[Effective until contingency met; see version effective when contingency met.]

(a) In trials of first degree murder, the defendant, with the advice of the defendant‘s attorney and the consent of the court and district attorney general, may waive the right to a jury to determine guilt, in which case the trial judge shall determine guilt; provided, that such waiver will not affect the defendant’s right to a jury to determine punishment, if the defendant is found guilty of first degree murder.
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 39-13-205

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Defendant: means a person accused of an offense under this title and includes any person who aids or abets the commission of such offense. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.
(b) After a verdict of first degree murder is found, the defendant, with the advice of the defendant’s attorney and the consent of the court and the district attorney general, may waive the right to have a jury determine punishment, in which case the trial judge shall determine punishment as provided by this part.
(c) Reference to a jury in § 39-13-204 shall apply to a judge if the jury is waived.
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