Rule 115: Recording Hearings.

All hearings, except ex parte hearings, shall be audio recorded by the clerk of the court and retained for a minimum of one year from the date of the final disposition of the case.

Advisory Commission Comments.

In accordance with T.C.A. §§ 37-1-124(c) and 37-1-159(a), the juvenile court is a court of record. Under this rule, all juvenile courts must create and maintain an audio recording of all hearings in juvenile court, in addition to keeping and maintaining appropriate minutes of hearings. Alternative means of recording, e.g. audio-visual equipment, are acceptable. This rule does not preclude simultaneous recording by a court reporter or other means of recording by a party.

This rule is not applicable to reviews conducted by a foster care review board.