Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-30-215: Exemplary damages in general sessions court

(a) The general sessions judge may, in a proper case, give exemplary damages in favor of either party.

(b) In all cases where the plaintiff fails to prosecute the suit with effect, the general sessions judge may make such valuation as will be likely to effect the 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.