Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-30-210: Exemplary damages

(a) The jury may, in proper cases, give exemplary damages in favor of either party.

(b) In all cases where the plaintiff fails to prosecute the suit with effect, the jury may make such valuation as will be likely to effect a return of the property to the defendant, if the character of the property is such as to make the return of the specific property important.