What is the Role of Attorneys, Judges, and Juries in a Tennessee Civil Lawsuit?

An attorney’s obligation is primarily to represent the best interests of the client. The attorney’s duties and obligations will vary depending on the type of case and scope of the representation. This obligation to act in the best interest of the client, however, is not absolute. Tennessee attorneys are bound by ethical rules that offer guidance on how to conduct themselves when certain situations arise and strictly prohibit certain types of conduct. For instance, attorneys are not allowed to lie or misrepresent facts to the court, even though doing so may benefit the client. Visit Mistakes Your Lawyer Can Make for more information on an attorney’s obligation to his or her client.

The trial judge has an obligation to apply the law to the facts of the case in a neutral manner. Trial courts are not allowed to show favoritism to either party. In fact, even the appearance of impropriety will require a judge to be removed from the case. Trial judges often make decisions concerning the exchange of documents before trial and the admissibility of evidence during trial. Tennessee trial judges are also required dismiss frivolous lawsuits and to approve or disapprove of a jury’s verdict following a trial.

The jury is the “trier of facts.” Put simply, the jury decides who wins. In making their decision, juries are required to follow instructions given by the trial court on how to determine fault. Juries are only allowed to base their decision on the facts presented at trial and may not base their decision on outside evidence or on personal feelings or biases.

Bailey & Greer represents people with personal injury claims in Tennessee and Mississippi, including Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville, Arlington, Lakeland, and all of Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton Counties.We have also handled cases in Arkansas, Georgia, and Missouri.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.