Tennessee Competence — Unanimous Verdict is a legal term that refers to a requirement for unanimous verdicts in criminal cases within the state of Tennessee. It ensures that all twelve jurors in a criminal trial must reach a unanimous decision in order to render a verdict of guilty or not guilty. This legal principle plays a crucial role in upholding the rights of the accused and ensuring fair and just trial proceedings. The Tennessee Competence — Unanimous Verdict requirement is a fundamental aspect of the criminal justice system in Tennessee. It promotes the idea that a person should not be found guilty unless all jurors are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of their guilt. This principle helps prevent wrongful convictions and provides a level of protection to defendants. In Tennessee, there are different types of verdicts that can result from the Competence — Unanimous Verdict requirement. The first type is a unanimous verdict of guilty, where all twelve jurors agree that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This type of verdict leads to a conviction and potential sentencing based on the severity of the crime committed. The second type of verdict is a unanimous verdict of not guilty, where all jurors agree that there is not enough evidence to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In this case, the defendant is acquitted and released from any charges brought against them. It is important to note that the Competence — Unanimous Verdict requirement applies only to criminal cases in Tennessee. It does not apply to civil cases, where different rules and standards may be in place. The Competence — Unanimous Verdict requirement is an essential safeguard in the Tennessee criminal justice system, ensuring that each decision is carefully deliberated and thoroughly examined. By demanding complete agreement from all twelve jurors, it aims to maintain the integrity of the legal process and provide defendants with a fair and just trial.