Tennessee Criminal Law Update: Case Law, Legislation, and Current Issues

This program presents a formal and current analysis of significant developments in Tennessee criminal law, tailored for legal professionals. It offers an in-depth review of recent decisions from the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and the Tennessee Supreme Court that substantially impact criminal practice within the state. Special emphasis will be placed on rulings concerning homicide, self-defense, drug offenses, and critical procedural issues. The course will also examine significant legislative changes enacted in 2025 and evaluate their practical implications. Additionally, it will explore emerging trends that are influencing criminal law, including recent grand jury investigations in Nashville that have raised concerns about law enforcement practices.

Attorneys should attend this program to stay current on the rapidly evolving landscape of Tennessee criminal law, including critical case law developments that impact both prosecution and defense strategies. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of recent court decisions across various offense categories, learn how to apply new statutory provisions and develop strategies to navigate evolving standards in criminal procedure effectively.

This program is designed for criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and any practitioner whose practice involves criminal law matters in the state of Tennessee. Attorneys with any amount of experience are welcome to attend.

Learning Objectives:

1. Analyze recent Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals decisions on homicide cases, including issues of evidentiary sufficiency, jury instructions, felony murder, and evolving self-defense standards.
2. Evaluate new case law regarding the insanity defense and procedural requirements for withdrawal of guilty pleas in Tennessee courts.
3. Identify significant developments in Tennessee drug offense prosecutions, including sufficiency standards for possession with intent to distribute cases.
4. Assess critical search and seizure developments in both Tennessee courts and the Sixth Circuit, including standards for cell phone warrants and regulatory stops.
5. Apply newly enacted Tennessee legislation affecting criminal practice, including changes to sexual offender classifications, voyeurism, and DNA collection requirements.
6. Recognize emerging trends in criminal justice reform as illustrated by recent Nashville grand jury investigations and exoneration cases.