From TDLA Past President Hank Spragins with Hickman, Goza & Spragins

TDLA Members:

As you may be aware, the expert admissibility standards under our Tennessee Rule of Evidence 702 and Federal Rule of Evidence 702 are different. Tennessee can be considered an outlier among southeastern states and states within the Sixth Circuit in that it has not expressly adopted the requirements of Federal Rule 702. Given the recent amendments to Federal Rule 702, now may be the time for Tennessee to join other states in the Southeast and within the Sixth Circuit by adopting Federal Rule 702. 

To that end, the Lawyers for Civil Justice (LCJ) are spearheading efforts across the country for adoption of Federal Rule 702. Here in Tennessee, that effort starts with support of lawyers and organizations across the state. Below you will find a draft letter outlining why Tennessee should adopt Federal Rule 702 addressed to the Tennessee Bar Association. LCJ is seeking endorsement and signatures from litigators in Tennessee.

If you are supportive of the proposed rule change and can sign on to the letter, please reach out directly to Eric Hudson at Butler Snow via email: Eric.Hudson@butlersnow.com or telephone: 901-680-7309.

LCJ hopes to finalize the letter for submission next week, and they ask that if you (or colleagues) want to sign on, please alert Eric Hudson by December 16, 2025. LCJ also encourages you to share the letter with colleagues if you think they may be interested in participating in this change. 

Draft Letter of Proposed Rules Change in Tennessee: Click Here

Thank you,

Hank Spragins
Hickman, Goza & Spragins
Memphis, TN