Davidson County Court Records
What Is Davidson County Court Records
Davidson County court records are official documents created, maintained, and stored by the various courts operating within Davidson County, Tennessee. These records document legal proceedings, judgments, and other official actions taken by the courts. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, court records are considered public documents that chronicle the judicial process and provide transparency in the administration of justice.
Court records in Davidson County typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented during proceedings
- Docket information
- Case dispositions
- Sentencing information (in criminal cases)
The maintenance of these records falls under the jurisdiction of the respective court clerks, who serve as the official custodians of court documents. Each court within Davidson County maintains its own record-keeping system, though many have transitioned to electronic formats in recent years to improve accessibility and preservation.
Davidson County Justice A. A. Birch Building 408 2nd Avenue North Nashville, TN 37201 615-862-5601 Davidson County Courts
Are Court Records Public In Davidson County
Court records in Davidson County are generally considered public documents in accordance with both the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The Tennessee Constitution and state statutes establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and the documents generated therein.
Members of the public may access most court records through various means, including:
- In-person requests at the appropriate clerk's office
- Online access through designated court record portals
- Written requests submitted to the custodian of records
However, certain limitations and exceptions to public access exist. The following categories of records may be restricted or sealed:
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Cases involving minors as victims of certain crimes
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by T.C.A. § 10-7-504
Additionally, pursuant to Rule 34 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, certain information within otherwise public documents may be redacted to protect privacy interests, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain personal identifiers.
The Davidson County Chancery Court Clerk maintains public records dating back to May 1846, making historical court documents accessible to researchers and interested parties.
How To Find Court Records in Davidson County in 2025
Locating court records in Davidson County requires identifying the specific court that handled the case in question. As of 2025, multiple methods exist for accessing these documents:
In-person requests remain the most comprehensive method for obtaining court records. Requestors should:
- Identify the appropriate court (Circuit, Criminal, Chancery, General Sessions, or Juvenile)
- Visit the corresponding clerk's office during regular business hours
- Provide case-specific information (case number, party names, filing dates)
- Complete any required request forms
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk's Office 1 Public Square, Suite 302 Nashville, TN 37201 615-862-5181 Circuit Court Clerk
Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk's Office 408 2nd Avenue North, Suite 2120 Nashville, TN 37201 615-862-5601 Criminal Court Clerk
Davidson County Chancery Court Clerk & Master 1 Public Square, Suite 308 Nashville, TN 37201 615-862-5710 Chancery Court Clerk
Davidson County General Sessions Court Clerk 408 2nd Avenue North, Suite 1140 Nashville, TN 37201 615-862-5195 General Sessions Court
Davidson County Juvenile Court Clerk 100 Woodland Street Nashville, TN 37213 615-862-7980 Juvenile Court Clerk
Hours of operation for all clerk offices are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays.
How To Look Up Court Records in Davidson County Online?
Davidson County has implemented comprehensive digital access systems for court records. The online search capabilities vary by court, but most offer substantial access to case information. Pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34, electronic access to court records must balance public access with privacy protections.
For Criminal Court records, the public may utilize the Criminal Court Case Information Portal, which provides access to:
- Case status information
- Upcoming court dates
- Party information
- Charge details
- Case disposition
Circuit Court records can be accessed through the Circuit Court Clerk's online portal, which allows searches by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
For electronic filing and document retrieval across multiple courts, the eFlex system serves as the centralized platform for:
- Document submission
- Case monitoring
- Document retrieval
- Fee payment
Users should note that pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-506(a), reasonable fees may be charged for electronic access to court records. Registration requirements vary by system, with some requiring user accounts and others permitting anonymous searches with limited functionality.
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts also maintains a statewide case information system that includes Davidson County cases, particularly for appellate matters.
Can You Search Davidson County Court Records for Free?
Limited free access to Davidson County court records is available through various channels. The extent of free access varies by court and search method, as authorized under T.C.A. § 10-7-506.
Free options for accessing court records include:
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Basic case information searches on court websites, which typically provide:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Hearing schedules
- Case status
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In-person terminal access at courthouse facilities, where visitors may:
- View basic case information without charge
- Access docket information
- Review case status updates
The Davidson County General Sessions Court offers free online access to basic case information, including upcoming court dates and case status. Similarly, the Criminal Court Clerk's portal provides free access to criminal case status information.
However, fees are typically assessed for:
- Printed copies of documents (typically $0.50-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Complete case file access through subscription services
- Extensive searches requiring staff assistance
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 8-21-401, court clerks are authorized to charge reasonable fees for copies and certifications of court records. Fee waivers may be available for indigent individuals upon filing the appropriate affidavit of indigency with the court.
What's Included in a Davidson County Court Record?
Davidson County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type and court, but generally include the following components as prescribed by the Tennessee Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure:
For civil cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Court orders and judgments
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Final disposition documents
For criminal cases:
- Charging documents (indictments, informations)
- Arrest warrants and affidavits
- Bond information
- Plea agreements
- Motions and court rulings
- Sentencing information
- Probation/parole documents
- Judgment and conviction records
Additional documents may include:
- Witness lists
- Jury instructions
- Financial records related to court costs and fines
- Appeals documentation
- Post-judgment filings
Pursuant to Rule 34 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court, certain personal identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible versions of court records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children (in certain cases)
- Dates of birth
- Home addresses (in sensitive cases)
How Long Does Davidson County Keep Court Records?
Davidson County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Tennessee Supreme Court and state law. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 18-1-202 and the Records Management for County Governments guidelines, retention periods vary based on case type and significance.
Permanent retention applies to:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with judgments affecting real property
- Adoption records
- Divorce decrees
- Probate cases involving wills and estates
- Chancery Court decrees
Records with defined retention periods include:
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Minor civil disputes: 10 years after judgment
- Traffic violations: 3-10 years depending on severity
- Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 31 (with exceptions)
- General Sessions civil cases: 10 years after judgment
The Davidson County Chancery Court Clerk maintains records dating back to 1846, demonstrating the long-term preservation of significant court documents. Historical records may be transferred to the Tennessee State Library and Archives for permanent preservation after their active use period concludes.
Digital preservation initiatives have expanded in recent years, with many courts implementing electronic document management systems to ensure long-term accessibility while reducing physical storage requirements.
Types of Courts In Davidson County
Davidson County's judicial system encompasses multiple courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions. These courts operate under the authority granted by the Tennessee Constitution and state statutes.
The primary courts in Davidson County include:
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Circuit Court: Handles civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations cases, and appeals from lower courts. The court operates six divisions.
Davidson County Circuit Court 1 Public Square, Suite 302 Nashville, TN 37201 615-862-5181 Circuit Court
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Chancery Court: Adjudicates equity matters, including property disputes, contract cases, and business litigation. The court operates three divisions.
Davidson County Chancery Court 1 Public Square, Suite 308 Nashville, TN 37201 615-862-5710 Chancery Court
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Criminal Court: Presides over felony criminal cases and misdemeanor appeals. The court operates six divisions.
Davidson County Criminal Court 408 2nd Avenue North, Suite 2120 Nashville, TN 37201 615-862-5601 Criminal Court
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General Sessions Court: Handles civil cases under $25,000, misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felonies, traffic violations, and small claims. The court operates eleven divisions.
Davidson County General Sessions Court 408 2nd Avenue North, Suite 1140 Nashville, TN 37201 615-862-5195 General Sessions Court
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Juvenile Court: Adjudicates cases involving minors, including delinquency, dependency and neglect, and child support matters.
Davidson County Juvenile Court 100 Woodland Street Nashville, TN 37213 615-862-8000 Juvenile Court
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Probate Court: Handles wills, estates, conservatorships, and guardianships. In Davidson County, probate matters are heard by the Seventh Circuit Court.
What Types of Cases Do Davidson County Courts Hear?
Davidson County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters pursuant to jurisdictional authority established by Tennessee law. Case assignments are determined by subject matter, monetary thresholds, and severity of charges.
Circuit Court handles:
- Civil litigation exceeding $25,000
- Divorce and domestic relations matters
- Personal injury and tort claims
- Appeals from General Sessions Court
- Probate matters (Seventh Circuit Court)
- Name changes and adoptions
Chancery Court presides over:
- Property disputes and boundary issues
- Contract interpretation and enforcement
- Business and corporate litigation
- Tax disputes
- Specific performance actions
- Injunctive relief
Criminal Court adjudicates:
- Felony prosecutions
- Appeals of misdemeanor convictions
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Expungement applications
- Habeas corpus proceedings
General Sessions Court processes:
- Civil disputes under $25,000
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Order of protection hearings
- Misdemeanor offenses
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Environmental Court matters (Division 10)
Juvenile Court addresses:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Status offenses (truancy, runaway)
- Dependency and neglect cases
- Child support enforcement
- Termination of parental rights
- Adoptions (concurrent with Circuit Court)
Case distribution is governed by T.C.A. § 16-10-101 et seq., which establishes the jurisdiction of each court within the state judicial system.
How To Find a Court Docket In Davidson County
Court dockets in Davidson County provide schedules of cases set for hearing or trial on specific dates. These public documents are accessible through multiple channels as authorized by T.C.A. § 10-7-503.
To access court dockets, members of the public may:
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Visit the Criminal Court Clerk's online portal to view criminal court dockets, which are typically published:
- One week in advance for regular settings
- Two weeks in advance for trial calendars
- Daily for next-day appearances
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Access the General Sessions Court case information system for upcoming civil and criminal dockets, searchable by:
- Date
- Judge/division
- Case type
- Attorney name
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Contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office for civil docket information, available:
- In person at the clerk's office
- By telephone during business hours
- Through the online case information system
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Review physical docket postings located outside courtrooms, which display:
- Current day's schedule
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Hearing types
For specialized dockets such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, or Veterans Court, interested parties should contact the specific program coordinator through the Criminal Court Clerk's office at 615-862-5601.
Pursuant to Rule 34 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court, docket information is considered public, though certain sensitive cases may be partially redacted or listed with initials only.
Which Courts in Davidson County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Davidson County, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings as defined by T.C.A. § 16-15-301. These courts, while integral to the judicial system, operate under different procedural rules regarding record-keeping.
General Sessions Court is the primary non-record court in Davidson County. As established by T.C.A. § 16-15-101 et seq., General Sessions Court:
- Does not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Maintains case files with basic documentation of actions taken
- Records judgments and orders in minute books or electronic equivalents
- Does not require court reporters for routine proceedings
The absence of verbatim records impacts appellate procedures, as cases appealed from General Sessions Court receive de novo review in Circuit Court, meaning they are heard anew rather than reviewed based on a transcript.
Traffic Court, which operates as a division of General Sessions Court, similarly functions as a non-record court for most proceedings.
Municipal ordinance violation cases heard in the Metropolitan Nashville General Sessions Court also proceed without verbatim records unless specifically requested by a party and approved by the presiding judge.
For matters requiring preservation of testimony, parties may:
- Request permission to bring a court reporter at their expense
- File a motion for recording of proceedings in special circumstances
- Utilize agreed statements of evidence for appeals pursuant to Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure 24(c)
All other Davidson County courts, including Circuit, Chancery, Criminal, and Juvenile Courts, function as courts of record with official transcripts of proceedings available upon request.
Lookup Court Records in Davidson County
Search Davidson County General Sessions Court records
Access Criminal Court case information
View Juvenile Court information