(a) Except as qualified by subsections (b) and (c), conduct is justified if the person reasonably believes the conduct is required or authorized by law, by the judgment or order of a competent court or other tribunal, or in the execution of legal process.(b) The following sections of this part control:(1) When force is threatened or used against a person to protect persons, pursuant to §§ 39-11-611 - 39-11-613;(2) To protect property, pursuant to §§ 39-11-614 - 39-11-616; or(3) For law enforcement, pursuant to § 39-11-620.(c) The justification afforded by this section is available if: (1) The person reasonably believes the court or tribunal has jurisdiction or the process is lawful, even though the court or tribunal lacks jurisdiction or the process is unlawful; or(2) The person reasonably believes the conduct is required or authorized to assist a public servant in the performance of the public servant's official duty, even though the public servant exceeds the public servant's lawful authority.Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tennessee Legal Code