Quick Legal Facts
Statewide Preemption:
Yes.
Schools:
It is an offense to carry weapons on school property, with the possible exception of small knives.
Critical Dimensions:
None.
The Tennessee State Constitution recognizes and preserves the right of citizens to keep and bear arms subject to legislative power to regulate the “wearing” of arms with a view to crime prevention.
That the citizens of this State have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime. TN Const. Art. 1, § 26
Tennessee state law regarding knives may be found at Title 39 (Criminal Offenses), and in particular, Part 13 (Weapons).
Forbidden:
There are no forbidden or prohibited knives under Tennessee law. The Tennessee switchblade prohibition was repealed, effective July 1, 2014.
Concealment/Carrying:
Not an issue. The law regarding carrying or possession of weapons makes no distinction as between concealed or openly carried weapons.
(a)(1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4″), or a club. … (d)(1) A person commits an offense who possesses a deadly weapon other than a firearm with the intent to employ it during the commission of, attempt to commit, or escape from a dangerous offense as defined in § 39-17-1324. (2) A person commits an offense who possesses any deadly weapon with the intent to employ it during the commission of, attempt to commit, or escape from any offense not defined as a dangerous offense by §39-17-1324. … (e)(1) It is an exception to the application of subsection (a) that a person authorized to carry a handgun pursuant to §39-17-1351 … § 39-17-1307
A necessary element of the offense is “the intent to go armed.” The reported appellate level cases dealing with this issue involve firearms. Knives are frequently carried and used for a myriad of benign, routine tasks The conservative approach would be to carry a knife with a blade not exceeding four (4) inches in length. There are a number of statutory defenses to the unlawful carrying/possession statute quoted above.
(a) It is a defense to the application of § 39-17-1307 if the possession or carrying was: (2) By a person authorized to possess or carry a firearm pursuant to § 39-17-1315 or § 39-17-1351; (3) At the person’s: (A) Place of residence; (B) Place of business; or (C) Premises; (4) Incident to lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, sport shooting or other lawful activity; … § 39-17-1308
Critical Dimensions:
None.
Statewide Preemption:
Yes, as to firearms, ammunition and knives, § 39-17-1314
Schools:
It is an offense to carry weapons on school property, with the possible exception of small knives. § 39-17-1309