Hears disputes involving property, contracts, estates, and government actions
Position guide
Chancery Court judge
A chancellor hears equity and civil matters assigned to Tennessee Chancery Courts.
- Government level
- Judicial district · Trial court
- Typical term
- Eight years
- Who it serves
- One Tennessee judicial district
The job in plain language01 02 03 04 How the position worksHow someone reaches the position Who the office works with Real-world choices01 02 03 Before you vote
What this position is responsible for
Chancery courts handle complex property, business, probate, tax, and government disputes.
Issues injunctions and other equitable relief
Rules on motions, evidence, and trials
Issues written orders and judgments
Power is shared—not exercised alone.
Chancellors are elected within Tennessee judicial districts to eight-year terms. Their equity jurisdiction and overlap with circuit courts are established by law.
A chancellor hears parties and attorneys, works with the clerk and master, and may coordinate complex civil cases involving businesses, estates, property, government, or families.
Decisions voters may notice
Whether to issue injunctions or other equitable remedies
Complex disputes involving contracts, property, estates, taxes, or government action
Case management, legal findings, and written judgments subject to appeal
Questions worth asking
The answers may differ among candidates, but each question relates directly to the authority and responsibilities of this position.
- Does the candidate understand complex civil and equitable remedies?
- Can the candidate explain decisions carefully and manage lengthy cases?
- Does the candidate demonstrate impartiality, patience, and freedom from conflicts?
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