What is the 412 rule in Tennessee?

Asked by: Nina Moore IV  |  Last update: February 17, 2026
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The "412 rule" in Tennessee can refer to different laws, most commonly Rule 412 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence, which restricts evidence of a sexual assault victim's past sexual behavior, or Public Chapter 412, the state's Hands-Free Law from 2019, banning holding cell phones while driving; it could also refer to specific code sections like T.C.A. § 39-14-412 (mailbox tampering) or T.C.A. § 37-1-412 (failure to report child abuse). To know which "412" applies, you need context, but the Evidence Rule and the Hands-Free Law are frequent subjects in general discussions.

What is the 412 rule of evidence in Tennessee?

Rule 412 of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence generally prohibits the use of reputation or opinion evidence concerning an alleged victim's sexual behavior, and evidence of specific incidences of sexual behavior by an alleged victim.

What is the new law in Tennessee on July 1, 2025?

New Tennessee laws effective July 2025 cover increased penalties for child abuse, expanded Good Samaritan protections for alcohol overdoses, regulations on vapor products (including a tax and registry), new restrictions on DEI in state government, and stricter rules for harassment and hate speech, alongside changes to voting rights and state employee leave. Key areas include criminal justice (DUI force, firearms), public health (vaping, overdose immunity), education (success sequence, attendance records), and social policy (DEI, harassment).
 

What does Rule 412 mean in court?

Under Rule 412, evidence of a victim's past sexual conduct and. alleged sexual predisposition is generally inadmissible in criminal. cases. 6 However, there are three exceptions, under subdivision. (b), when this evidence may be admissible.

What is the new no touch law in Tennessee?

Tennessee's "no touch" law is actually the Hands-Free Law (Public Chapter No. 412), effective July 1, 2019, which prohibits drivers from holding a phone or any electronic device with their body for any reason (talking, texting, browsing, watching videos) while driving, even at red lights, requiring hands-free use with mounts and voice activation only, with violations leading to fines and points on your license. It's a significant distracted driving law that makes it illegal to even hold a device, not just text, and police can pull you over for it.
 

What is Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 412(a)?

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Can you legally shoot someone for trespassing in Tennessee?

(c) Unless a person is justified in using deadly force as otherwise provided by law, a person is not justified in using deadly force to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on real estate or unlawful interference with personal property.

What is the 3 foot law in Tennessee?

Tennessee's "3-Foot Law" (TCA 55-8-175) requires drivers to leave a minimum of three feet of space when overtaking and passing a cyclist traveling in the same direction, maintaining that clearance until safely past the bike, and if unable to do so safely, to change lanes or slow/stop until safe to pass. This law aims to protect cyclists by preventing close passes that can lead to accidents, treating cyclists like other vehicles on the road, and violations are a Class C misdemeanor. 

What is the case law 412?

Whoever dishonestly receives or retains any stolen property, the possession whereof he knows or has reason to believe to have been transferred by the commission of dacoity, or dishonestly receives from a person, whom he knows or has reason to believe to belong or to have belonged to a gang of dacoits, property which he ...

What is the lowest charge of assault?

The lowest assault charge is typically a misdemeanor, often called "simple assault," involving minor offenses like offensive physical contact, threats of harm, or minor injury, with Texas Class C misdemeanor (fine only for mere contact) or Missouri Fourth-Degree Assault (minor contact/threats) being examples of less severe forms, while North Carolina's Simple Assault (threats/minor fear/touching) is also a low-level misdemeanor. These charges are less serious than felonies but still carry penalties like jail time, fines, or probation, depending on the state.
 

What three elements must be present to prove that an assault occurred?

The three core elements of assault are: Intent (the perpetrator must mean to cause fear or harmful contact), Reasonable Apprehension (the victim must reasonably believe imminent harm is coming), and Immediacy (the threat must feel like it's happening now, not later). These elements establish that an action (or threat) was deliberate, created a believable fear of imminent unwanted contact, and wasn't just a future possibility. 

Is it illegal to cuss in public in Tennessee?

Swearing in other public settings might be illegal if it is done in an attempt to threaten someone or to incite violence. This behavior could qualify as disorderly conduct, which is also a Class C misdemeanor in Tennessee.

Can I legally carry my gun in my car in Tennessee?

Yes, you can legally carry a handgun in your car in Tennessee without a permit if you're not a prohibited person (like a felon), but it must be kept from ordinary observation (concealed) and either out of sight or locked up (in glove box, trunk, or secure container) when you're not in the vehicle, and you must be 21+ (or 18+ if military/veteran) and legally allowed to own firearms. While permitless carry is allowed, it's advisable to get a permit and inform law enforcement if stopped to avoid issues and reduce officer stress. 

What is the Doxxing law in Tennessee?

This bill provides that a person commits an offense who posts on a publicly accessible website the telephone number or home address of an individual with the intent to cause harm or a threat of harm to the individual or a member of the individual's family or household.

What crimes have no statute of limitations in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee law, the statute of limitations does not apply to crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment. Other felonies have statutes of limitations ranging from two to 15 years. Most misdemeanors in the state have a 12-month time limit.

Is skinny dipping illegal in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a first-time offense for indecent exposure is usually a Class B misdemeanor. You could be imprisoned for up to six months in jail and must pay a $500 fine. However, if the defendant is at least 18 years of age and the victim is under 13 years old, then the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.

What is the best evidence rule in Tennessee?

The best evidence rule is justified on the basis of four reasons: the danger of faulty memory of the terms of the writing by the party presenting testimony to the court; the need of exactness in the word- ing of technical instruments such as deeds and wills; the danger of inaccuracy of a handmade copy of a writing;2 6 ...

What is the best defense for assault charges?

The best defense against an assault charge depends on the specifics, but common successful strategies include self-defense, proving you used reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent harm, or the defense of others, consent (like in sports), lack of intent (it was an accident), false accusation, or challenging the accuser's credibility, often requiring an experienced attorney to analyze evidence like video or witness testimony. 

What are the 4 types of offenses?

Offences against person, property or state. Personal offences, fraudulent offences. Violent offences, sexual offences. Indictable/non-indictable offences etc.

What happens if someone is found guilty of assault?

Common assault:

the maximum sentence is six months' custody. if the assault is against an emergency worker, the maximum sentence is two years' custody. if the assault is racially or religiously aggravated, the maximum sentence is two years' custody.

What is the Evidence Code 412?

California Code, Evidence Code - EVID § 412

If weaker and less satisfactory evidence is offered when it was within the power of the party to produce stronger and more satisfactory evidence, the evidence offered should be viewed with distrust.

What evidence is required to prove 406?

To prove a case under IPC Section 406, the following elements must be established: Entrustment: Evidence that the complainant entrusted the accused with property or responsibility. Dishonest misappropriation: Proof that the accused acted dishonestly and misused the entrusted property.

What is section 412?

Section 412. Selection of Members of Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal. Previous Next. (1) The President of the Tribunal and the chairperson and Judicial Members of the Appellate Tribunal, shall be appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

What is the Sunshine law in Tennessee?

Tennessee's Sunshine Law, formally the Tennessee Open Meetings Act (TOMA) (T.C.A. § 8-44-101 et seq.), mandates that all state, city, and county government meetings where public policy is made must be open to the public, requiring advance notice, public agendas, and recorded minutes to ensure transparency in government decision-making, though the state legislature itself is exempt. 

Do I have to roll my window down for police in Tennessee?

Yes, in Tennessee, you must generally roll your window down enough to communicate with the officer and provide documents during a traffic stop for safety and compliance, though you only need to lower it enough to talk and hand over your license, registration, and insurance when asked; however, fully lowering it is recommended to avoid escalating the situation and potential issues, as police can order you to comply for officer safety. 

What is the Kingpin law in Tennessee?

What is the Kingpin Law in Tennessee? The Kingpin law helps determine if a truck is too long. If the distance from the kingpin (the hitch point) to the rear of the trailer is over 50 feet, the truck is considered too long and needs a permit.