TN BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TN BAR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under TRE 801(c), hearsay is defined as a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at trial, offered to prove: → The truth of the matter asserted in the statement
2. Under Tennessee's Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), once a Tennessee court issues a child support order, other states must: → Register and enforce the Tennessee order without modification
3. Under TRCP Rule 26, parties in Tennessee civil litigation must generally: → Make initial disclosures without awaiting a discovery request
4. Under the Tennessee Constitution, a judge of the Tennessee Supreme Court serves a term of: → 8 years
5. Under the Tennessee UAPA, a final order in a contested case before a state agency may be appealed to: → The Chancery Court in the county where the agency is located or the affected party resides
6. Under Tennessee law, first degree murder requires proof of: → Premeditated and intentional killing or felony murder
7. What is the primary duty of a lawyer when representing a client? → To represent the client zealously within the bounds of the law
8. In Tennessee, a deed must be acknowledged before a notary public or other officer to be eligible for recording, and a properly recorded deed provides: → Constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers
9. Alimony in futuro in Tennessee terminates automatically upon: → The supported spouse's remarriage or cohabitation with a third party
10. Which doctrine is often tested under the MBE's Evidence section? → The parol evidence rule
11. In Tennessee, which court has general subject matter jurisdiction over civil cases with an amount in controversy exceeding $25,000? → Circuit Court
12. Under TRE 404(b), evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts may be admissible to prove which of the following? → Motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake
13. Which of the following topics is most likely to be tested under the MBE's Contracts section? → Formation of contracts, including offer, acceptance, and consideration
14. In an MPT task requiring a legal memorandum, which section is typically the most important to focus on? → The analysis section
15. Tennessee classifies felonies into how many classes? → 5 classes (A through E)
16. Under Tennessee law, grandparent visitation rights may be ordered by a court only when: → Denial of visitation would pose a substantial risk of harm to the child
17. Under TRE 702, a witness may testify as an expert if their scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact AND: → The witness is qualified by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education
18. Tennessee's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally: → 2 years
19. Under Tennessee's Income Shares Model for child support, the amount of child support is primarily based on: → The combined gross income of both parents
20. Tennessee's exclusionary rule for illegally obtained evidence is grounded in both the Fourth Amendment and: → Article I, Section 7 of the Tennessee Constitution
21. The Tennessee Constitution provides for how many branches of state government? → Three (legislative, executive, and judicial)
22. Which of the following is considered a violation of the duty of competence? → Representing a client in a complex matter without sufficient preparation
23. Tennessee's 'Castle Doctrine' under T.C.A. § 39-11-611 removes the duty to retreat when a person is: → In their dwelling, residence, or vehicle
24. Tennessee's Parenting Plan Act requires divorcing parents with minor children to file a: → Permanent parenting plan detailing residential schedule and decision-making authority
25. Under Tennessee law, tenancy by the entirety is available only to: → Married couples holding real property
26. Under the MBE's Criminal Law and Procedure section, what is the "mens rea" requirement for a crime? → The mental state or intent required to commit the crime
27. Tennessee uses which approach for dividing marital property in a divorce? → Equitable distribution — fair but not necessarily equal
28. Under TRE 609, a prior conviction may be used to impeach a witness if the crime was punishable by death or imprisonment exceeding one year, OR if the crime: → Involved dishonesty or false statement, regardless of the potential punishment
29. Under Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 5, a person arrested without a warrant must be taken before a magistrate for an initial appearance within: → 72 hours
30. Under the Tennessee Rules of Evidence (TRE 401), evidence is relevant if it has what tendency? → Makes a fact of consequence more or less probable than without the evidence