sufficiency of the evidence challenge (Tennessee) · Go Syfert
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sufficiency of the evidence challenge in Tennessee

191 Tennessee opinions name it 2 courts 1996–2026 52 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 (14)

CaseFollowedCited
Jackson v. Virginiared
scotus · 1979 · cited in 150 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1996–2026
2 sentences

2026Our standard of review for a sufficiency of the evidence challenge is “whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.” Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979) (emphasis in original); see also Tenn. R.

2026A. Sufficiency of the Evidence Our standard of review for a sufficiency of the evidence challenge is “whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.” Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979) (emphasis in original); see also Tenn. R.

143150
State v. Burlisongreen
tenncrimapp · 1993 · cited in 3 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
2 sentences

2024See State v. Burlison, 868 S.W.2d 713, 719 (Tenn. Crim.

2024See State v. Burlison, 868 S.W.2d 713, 719 (Tenn. Crim.

33
State v. Thompsongreen
tenncrimapp · 2000 · cited in 3 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2017–2020
2 sentences

2020Finch v. State, 226 S.W.3d 307, 316-17 (Tenn. 2007); see also State v. Thompson, 88 S.W.3d 611, 614-15 (Tenn. Crim.

2017State v. Thompson, 88 S.W.3d 611, 614-15 (Tenn. Crim.

33
State v. Whitegreen
tenn · 2012 · cited in 22 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2012–2025
2 sentences

2024The inquiry of whether the confinement of the victim was essentially incidental to the underlying felony “is a question for the jury after appropriate instructions, which appellate courts review under the sufficiency of the evidence standard as the due process safeguard.” White, 362 S.W.3d at 562 . “[A]bsence of this instruction, when warranted, results in instructional error that must be subjected to constitutional harmless error review.” State v. Alston, 465 S.W.3d 555, 562 (Tenn. 2015) (citing State v. Cecil, 409 S.W.3d 599, 610 (Tenn. 2013)).

2024The inquiry of whether the confinement of the victim was essentially incidental to the underlying felony “is a question for the jury after appropriate instructions, which appellate courts review under the sufficiency of the evidence standard as the due process safeguard.” White, 362 S.W.3d at 562 .

222
State v. Anthonyred
tenn · 1991 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2016–2017
2 sentences

2017The especially aggravated kidnapping conviction with respect to Mr. Gilman was dismissed by the trial court. -8- eliminated the need for a separate due process analysis on appellate review, and held that “[t]his inquiry . . . is a question for the jury after appropriate instructions, which appellate courts review under the sufficiency of the evidence standard as the due process safeguard.” Id. at 562 (overruling State v. Anthony, 817 S.W.2d 299, 306 (Tenn. 1991)).

2016The White court eliminated the need for a separate due process analysis on appellate review, and held that “[t]his inquiry . . . is a question for the jury after appropriate instructions, which appellate courts review under the sufficiency of the evidence standard as the due process safeguard.” Id. at 562 (overruling State v. Anthony, 817 S.W.2d 299, 306 (Tenn. 1991)).

22
State v. Dorantesgreen
tenn · 2011 · cited in 4 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2011–2015
2 sentences

2015In January 2011, our Supreme Court issued Dorantes, which adopted the federal standard that the sufficiency of the evidence standard was the same for circumstantial or direct evidence. 331 S.W.3d at 381 .

2014In January 2011, our Supreme Court issued Dorantes, which adopted the federal standard that the sufficiency of the evidence standard was the same for circumstantial or direct evidence. 331 S.W.3d at 381 .

14
State of Tennessee v. Larry Jereller Alston, Kris Theotis Young, and Joshua Edward Webbgreen
tenn · 2015 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2024–2025
2 sentences

2025Alston, 465 S.W.3d at 562 .

2024The inquiry of whether the confinement of the victim was essentially incidental to the underlying felony “is a question for the jury after appropriate instructions, which appellate courts review under the sufficiency of the evidence standard as the due process safeguard.” White, 362 S.W.3d at 562 . “[A]bsence of this instruction, when warranted, results in instructional error that must be subjected to constitutional harmless error review.” State v. Alston, 465 S.W.3d 555, 562 (Tenn. 2015) (citing State v. Cecil, 409 S.W.3d 599, 610 (Tenn. 2013)).

12
State of Tennessee v. Terrance Antonio Cecilgreen
tenn · 2013 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2014–2024
2 sentences

2024The inquiry of whether the confinement of the victim was essentially incidental to the underlying felony “is a question for the jury after appropriate instructions, which appellate courts review under the sufficiency of the evidence standard as the due process safeguard.” White, 362 S.W.3d at 562 . “[A]bsence of this instruction, when warranted, results in instructional error that must be subjected to constitutional harmless error review.” State v. Alston, 465 S.W.3d 555, 562 (Tenn. 2015) (citing State v. Cecil, 409 S.W.3d 599, 610 (Tenn. 2013)).

2024The Cecil court remanded the conviction for false imprisonment without conducting a sufficiency of the evidence analysis because “the proof in this case could be interpreted in different ways, [and] we cannot conclude that the absence of the White instruction was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.” Id. at 613 .

12
Strickland v. Washingtongreen
scotus · 1984 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025See Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689 (“[T]he defendant must overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged action ‘might be considered sound trial strategy.’”).

11
State v. Parkergreen
tenn · 2011 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025A sufficiency of the evidence challenge requires us to “determine whether ‘any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.’” State v. Parker, 350 S.W.3d 883, 903 (Tenn. 2011) (quoting Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979)).

11
Finch v. Stategreen
tenn · 2007 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020Finch v. State, 226 S.W.3d 307, 316-17 (Tenn. 2007); see also State v. Thompson, 88 S.W.3d 611, 614-15 (Tenn. Crim.

11
State v. Adamsgreen
tenncrimapp · 1995 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
1 sentence

2019See State v. Adams, 916 S.W.2d 471, 473 (Tenn. Crim.

11
United States v. Marlon Keith Bartongreen
ca5 · 1993 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
1 sentence

2003See United States v. Barton, 992 F.2d 66 , 68-69 (5th Cir. 1993).

11
State v. Evansgreen
tenn · 1992 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
1 sentence

2000Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 , 99 S.Ct. 2781, 2789 (1979); State v. Evans, 838 S.W.2d 185, 190-91 (Tenn. 1992); Tenn. R.

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 (10)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Duncan green
tenn · 1985
2 sentences

2010Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 , 99 S.Ct. 2781 , 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979); T.R.A.P. 13(e); State v. Duncan, 698 S.W.2d 63 (Tenn. 1985).

1998Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (1979); State v. Duncan, 698 S.W.2d 63 (Tenn. 1985); T.R.A.P. 13(e).

61996–2010
STATE of Tennessee v. DeWayne COLLIER AKA Patrick Collier green
tenn · 2013
2 sentences

2024Id. at 898–900 (“[H]aving determined that no corroboration of the victim’s testimony is required, we conclude that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient for a rational trier of fact to find the essential elements of aggravated statutory rape beyond a reasonable doubt.”).

2024Id. at 898–900 (“[H]aving determined that no corroboration of the victim’s testimony is required, we conclude that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient for a rational trier of fact to find the essential elements of aggravated statutory rape beyond a reasonable doubt.”).

22024–2024
State v. Young green
tenn · 2006
2 sentences

2018In Boykin, a panel of this court explained that “because venue is not an element of any offense, . . . it is not an issue that may be properly reviewed pursuant to a sufficiency of the evidence standard.” Id. (citing Young, 196 S.W.3d at 101 ).

2011Because venue is not an element of any offense, see Young, 196 S.W.3d at 101 ; Davis, 1992 Tenn. LEXIS 461 , at *4, it is not an issue that may be properly reviewed pursuant to a sufficiency of the evidence challenge.

22011–2018
Kyles v. Whitley green
scotus · 1995
2 sentences

2011The trial court ruled that the March 13 memo was not material because the fact that the defense might have used the memo to impeach the police investigation did not “rise to the level of putting ‘the whole case in such a different light as to undermine the confidence of the verdict[,]’ ” quoting Kyles, 514 U.S. at 434 , 115 S.Ct. 1555 .

2011The trial court ruled that the March 13 memo was not material because the fact that the defense might have used the memo to impeach the police investigation did not “rise to the level of putting ‘the whole case in such a different light as to undermine the confidence of the verdict[,]’ ” quoting Kyles, 514 U.S. at 434 , 115 S.Ct. 1555 .

22006–2011
State v. Watkins green
tenn · 2012
1 sentence

2017This inquiry, however, is a question for the jury after appropriate instructions, which appellate courts review under the sufficiency of the evidence standard as the due process safeguard. 3 The State takes issue with Defendant’s failure to use the words “violation of Double Jeopardy” and the failure to cite State v. Watkins, 362 S.W.3d 530 (Tenn. 2012), in his argument.

12017–2017
State v. Sisk green
tenn · 2011
1 sentence

2012Sisk, 343 S.W.3d at 65 .

12012–2012
State v. Winters green
tenncrimapp · 2003
1 sentence

2011App. P. 13(e); Jackson, 443 U.S. at 307 ; Winters, 137 S.W.3d at 654-55 , and we do not reweigh the video evidence to determine whether it “was necessarily more reliable than the testimony of the witnesses testifying on behalf of the State,” see State v. Teddy Ray Mitchell, S.W.3d. , , No. E2008-02672-SC-R11-CD, slip op. at 10 (Tenn. Mar. 21, 2011).

12011–2011
Brady v. Maryland green
scotus · 1963
2 sentences

2011On appeal, the petitioner argues that (1) the state withheld favorable, material evidence in violation of Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 , 83 S.Ct. 1194 , 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963); (2) the post-conviction court erred by applying a sufficiency of the evidence standard to the materiality prong of the Brady test; (3) the state’s suppression of evidence violated Article 1, sections 1 and 2, of the Tennessee Constitution; and (4) in *87 the alternative, the petitioner’s trial counsel provided ineffective assistance by failing to properly investigate the case.

2011On appeal, the petitioner argues that (1) the state withheld favorable, material evidence in violation of Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 , 83 S.Ct. 1194 , 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963); (2) the post-conviction court erred by applying a sufficiency of the evidence standard to the materiality prong of the Brady test; (3) the state’s suppression of evidence violated Article 1, sections 1 and 2, of the Tennessee Constitution; and (4) in *87 the alternative, the petitioner’s trial counsel provided ineffective assistance by failing to properly investigate the case.

12011–2011
Johnson v. State green
tenn · 2001
2 sentences

2006Kyles, 514 U.S. at 434 , 115 S.Ct. at 1566 ; Johnson, 38 S.W.3d at 58 .

2006Kyles, 514 U.S. at 434 , 115 S.Ct. at 1566 ; Johnson, 38 S.W.3d at 58 .

12006–2006
State v. Flake green
tenn · 2002
1 sentence

2003Id. at 551 .

12003–2003

Statutes the citing opinions construe

TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210 (51) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-401 (49) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-106 (41) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-113 (40) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-103 (37) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-114 (37) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-302 (36) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-202 (32) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-401 (32) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-115 (30) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-302 (26) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-12-101 (25)

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

OH 1032 (1972–2026) LA 995 (1984–2026) PA 634 (1975–2026) TX 318 (1984–2026) IN 314 (1986–2025) WA 279 (1992–2026) CA 225 (1988–2026) CT 210 (1985–2026) NE 202 (1998–2025) TN 191 (1996–2026) IL 189 (1989–2026) IA 187 (1984–2026) MN 139 (1987–2026) NM 117 (1995–2025) MI 98 (1985–2026) MO 97 (1987–2025) VA 76 (1996–2026) WI 64 (1986–2026) CO 62 (1994–2026) UT 53 (1993–2026) WY 53 (1986–2026) FL 45 (1990–2025) KS 45 (1981–2026) AR 44 (2002–2026) ND 42 (1993–2026) NH 34 (1991–2025) MS 29 (1995–2024) GA 24 (1986–2024) NC 23 (1982–2026) ME 23 (1994–2025) NV 17 (1976–2022) OK 16 (1986–2013) MD 15 (1972–2026) AL 14 (1984–2025) DC 14 (1992–2025) WV 13 (1995–2024) MA 12 (1996–2024) NJ 12 (1996–2026) VT 10 (2013–2021) AZ 9 (2006–2026) GU 9 (2021–2024) MT 8 (1991–2024) ID 8 (2013–2021) HI 7 (2007–2023) DE 7 (2017–2025) VI 6 (2012–2017) OR 4 (2004–2025) SD 4 (2009–2022) KY 4 (2009–2025) SC 3 (2013–2020) AK 3 (2014–2021) RI 2 (2015–2015) NY 2 (2005–2025)

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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