The Tennessee Department of Correction spent about $907 million on incarceration in FY 2023, and our counties spent an estimated $554 million in FY 2022 to operate local jails.
Continue readingDebt Collection Lawsuits in Davidson and Shelby Counties, TN
We analyzed how creditors use courts to collect consumer debt in each county, the kinds of debts most likely to end up in court, and who is most affected in Davidson and Shelby counties.
Continue readingDebt Collection Lawsuits in Shelby County, TN
About 158,600 debt collection cases were filed in Shelby County civil courts between 2016 and March 2023 — 60% of which were by debt collectors and medical providers.
Continue readingDebt Collection Lawsuits in Davidson County, TN
About 112,000 debt collection cases were filed in Davidson County civil courts between 2016 and March 2023 — two-thirds of which were by high-interest lenders and debt collectors.
Continue readingFirearm-Related Deaths in Tennessee
In 2021, gunfire was the 10th leading cause of death in Tennessee, killing 1,569 residents or about 22 of every 100,000 people. It was the leading cause of death for those ages one to 18.
Continue readingHow Tennessee Judges Look at Defendants’ Ability to Pay Fees and Fines
There is little consistency to how Tennessee’s criminal courts weigh your ability to pay fees, fines, and other legal financial obligations.
Continue readingFour Ways to Improve Tennessee’s Criminal Fee and Fine Data Infrastructure
Basic questions about criminal justice fees & fines that current data can’t answer and best practices to collect better information
Continue readingCriminal Justice Fees & Fines: 11 Options for Tennessee Policymakers
There’s potential for policy change at many levels of government, but state law dictates most of the criminal fees and fines in Tennessee.
Continue readingHow Criminal Fees and Fines Fund State and County Government in Tennessee
Tennessee’s criminal justice system collects over $200 million in fees & fines each year, yet they play a small and shrinking role in the state and most county budgets.
Continue readingFees, Fines, and Criminal Justice in Tennessee
Even if not convicted, people charged with crimes in Tennessee often face substantial fees, fines, taxes, and other financial obligations.
Continue reading