Tennessee Code Annotated

Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201 (2026)

General definitions

✓ current as of May 2026
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Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 694,s 2, eff. 4/11/2024.

Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 694,s 1, eff. 4/11/2024.

Acts 2008 , ch. 814, § 2; 2008 , ch. 930, § 1.


Notes of Decisions
Cited in 114 cases (8 in the last 5 years), 1970–2026 · leading case: Starnes Fam. Off., LLC v. McCullar, 765 F. Supp. 2d 1036 (W.D. Tenn. 2011).
Starnes Fam. Off., LLC v. McCullar, 765 F. Supp. 2d 1036 (W.D. Tenn. 2011). · cites it 5× “Even assuming that Starnes owed McCullar a fiduciary duty and that he or his representatives breached that duty, those facts would not show SFO acted dishonestly or in bad faith in its purchase of the Notes from Independent Bank, the “conduct or transaction concerned.”
Bank/First Citizens Bank v. Citizens & Assocs., 82 S.W.3d 259 (Tenn. 2002). · cites it 4× “” See Tenn.Code Ann. § 47-1-201(19). Applying the general code definitions in this context, we agree with the lower court that the record supports a finding that First Citizens Bank took the instruments in good faith.”
Coble Sys., Inc. v. Coors of the Cumberland, Inc. (In Re Coors of the Cumberland, Inc.), 19 B.R. 313 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 1982). · cites it 5× “The determination of whether the financing arrangements in this case are installment sales contracts or true leases is governed by § 47-1-201(37) of the Tennessee Code, which provides in pertinent part: “.”
Trinity Indus., Inc. v. McKinnon Bridge Co., 77 S.W.3d 159 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2001). · cites it 2× “App.1996). There are more cases interpreting what amounts to good faith under the Uniform Commercial Code’s definition as “honesty in fact in the conduct or transaction concerned.”
Consum. Lease Network, Inc. v. Puckett (In Re Puckett), 60 B.R. 223 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 1986). · cites it 4× “§ 47-1-201(37) (Michie 1979). 23 The difficulties of application of this definition are demonstrated in many Tennessee 24 and federal 25 decisions, and in opinions interpreting identical provisions of the laws of other states.”
Lawyers Title Ins. v. United Am. Bank of Memphis, 21 F. Supp. 2d 785 (W.D. Tenn. 1998). · cites it 4× “” Tenn.Code Ann. § 47-1-201(20). Initially, UAB’s first argument— that it cannot be held liable because Cannon was not a fiduciary with respect to UAB— must fail based on the language of the statute.”
In re Rust-Oleum Restore Mktg., Sales Practices & Prods. Liab. Litig., 155 F. Supp. 3d 772 (N.D. Ill. 2016). “Laws § 6A-l-201(b)(10); Tenn. Code § 47-1-201(b)(10); Tex. Bus. & Com.”
Marlow v. Oakland Gin Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 128 B.R. 987 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. 1991). · cites it 4× “” § 47-1-201(14). "Possession" is not defined by the UCC but relevant case law defines it as the "right to control goods in the possession of another.”
Haverlah v. Memphis Aviation, Inc., 674 S.W.2d 297 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1984). · cites it 2× “Tenn.Code Ann. § 47-1-201 General definition (26) provides in part: A person “notifies” or “gives” a notice or notification to another by taking such steps as may be reasonably required to inform the other in ordinary course whether or not such other actually comes to know of it.”
Notredan, LLC v. Old Repub. Exch. Facilitator Co., 875 F. Supp. 2d 780 (W.D. Tenn. 2012). · cites it 4× “Tenn.Code Ann. § 47-1-203, Hist. & Stat. Notes.”
Jernigan v. Ham, 691 S.W.2d 553 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1984). · cites it 4× “” Delivery concerns a voluntary transfer of possession, T.C.A. § 47-1-201(14), and purchase refers to a voluntary transaction creating an interest in property.”
Auto Credit of Nashville v. Wimmer, 231 S.W.3d 896 (Tenn. 2007). · cites it 2× “” Tenn.Code Ann. § 47-1-201, cmt. 26 (2001) (emphasis added).”
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(10) — 2 cases
Bd. of Directors v. Sw. Petroleum Corp., 757 S.W.2d 669 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1988).
Reed v. Washington Trailer Sales, Inc., 393 F. Supp. 886 (M.D. Tenn. 1974).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(12) — 1 case
Keep Fresh Filters, Inc. v. Reguli, 888 S.W.2d 437 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1994).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(14) — 4 cases
Jernigan v. Ham, 691 S.W.2d 553 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1984). “” Delivery concerns a voluntary transfer of possession, T.C.A. § 47-1-201(14), and purchase refers to a voluntary transaction creating an interest in property.”
Marlow v. Oakland Gin Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 128 B.R. 987 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. 1991). “” § 47-1-201(14). "Possession" is not defined by the UCC but relevant case law defines it as the "right to control goods in the possession of another.”
Alsafi Oriental Rugs v. Am. Loan Co., 864 S.W.2d 41 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(15) — 5 cases
Marlow v. Rollins Cotton Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 127 B.R. 604 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. 1991).
Marlow v. Rollins Cotton Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 168 B.R. 647 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. 1994).
Marlow v. Rollins Cotton Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 202 B.R. 89 (W.D. Tenn. 1996).
Coy Hardaway v. William Burnett (Tenn. Ct. App. 1997).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(19) — 13 cases
Bank/First Citizens Bank v. Citizens & Assocs., 82 S.W.3d 259 (Tenn. 2002). “” See Tenn.Code Ann. § 47-1-201(19). Applying the general code definitions in this context, we agree with the lower court that the record supports a finding that First Citizens Bank took the instruments in good faith.”
Trinity Indus., Inc. v. McKinnon Bridge Co., 77 S.W.3d 159 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2001). “App.1996). There are more cases interpreting what amounts to good faith under the Uniform Commercial Code’s definition as “honesty in fact in the conduct or transaction concerned.”
Notredan, LLC v. Old Repub. Exch. Facilitator Co., 875 F. Supp. 2d 780 (W.D. Tenn. 2012). “Tenn.Code Ann. § 47-1-203, Hist. & Stat. Notes.”
Huntington Nat'l Bank v. Hooker, 840 S.W.2d 916 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991).
Glazer v. First Am. Nat'l Bank, 930 S.W.2d 546 (Tenn. 1996).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(20) — 6 cases
Lawyers Title Ins. v. United Am. Bank of Memphis, 21 F. Supp. 2d 785 (W.D. Tenn. 1998). “” Tenn.Code Ann. § 47-1-201(20). Initially, UAB’s first argument— that it cannot be held liable because Cannon was not a fiduciary with respect to UAB— must fail based on the language of the statute.”
Greene v. Ellis (In Re Ellis), 152 B.R. 211 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 1993).
In re Frost, 1 B.R. 313 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 1979).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(21) — 1 case
Union Exp. Co. v. N.I.B. Intermarket, A.B., 786 S.W.2d 628 (Tenn. 1990).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(21)(A) — 1 case
Mostoller v. Saxon Mortg. Servs., Inc. (In re Hunter), 466 B.R. 439 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 2012).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(23) — 4 cases
Marlow v. Oakland Gin Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 128 B.R. 987 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. 1991). “” § 47-1-201(14). "Possession" is not defined by the UCC but relevant case law defines it as the "right to control goods in the possession of another.”
Liles Bros. & Son v. Wright, 638 S.W.2d 383 (Tenn. 1982).
In Re Microwave Prods. of Am., Inc., 94 B.R. 967 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. 1989).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(25) — 9 cases
McConnico v. Third Nat'l Bank in Nashville, 499 S.W.2d 874 (Tenn. 1973).
Jahn v. Quintrell (In Re Tom Woods Used Cars, Inc.), 21 B.R. 560 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 1982).
Marlow v. Rollins Cotton Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 168 B.R. 647 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. 1994).
Int'l Harvester Credit Corp. v. Ingram, 619 S.W.2d 134 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1981).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(26) — 4 cases
Jackson Cnty. Bank v. Ford Motor Credit Co., 488 F. Supp. 1001 (M.D. Tenn. 1980).
Marlow v. Oakland Gin Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 128 B.R. 987 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. 1991). “” § 47-1-201(14). "Possession" is not defined by the UCC but relevant case law defines it as the "right to control goods in the possession of another.”
Jones v. First Nat. Bank of Pulaski, 505 So. 2d 352 (Ala. 1987).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(27) — 1 case
Marlow v. Rollins Cotton Co. (In re Julien Co.), 171 B.R. 307 (W.D. Tenn. 1992).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(29) — 1 case
Dominion Bank of Middle Tennessee v. Crane, 843 S.W.2d 14 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1992).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(3) — 1 case
Marlow v. Rollins Cotton Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 202 B.R. 89 (W.D. Tenn. 1996).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(30) — 1 case
Kinzalow v. Clayton Bank & Trust (In re Value Inv. Props., LLC), 481 B.R. 403 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 2012).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(32) — 4 cases
Lawyers Title Ins. v. United Am. Bank of Memphis, 21 F. Supp. 2d 785 (W.D. Tenn. 1998). “” Tenn.Code Ann. § 47-1-201(20). Initially, UAB’s first argument— that it cannot be held liable because Cannon was not a fiduciary with respect to UAB— must fail based on the language of the statute.”
Jernigan v. Ham, 691 S.W.2d 553 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1984). “” Delivery concerns a voluntary transfer of possession, T.C.A. § 47-1-201(14), and purchase refers to a voluntary transaction creating an interest in property.”
Alsafi Oriental Rugs v. Am. Loan Co., 864 S.W.2d 41 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993).
Ballard v. Wetzel (Tenn. Ct. App. 1997).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(33) — 1 case
Alsafi Oriental Rugs v. Am. Loan Co., 864 S.W.2d 41 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(34) — 2 cases
Auton's Fine Jewelry & Bridal Ctr., Inc. v. Beckner's, Inc., 707 S.W.2d 539 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1986).
In Re Gregg, 371 B.R. 817 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 2007).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(35) — 1 case
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(37) — 15 cases
Coble Sys., Inc. v. Coors of the Cumberland, Inc. (In Re Coors of the Cumberland, Inc.), 19 B.R. 313 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 1982). “The determination of whether the financing arrangements in this case are installment sales contracts or true leases is governed by § 47-1-201(37) of the Tennessee Code, which provides in pertinent part: “.”
Consum. Lease Network, Inc. v. Puckett (In Re Puckett), 60 B.R. 223 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 1986). “§ 47-1-201(37) (Michie 1979). 23 The difficulties of application of this definition are demonstrated in many Tennessee 24 and federal 25 decisions, and in opinions interpreting identical provisions of the laws of other states.”
In Re Osborne, 170 B.R. 367 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 1994).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(37)(A) — 1 case
Marlow v. Rollins Cotton Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 202 B.R. 89 (W.D. Tenn. 1996).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(38) — 3 cases
Yeiser v. Bank of Adamsville, 614 S.W.2d 338 (Tenn. 1981).
Kinzalow v. Clayton Bank & Trust (In re Value Inv. Props., LLC), 481 B.R. 403 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 2012).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(40) — 1 case
Com. Union Bank v. Burger-In-A-Pouch, Inc., 657 S.W.2d 88 (Tenn. 1983).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(44) — 2 cases
Weaver v. Ford Motor Credit Co. (In re McFarland), 112 B.R. 906 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 1990).
Hildebrand v. Resource Bancshares Mortg. Grp. (In Re Cohee), 178 B.R. 154 (Bankr. M.D. Tenn. 1995).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(45) — 1 case
Marlow v. Rollins Cotton Co. (In Re Julien Co.), 202 B.R. 89 (W.D. Tenn. 1996).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(8) — 1 case
Deutscher v. Long (In Re S. Indus. Banking Corp.), 36 B.R. 1010 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 1984).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(9) — 9 cases
Couch v. Cockroft, 490 S.W.2d 713 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1972).
Gen. Motors Acceptance Corp. v. Third Nat'l Bank in Nashville, 812 S.W.2d 593 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1991).
Jahn v. Quintrell (In Re Tom Woods Used Cars, Inc.), 21 B.R. 560 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn. 1982).
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(b)(10) — 1 case
In re Rust-Oleum Restore Mktg., Sales Practices & Prods. Liab. Litig., 155 F. Supp. 3d 772 (N.D. Ill. 2016). “Laws § 6A-l-201(b)(10); Tenn. Code § 47-1-201(b)(10); Tex. Bus. & Com.”
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(b)(20) — 2 cases
Starnes Fam. Off., LLC v. McCullar, 765 F. Supp. 2d 1036 (W.D. Tenn. 2011). “Even assuming that Starnes owed McCullar a fiduciary duty and that he or his representatives breached that duty, those facts would not show SFO acted dishonestly or in bad faith in its purchase of the Notes from Independent Bank, the “conduct or transaction concerned.”
— Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-1-201(b)(29) — 1 case
Ladon Relliford v. Jerry Burks (Tenn. Ct. App. 2025).
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