn · 1965
2 sentences

2004The Supreme Court of Tennessee has noticed the clash between the strict construction rule established in State v. Cook, 171 Tenn. 605 , 106 S.W.2d 858 (Tenn.1937) and Brewington v. Brewington, 215 Tenn. 475 , 387 S.W.2d 777 (Tenn. 1965), and the legislatively-mandated liberal construction rule established by Tennessee Code Annotated section 9-8-307(a)(3) relative to the jurisdiction of the Claims Commission.

2004The Supreme Court of Tennessee has noticed the clash between the strict construction rule established in State v. Cook, 171 Tenn. 605 , 106 S.W.2d 858 (Tenn.1937) and Brewington v. Brewington, 215 Tenn. 475 , 387 S.W.2d 777 (Tenn. 1965), and the legislatively-mandated liberal construction rule established by Tennessee Code Annotated section 9-8-307(a)(3) relative to the jurisdiction of the Claims Commission.

22004–2004
State Ex Rel. Allen v. Cook green
tenn · 1937
2 sentences

2004The Supreme Court of Tennessee has noticed the clash between the strict construction rule established in State v. Cook, 171 Tenn. 605 , 106 S.W.2d 858 (Tenn.1937) and Brewington v. Brewington, 215 Tenn. 475 , 387 S.W.2d 777 (Tenn. 1965), and the legislatively-mandated liberal construction rule established by Tennessee Code Annotated section 9-8-307(a)(3) relative to the jurisdiction of the Claims Commission.

2004The Supreme Court of Tennessee has noticed the clash between the strict construction rule established in State v. Cook, 171 Tenn. 605 , 106 S.W.2d 858 (Tenn.1937) and Brewington v. Brewington, 215 Tenn. 475 , 387 S.W.2d 777 (Tenn. 1965), and the legislatively-mandated liberal construction rule established by Tennessee Code Annotated section 9-8-307(a)(3) relative to the jurisdiction of the Claims Commission.

22004–2004
Memphis Peabody Corporation v. MacFarland green
tenn · 1963
2 sentences

1981As this Court stated in International Harvester Company v. Carr, 225 Tenn. 244, 259-60 , 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (1971): "While it is well settled that revenue statutes are to be liberally construed in favor of the taxpayer and strictly construed against the taxing authority, Memphis Peabody Corp. v. MacFarland, 211 Tenn. 384 , 365 S.W.2d 40 , it is equally clear that the plain import of the language of the act is to be given effect, United Inter-Mountain Telephone Co. v. Moyers, 221 Tenn. 246 , 426 S.W.2d 177 , and that the legislative intent to tax must not be thwarted by the strict construction

1981As this Court stated in International Harvester Company v. Carr, 225 Tenn. 244, 259-60 , 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (1971): "While it is well settled that revenue statutes are to be liberally construed in favor of the taxpayer and strictly construed against the taxing authority, Memphis Peabody Corp. v. MacFarland, 211 Tenn. 384 , 365 S.W.2d 40 , it is equally clear that the plain import of the language of the act is to be given effect, United Inter-Mountain Telephone Co. v. Moyers, 221 Tenn. 246 , 426 S.W.2d 177 , and that the legislative intent to tax must not be thwarted by the strict construction

21971–1981
United Inter-Mountain Telephone Co. v. Moyers green
tenn · 1968
2 sentences

1981As this Court stated in International Harvester Company v. Carr, 225 Tenn. 244, 259-60 , 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (1971): "While it is well settled that revenue statutes are to be liberally construed in favor of the taxpayer and strictly construed against the taxing authority, Memphis Peabody Corp. v. MacFarland, 211 Tenn. 384 , 365 S.W.2d 40 , it is equally clear that the plain import of the language of the act is to be given effect, United Inter-Mountain Telephone Co. v. Moyers, 221 Tenn. 246 , 426 S.W.2d 177 , and that the legislative intent to tax must not be thwarted by the strict construction

1981As this Court stated in International Harvester Company v. Carr, 225 Tenn. 244, 259-60 , 466 S.W.2d 207, 214 (1971): "While it is well settled that revenue statutes are to be liberally construed in favor of the taxpayer and strictly construed against the taxing authority, Memphis Peabody Corp. v. MacFarland, 211 Tenn. 384 , 365 S.W.2d 40 , it is equally clear that the plain import of the language of the act is to be given effect, United Inter-Mountain Telephone Co. v. Moyers, 221 Tenn. 246 , 426 S.W.2d 177 , and that the legislative intent to tax must not be thwarted by the strict construction

21971–1981
Lollar v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. green
tenn · 1989
1 sentence

2021Id.

12021–2021
Eastman Chemical Co. v. Johnson green
tenn · 2004
1 sentence

2015Id.

12015–2015
NCNB National Bank of North Carolina v. Thrailkill green
tennctapp · 1993
1 sentence

2005The parties and the trial court, thereafter, took the Rule 60.02 Motion literally and applied the narrow construction rule mandated by Toney v. Mueller Co., 810 S.W.2d 145 (Tenn. 1991) and NCNB National Bank of North Carolina v. Thrailkill, 856 S.W.2d 150 (Tenn.Ct.App. 1993).

12005–2005
Toney v. Mueller Co. green
tenn · 1991
1 sentence

2005The parties and the trial court, thereafter, took the Rule 60.02 Motion literally and applied the narrow construction rule mandated by Toney v. Mueller Co., 810 S.W.2d 145 (Tenn. 1991) and NCNB National Bank of North Carolina v. Thrailkill, 856 S.W.2d 150 (Tenn.Ct.App. 1993).

12005–2005
In Re Kerby's Estate green
tennctapp · 1961
1 sentence

2003In re: Kerby’s Estate, 354 S.W.2d 814 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1961). -5- The judgment of the Claims Commission is affirmed, and the case is remanded for such further proceedings as may be necessary.

12003–2003
Pool v. State green
tennctapp · 1998
1 sentence

1999Pool v. State, 987 S.W.2d 566 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998); Morris v. State, 1999 WL 98965 (Tenn. Mar. 1, 1999); Daley v. State, 869 S.W.2d 338 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993).1 Applying the strict construction rule to Tennessee Code Annotated section 9-8-307, still leaves for decision the question of whether or not the acts or omissions of Trooper Ray constituted "... negligent care, custody and control ..." of persons or personal property within the meaning of categories (E) and (F).

11999–1999
Albert v. Orwige green
tennctapp · 1987
1 sentence

1999Although it may seem that we have been more hospitable to certain covenants than a strict construction rule contemplates, see Judge Crawford’s dissent in Albert v. Orwige, 731 S.W.2d 63 (Tenn. App. 1987), in this case the plaintiffs have not furnished us with any definition of the term “modular homes” in the context of restrictive covenants.

11999–1999
Hardy v. Grant Township Trustees, Adams County green
iowa · 1984
1 sentence

1995Accord: District Board of Trustees of Daytona Beach Community College v. Allen, 428 So.2d 704 (Fla.App.1983); Hardy v. Grant Township Trustees, Adams County, 357 N.W.2d 623 (Iowa 1984).

11995–1995
District Board of Trustees v. Allen neutral
fladistctapp · 1983
1 sentence

1995Accord: District Board of Trustees of Daytona Beach Community College v. Allen, 428 So.2d 704 (Fla.App.1983); Hardy v. Grant Township Trustees, Adams County, 357 N.W.2d 623 (Iowa 1984).

11995–1995
Epperson v. Estate of Epperson green
scotus · 1985
11988–1988
Ulane v. Eastern Air Lines, Inc. green
scotus · 1985
11988–1988
Canal Insurance Company v. Brooks green
lawd · 1962
11981–1981

Statutes the citing opinions construe

TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 20-13-102 (5) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-102 (5) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 9-8-307 (5) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-5-322 (4) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 27-9-114 (3) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-14-102 (3) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-5-501 (3) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-203 (3) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-42-101 (3) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 9-8-301 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 110 (1875–2025) CA 108 (1890–2026) IL 100 (1876–2024) NY 97 (1842–2025) WA 96 (1899–2026) LA 60 (1847–2023) PA 56 (1831–2026) FL 55 (1906–2019) HI 46 (1896–2026) NJ 45 (1882–2020) MI 36 (1853–2025) MD 34 (1898–2021) GA 33 (1890–2024) TN 33 (1971–2026) MA 33 (1831–2022) IN 32 (1865–2019) MO 31 (1892–2021) NM 25 (1953–2025) KS 23 (1932–2018) CO 23 (1890–2026) OH 22 (1840–2023) WI 22 (1879–2024) KY 20 (1901–2025) AR 18 (1913–2021) AL 18 (1864–1989) OR 17 (1895–2016) MN 17 (1885–2010) AZ 16 (1934–2023) UT 16 (1936–2015) CT 15 (1880–2018) OK 12 (1915–1965) VT 11 (1909–2025) ID 11 (1892–2025) VA 10 (1835–2017) NC 10 (1878–2026) DC 10 (1854–2022) WV 10 (1914–2022) SC 10 (1894–2025) NV 9 (1876–2012) NE 9 (1926–1995) ME 9 (1967–1993) AK 8 (1977–2021) IA 8 (1915–2021) MT 7 (1934–1999) ND 6 (1988–2008) WY 6 (1895–2020) DE 6 (1949–2017) NH 5 (1971–2020) RI 4 (1967–2011) SD 4 (1999–2014) MS 4 (1987–2014)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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