Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-3-505 (2026)

• (a)
  • (1) Any judicial proceeding under this title may be conducted by the use of audio visual technology as set out in this section.
  • (2) For proceedings under chapter 6, part 4 of this title, the use of audio visual technology is permissible at the court's discretion, but the court may grant any reasonable request by counsel, a party, or a guardian ad litem to conduct the proceedings in the physical presence of the court.
  • (3) For any other proceedings under this title, the use of audio visual technology is permissible with the agreement of all parties and at the court's discretion.

• (b) Subject to the availability of suitable equipment and notwithstanding any law to the contrary, proceedings may be conducted through two-way electronic audio-video communication without the physical presence of the defendant, plaintiff, witnesses or attorneys before the court. Any such hearing must be conducted so that:
  • (1) The defendant, plaintiff, and judge can see and hear each other throughout the entire hearing, except for the private communications excluded under subdivision (b)(5);
  • (2) The judge, defendant, plaintiff and their attorneys can see and hear all witnesses while they testify orally during the hearing;
  • (3) The judge, defendant, plaintiff and their attorneys can hear all questions asked of witnesses during their testimony;
  • (4) The judge, defendant, plaintiff and their attorneys can hear all questions, statements, objections, motions and arguments of any attorney or party participating in the hearing; and
  • (5) The defendant and defendant's attorney and plaintiff and plaintiff's attorney can communicate privately with each other during the hearing.

Acts 2004, ch. 929, § 1.