Tennessee Code Annotated

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-301 (2026)

Part definitions

✓ current as of May 2026

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As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Desecrate" means defacing, damaging, polluting or otherwise physically mistreating in a way that the person knows or should know will outrage the sensibilities of an ordinary individual likely to observe or discover the person's action;

(2) "Participates" includes:
- (A) Joining a group of three (3) or more persons who riot;
- (B) Aiding and abetting a riot; or
- (C) Refusing any lawful order of correctional personnel or other law enforcement officers during the course of a riot;

(3) "Riot" means a disturbance in a public place or penal institution as defined in § 39-16-601 involving an assemblage of three (3) or more persons whether or not participating in any otherwise lawful activity, which, by tumultuous and violent conduct, creates grave danger of substantial damage to property or serious bodily injury to persons or substantially obstructs law enforcement or other governmental function; and

(4) "Transportation facility" means any conveyance or place used for or in connection with public passenger transportation by air, railroad, motor vehicle or any other method. It includes, but is not limited to, aircraft, watercraft, railroad cars, buses, and air, boat, railroad and bus terminals and stations.

Amended by 2020EX2 Tenn. Acts, ch. 3, Secs.s9, s10 eff. 8/20/2020.

Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 982,s 3, eff. 7/1/2014.

Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1030, § 29; 1999, ch. 350, § 1.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 3 cases, 1999–2010 · leading case: State v. Russell, 10 S.W.3d 270 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1999).

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State v. Russell, 10 S.W.3d 270 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1999). · cites it 2× “]” Tenn.Code Ann. § 39-17-301(3) (1997). Counsel for the defendant conceded at oral argument that if the defendant made the statements the state’s witnesses claimed he made, the crime was established.”

Schlamp v. State, 891 A.2d 327 (Md. 2006). “015; Tenn.Code Ann. § 39-17-301; Tex. Penal Code Ann § 42.”

State v. Dion Andres Russell (Tenn. Crim. App. 2010). “§ 39-17-301 (3) (1997). Counsel for the defendant conceded at oral argument that if the defendant made the statements the state's witnesses claimed he made, the crime was established.”

— Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-301(3) — 1 case

State v. Russell, 10 S.W.3d 270 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1999). “]” Tenn.Code Ann. § 39-17-301(3) (1997). Counsel for the defendant conceded at oral argument that if the defendant made the statements the state’s witnesses claimed he made, the crime was established.”

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