Tennessee Code Annotated
Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-618 (2026)
Purpose - Legislative intent
✓ current as of May 2026
The purpose of this part is to recognize the seriousness of domestic abuse as a crime and to assure that the law provides a victim of domestic abuse with enhanced protection from domestic abuse. A further purpose of this chapter is to recognize that in the past law enforcement agencies have treated domestic abuse crimes differently than crimes resulting in the same harm but occurring between strangers. Thus, the general assembly intends that the official response to domestic abuse shall stress enforcing the laws to protect the victim and prevent further harm to the victim, and the official response shall communicate the attitude that violent behavior is not excused or tolerated.
Acts 1995, ch. 507, § 2.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 37
cases (19 in the last 5 years), 1997–2025 · leading case: Sherry Jones v. Union Cnty., Tennessee Union Cnty. Sheriff's Dep't, 296 F.3d 417 (6th Cir. 2002).
Sherry Jones v. Union Cnty., Tennessee Union Cnty. Sheriff's Dep't, 296 F.3d 417 (6th Cir. 2002). “In support, Plaintiff first argues that a special relationship was created between Union County and her based upon the intent of the Tennessee Legislature in enacting the domestic violence protection statute, Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-618 , and requiring a sheriff to serve civil…”
Cable v. Clemmons, 36 S.W.3d 39 (Tenn. 2001). “§ 36-3-618 (1996). “Domestic abuse” is defined by the legislature as “inflicting or attempting to inflict physical injury on an adult or minor by other than accidental means, placing an adult or minor in fear of physical harm, physical restraint, or malicious damage to the…”
Kite v. Kite, 22 S.W.3d 803 (Tenn. 1997). “The Act’s purpose is codified at § 36-3-618 (1996 Repl.) and provides: The purpose of this part is to recognize the seriousness of domestic abuse as a crime and to assure that the law provides a victim of domestic abuse with enhanced protection from domestic abuse.”
Clark v. Crow, 37 S.W.3d 919 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2000). “§ 36-3-618 (1996) (emphasis added). In order to promote the purpose of the Domestic Abuse Act, as well as give effect to the intent and policy considerations, we *924 must look carefully at what the legislature is trying to do.”
Matthew L. Armitage v. Ginny Hale (Tenn. Ct. App. 2025). “Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-618 . When a court engages in statutory interpretation, purpose plays an important role.”
Matthew L. Armitage v. Andrea L. Kasulis (Tenn. Ct. App. 2025). “Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-618 . When a court engages in statutory interpretation, purpose plays an important role.”
Amy Elizabeth Luker v. Terry Eugene Luker, 578 S.W.3d 450 (2018). “Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-605 (a) & (b) (2017).”
Erika Jean Schanzenbach v. Rowan Skeen (Tenn. Ct. App. 2022). “Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-618 . In 2005, the General Assembly amended the statutes to also protect victims of sexual assault and stalking, regardless of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.”
Erika Jean Schanzenbach v. Althea Skeen (Tenn. Ct. App. 2022). “Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-618 . In 2005, the General Assembly amended the statutes to also -4- protect victims of sexual assault and stalking, regardless of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.”
Erika Jean Schanzenbach v. Cheryl Hanzlik (Tenn. Ct. App. 2022). “Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-618 . In 2005, the General Assembly amended the statutes to also protect victims of sexual assault and stalking, regardless of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.”
Erika Jean Schanzenbach v. Rowan Skeen (Tenn. Ct. App. 2024). “Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-618 . In 2005, the General Assembly amended the statutes to also protect victims of sexual assault and stalking, regardless of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.”
Erika Jean Schanzenbach v. Denise Skeen (Tenn. Ct. App. 2024). “Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-618 . In 2005, the General Assembly amended the statutes to also protect victims of sexual assault and stalking, regardless of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.”
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