Nashville Courthouses
Last updated: November 1, 2013
Tennessee's state court system features four different trial courts in which a case may begin: (1) Circuit Courts, (2) Chancery Courts, (3) Criminal Courts, and (4) Probate Courts. Circuit Courts have the original authority to hear civil and criminal cases of any type. In Nashville, however, some authority has been shifted to other courts.
In addition, each county may create other courts to serve its individual needs. In District 20 (Nashville and Davidson County), the General Sessions Court (GSC) hears civil, criminal, traffic and ordinance violation cases. The civil suits may only involve up to $15,000 or $25,000 in alternative money judgments, or landlord-tenant disputes. The criminal proceedings are limited to preliminary hearings of all cases, and trials for which the possible penalty is less than a year. Nashville's GSC also features mental health court and treatment courts.
The region also has a number of judges and magistrates (attorneys with a judge’s delegated authority) serving in the Juvenile Court and Municipal Court. See Tennessee’s Judicial District Map for more information on judges, magistrates, and courts within District 20.
State Courthouses in Nashville
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Tennessee Supreme Court
401 Seventh Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37219
Tel: (615) 253-1470The courthouse sits in Tennessee Tower a block from the State Capitol. Numerous Nashville MTA buses stop within walking distance from the building which also houses several state offices.
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Justice A. A. Birch Building
408 Second Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
Tel: (615) 862-5601General Sessions: See Court Directory.
The Birch Building is home to the Davidson County Criminal Court and the Metropolitan General Sessions Court of Nashville-Davidson County. Visitors should park underground in the Public Square Parking facility across the street.
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Davidson County Chancery Court
200 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37201
Tel: (615) 862-5710This is the same facility that houses the police department. It’s across the street from City Hall and Circuit Court. Park as you would if going to the Justice Birch Building (see above).
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Historic Metro Courthouse
One Public Square
Nashville, TN 37201
Tel: (615) 862-5181
Courthouses in Surrounding Areas
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Rutherford County Courthouse
20 N. Public Square
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Tel: (615) 898-7972Visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s website for a parking map and directions to the courthouse. The court also posts answers to frequently asked questions relating to jury duty, marriage/divorce, and other more general subjects. Here is the Rutherford County Contact Directory, which may be handy for finding your specific courtroom.
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Franklin Municipal Court
109 3rd Avenue South
Suite 120
Franklin, TN 37064
Tel: (615) 794-5362The court recommends that you park in the garage on Second Avenue. Enter between Main Street and Church Street, by the flag poles.
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Williamson County Judicial Center
135 S. 4th Avenue
Franklin, TN 37064
Tel: (615) 790-5430The Judicial Center’s map shows the courthouse as being located just west of I-65, along Murfreesboro Road.
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Hendersonville City Court
101 Maple Drive North
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Tel: (615) 264-5354 -
Sumner County Circuit Court
101 Public Square
Gallatin, TN 37066
Tel: (615) 452-4367Turn from N. Water Avenue onto Public Square. There are limited parking spots on the square, but several more on the surrounding streets.
Federal Courts
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U.S. District Court Courthouse, Nashville
801 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
Tel: (615) 736-5498 -
U.S. District Court Courthouse, Columbia
815 Garden Street
Columbia, TN 37203
The court offers driving directions to both courthouses online.
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United States Bankruptcy Court
U.S. Customs House
701 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
Tel: (615) 736-5584You can park behind the Customs House at 8th Avenue and McGavock for a maximum of $10. If the lot is full, or you want to save a buck, look for a spot at the lot on 8th and Demonbreun; it has a $9 flat rate.