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TCA 39-13-205

Waiver of jury trials of first degree murder

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What does this charge mean?

A defendant charged with first degree murder may waive their right to a jury trial and have the judge decide guilt instead, with the consent of the court and prosecutor and advice of their attorney. Even if the jury is waived for the guilt phase, the defendant retains the right to a jury for the sentencing phase—or can waive that too with the same consents and advice.

Penalty Details

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Penalty SummaryClassification not specified
[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. (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.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

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TCA Section39-13-205