Rutherford County Court Records
What Is Rutherford County Court Records
Court records in Rutherford County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of legal transactions and proceedings as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, which establishes the framework for public records in the state.
Rutherford County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
These records are distinct from other public records maintained by Rutherford County, such as property records, vital statistics, and tax documents. While these other records contain important information about county residents and properties, they are not generated through judicial proceedings and are maintained by different county departments.
The following courts in Rutherford County maintain official court records:
- Circuit Court (Civil and Criminal Divisions)
- Chancery Court
- General Sessions Court
- Juvenile Court
- Probate Court
- Municipal Courts (Murfreesboro, Smyrna, LaVergne)
Each court maintains records pertaining to its specific jurisdiction, which may include civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, juvenile cases, and traffic violations. The comprehensive nature of these records provides a detailed account of legal matters adjudicated within Rutherford County's judicial system.
Are Court Records Public In Rutherford County
Court records in Rutherford County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, T.C.A. § 10-7-503, which establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee. This statutory framework aligns with the constitutional principle of open courts and transparent judicial proceedings.
The following categories of court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
- Criminal case files (post-charging, with exceptions for sealed or expunged records)
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Property and probate records
- Marriage and divorce records (excluding confidential information)
However, public access is subject to important limitations established by state law and court rules. Under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests, confidential information, or sensitive matters. These exceptions typically include:
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Documents containing personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers
- Mental health evaluations and medical records
- Adoption proceedings
- Records pertaining to victims of domestic violence or sexual offenses
- Grand jury proceedings and materials
The Tennessee judiciary maintains a balance between the public's right to access court records and the protection of legitimate privacy interests. This approach is consistent with the Tennessee Constitution Article I, Section 17, which guarantees that "all courts shall be open."
Members of the public seeking access to Rutherford County court records should be aware that while the presumption favors disclosure, specific limitations may apply to certain categories of records or information contained within those records.
How To Find Court Records in Rutherford County in 2026
Members of the public may access Rutherford County court records through several established channels. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate various research needs and preferences.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the appropriate court clerk's office:
Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Room 101, Judicial Center
116 W. Lytle Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7812
Rutherford County Circuit Court
When requesting court records in person, the following procedure applies:
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies, additional fees for certified copies)
- Allow sufficient processing time, particularly for older or archived records
For written requests, individuals may submit a formal records request by mail to the appropriate court clerk's office. Written requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Description of records sought
- Whether certified copies are required
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Electronic requests are currently accepted through the county's online portal. The Rutherford County Public Records Request System allows users to:
- Create an account or submit as a guest
- Complete the electronic request form
- Provide specific case information
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Receive electronic copies of available records
For expedited service, individuals may contact the court clerk's office by telephone to confirm record availability before visiting in person. This preliminary step can save time and ensure that the requested records are accessible.
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(2)(B), the records custodian must promptly make requested records available for inspection, unless otherwise provided by state law. If records cannot be made available within seven business days, the custodian must provide a written explanation and estimated timeframe for production.
How To Look Up Court Records in Rutherford County Online?
Rutherford County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems offer varying levels of information and functionality depending on the court and case type.
The primary online resource is the Tennessee State Courts Case Information System, which provides access to Rutherford County court records. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the official portal
- Select "Rutherford County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Choose the appropriate court (Circuit, Chancery, General Sessions)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date range)
- Review the search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Pay any applicable access fees for document viewing or downloading
For criminal court records specifically, the Rutherford County Criminal Court Records Search offers:
- Case status information
- Hearing dates and times
- Party information
- Charge details and disposition
- Bond information
- Limited document access
Property and probate records are accessible through the Rutherford County Register of Deeds Online Portal, which allows users to:
- Search by name, property address, or instrument number
- View document indices
- Access recorded documents (deeds, mortgages, liens, probate filings)
- Purchase copies of documents online
The Rutherford County General Sessions Court Records system provides:
- Civil and criminal case information
- Traffic citation status
- Upcoming court dates
- Case disposition information
Users should note that online access may be subject to certain limitations:
- Some documents may only be available in redacted form
- Certain case types may have restricted online access
- Older records may not be fully digitized
- Document downloads may incur fees
- Complete case files may require in-person inspection
Pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34, online access to court records must balance public access with privacy protections. Consequently, sensitive information is typically redacted from online records, and certain case types may have limited online availability.
How To Search Rutherford County Court Records for Free?
Tennessee law guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge, as established in T.C.A. § 10-7-503(a)(7)(A), which states that "a records custodian may not assess a charge to view a public record unless otherwise required by law." This statutory provision ensures that members of the public can access court records without incurring inspection fees, though charges for copies may still apply.
Rutherford County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records:
In-person inspection is available at no charge at the following locations:
Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Room 101, Judicial Center
116 W. Lytle Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7812
Rutherford County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Rutherford County Register of Deeds
County Courthouse
Room 205
16 Public Square North
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7850
Rutherford County Register of Deeds
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
To conduct free in-person research:
- Visit during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Present identification
- Specify the records you wish to inspect
- Use available public terminals or request physical files
- Take notes or request copies (copy fees will apply)
Free online search options include:
- Tennessee State Courts Public Case Search - Provides basic case information without charge
- Rutherford County Court Docket Search - Allows free searching of upcoming court dates
- Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search - Provides free access to current inmate information
Public access computers are available at the following locations:
Rutherford County Public Library
1355 W. College St.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 893-4131
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
These terminals provide free access to public court databases, though printing fees may apply.
While inspection is free, users should note that fees apply for:
- Photocopies ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Document printing from public terminals ($0.25 per page)
- Research assistance beyond standard assistance ($25.00 per hour, one-hour minimum)
What's Included in a Rutherford County Court Record?
Rutherford County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.
Standard components found in most court records include:
- Case information sheet with basic identifying data
- Docket sheet listing all filings and court actions
- Summons and proof of service documents
- Pleadings (complaints, petitions, answers, counterclaims)
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Court orders and judgments
- Certificates of service
- Notices of appearance by attorneys
- Financial records (filing fees, court costs, judgments)
Civil case records typically contain:
- Initial complaint and response
- Exhibits and evidence submissions
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Expert witness reports and affidavits
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Judgment and enforcement documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
Criminal case records generally include:
- Charging documents (indictments, informations)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bond and pretrial release documentation
- Plea agreements
- Sentencing recommendations
- Judgment and sentence orders
- Probation reports (may be partially confidential)
- Restitution orders
- Post-conviction filings
Probate records typically contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Accountings
- Distribution orders
- Guardianship or conservatorship documents
Family court records may include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Property division agreements
- Protective orders
- Adoption petitions and final decrees
- Name change applications
Pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children
- Dates of birth
- Home addresses in certain cases
- Medical and mental health records
- Victim information in sensitive cases
The completeness of court records may vary based on case age, with older records sometimes having been partially archived or stored in different formats according to the county's records retention schedule.
How Long Does Rutherford County Keep Court Records?
Rutherford County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Tennessee Public Records Commission and governed by T.C.A. § 10-7-401 et seq.. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various categories of court records, though many records are maintained permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
The following retention periods apply to major categories of court records in Rutherford County:
Permanent Retention Records:
- Final judgments and decrees in civil cases
- Criminal case files involving felonies
- Probate case files and estate settlements
- Adoption proceedings
- Divorce decrees
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Naturalization records
- Minutes of court proceedings
- Docket books and indices
- Chancery Court records
Extended Retention Records:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases: 10 years after case closure
- Civil cases without real property issues: 10 years after final judgment
- Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 25, with exceptions
- Traffic violations: 10 years after disposition
- Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
- Domestic violence protective orders: 50 years
Shorter Retention Records:
- Administrative records: 5 years
- Financial records: 7 years
- Jury records: 3 years after jury service
- Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period or maintained with case file
- Recordings of proceedings: 10 years, unless transcribed
The county implements these retention schedules through a combination of:
- Physical archiving of paper records
- Microfilming of older records
- Digital scanning and electronic storage
- Secure destruction of eligible records
Records scheduled for destruction must undergo a formal review process, and destruction must be documented according to state regulations. Historical records of significant value may be transferred to the Tennessee State Library and Archives for permanent preservation.
Individuals seeking older records should be aware that:
- Records may be stored off-site and require additional retrieval time
- Some older records may exist only in microfilm or other non-digital formats
- Records damaged by environmental factors may have limited accessibility
- Some records from the early 20th century or earlier may be incomplete
The county clerk's office can provide information about the availability and location of specific historical records upon request.
Types of Courts In Rutherford County
Rutherford County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Tennessee's unified court system. Each court handles specific types of cases as established by state law.
Rutherford County Circuit Court
Judicial Center
116 W. Lytle Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7812
Rutherford County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Rutherford County Chancery Court
Judicial Center
116 W. Lytle Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7800
Rutherford County Chancery Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Rutherford County General Sessions Court
Judicial Center
116 W. Lytle Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7831
Rutherford County General Sessions Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Rutherford County Juvenile Court
Juvenile Justice Center
1710 South Church Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7825
Rutherford County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Murfreesboro City Court
Murfreesboro Police Department
1004 N. Highland Ave.
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 893-5210
Murfreesboro City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Smyrna Municipal Court
315 S. Lowry Street
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 459-9742
Smyrna Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
LaVergne Municipal Court
5093 Murfreesboro Road
LaVergne, TN 37086
(615) 793-6295
LaVergne Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Tennessee court system follows a hierarchical structure:
- Municipal/City Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- General Sessions Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- Circuit and Chancery Courts (trial courts of general jurisdiction)
- Tennessee Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals (intermediate appellate courts)
- Tennessee Supreme Court (court of last resort)
Appeals from Rutherford County courts typically follow this path:
- Municipal Court cases may be appealed to General Sessions Court for a new trial (trial de novo)
- General Sessions cases may be appealed to Circuit Court for a new trial
- Circuit and Chancery Court cases are appealed to the appropriate state appellate court
- Final appeals are heard by the Tennessee Supreme Court at its discretion
This structure ensures multiple levels of review while maintaining efficient case processing at each jurisdictional level.
What Types of Cases Do Rutherford County Courts Hear?
Rutherford County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific subject matter jurisdiction as established by Tennessee law. This specialized structure ensures efficient case processing while providing appropriate forums for different types of legal disputes.
Circuit Court handles:
- Major civil litigation with claims exceeding $25,000
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Appeals from General Sessions Court
- Tort claims (personal injury, property damage)
- Contract disputes
- Real property litigation
- Civil rights cases
- Divorce and family law matters (concurrent with Chancery)
- Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
Chancery Court presides over:
- Equity matters
- Probate cases and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Business and commercial disputes
- Property disputes
- Tax cases
- Name changes
- Adoptions
- Divorce cases (concurrent with Circuit Court)
- Injunctions and declaratory judgments
General Sessions Court addresses:
- Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Traffic violations
- Orders of protection
- Small claims (civil warrants)
- Mental health commitments
- Environmental citations
Juvenile Court handles matters involving:
- Delinquent children (under 18 alleged to have committed crimes)
- Unruly children (status offenders)
- Dependent and neglected children
- Child abuse and neglect proceedings
- Termination of parental rights
- Child support enforcement
- Paternity establishment
- Custody determinations in certain circumstances
- Truancy cases
Municipal Courts (Murfreesboro, Smyrna, LaVergne) adjudicate:
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Traffic infractions occurring within city limits
- Certain misdemeanor citations
- Code enforcement matters
- Parking violations
- Animal control violations
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-10-101 et seq. for Circuit Courts, T.C.A. § 16-11-101 et seq. for Chancery Courts, and other relevant statutes defining court jurisdiction.
In certain instances, jurisdictional overlap exists, particularly between Circuit and Chancery Courts in divorce matters. In such cases, the court that first assumes jurisdiction typically retains the case, though transfers between courts are possible when appropriate.
Complex cases may involve multiple courts within the county system. For example, a family matter might involve juvenile issues (Juvenile Court), criminal charges (General Sessions or Circuit), and property disputes (Chancery), requiring coordination between judicial officers and court staff.
How To Find a Court Docket In Rutherford County
Court dockets in Rutherford County provide essential information about scheduled court proceedings, including hearing dates, case parties, presiding judges, and courtroom locations. These dockets are accessible through multiple channels to accommodate various user needs.
Online docket access is available through the following resources:
-
Tennessee State Courts Case Information System
- Select "Rutherford County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Choose the appropriate court (Circuit, Chancery, General Sessions)
- Search by case number, party name, or date range
- View upcoming hearing information and case status
-
Rutherford County Circuit Court Criminal Docket
- Navigate to the "Dockets" section
- Select the desired court date from the calendar
- View cases scheduled for that date
- Access defendant information and charge details
-
Rutherford County General Sessions Court Calendar
- Select "Court Calendars" from the menu
- Choose the appropriate courtroom or judge
- View cases scheduled by date
- Access basic case information
For in-person docket inspection, individuals may visit:
Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Room 101, Judicial Center
116 W. Lytle Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 898-7812
Rutherford County Circuit Court
The clerk's office maintains printed dockets for public review. These printed dockets are typically:
- Posted outside each courtroom on the day of proceedings
- Available at the clerk's public counter
- Updated daily to reflect schedule changes
Telephone docket information is available by calling the appropriate court clerk's office:
- Circuit Court: (615) 898-7812
- Chancery Court: (615) 898-7800
- General Sessions: (615) 898-7831
- Juvenile Court: (615) 898-7825
When requesting docket information, be prepared to provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Party names
- Approximate date of filing or next hearing
- Case type or nature of proceeding
Pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 34, court dockets are public records subject to inspection. However, certain sensitive proceedings (such as juvenile matters or sealed cases) may have restricted docket information.
For attorneys and frequent court users, docket subscription services may be available through the clerk's office, providing regular electronic updates on specified cases or court calendars.
Which Courts in Rutherford County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Tennessee's judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on statutory definitions and procedural requirements. This distinction has significant implications for proceedings, appeals, and record-keeping practices.
A "court of record" is defined under Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-1-102 as a court whose proceedings are recorded verbatim, maintains formal records of all actions, and follows specific procedural rules. Conversely, courts not of record typically conduct less formal proceedings without verbatim recording and maintain more limited documentation.
In Rutherford County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:
Municipal Courts:
- Murfreesboro City Court
- Smyrna Municipal Court
- LaVergne Municipal Court
These municipal courts handle ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and certain misdemeanors but do not maintain comprehensive verbatim records of proceedings. Key characteristics of these courts include:
- Proceedings are not typically recorded by court reporters
- Judges are often not required to be licensed attorneys
- Formal rules of evidence may be applied less stringently
- No jury trials are conducted
- Appeals are heard de novo (new trial) in Circuit Court
- Documentation is limited to citations, judgments, and basic case information
General Sessions Court occupies a unique position in Tennessee's judicial system. While it maintains more formal records than municipal courts, it is technically classified as a court not of record for most purposes under T.C.A. § 16-15-101. Characteristics include:
- Limited jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters
- Appeals to Circuit Court are heard de novo
- Proceedings are documented but not always recorded verbatim
- No jury trials are conducted
- Judges must be licensed attorneys
- More formal procedures than municipal courts
The following Rutherford County courts are courts of record:
- Circuit Court
- Chancery Court
- Juvenile Court (for certain proceedings)
These courts maintain comprehensive records including:
- Verbatim transcripts of proceedings when requested
- Complete documentation of all filings and exhibits
- Formal application of rules of evidence and procedure
- Jury trials in appropriate cases
- Appeals based on the record created at trial
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is particularly important for appeals. When appealing from a court not of record, the case receives an entirely new hearing in the higher court, rather than a review of the existing record for errors. This provides litigants with a "second chance" to present their case in a more formal setting.