Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-11-101: Legislative findings and intent

The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that the commission of violent crimes by juveniles exacts an unacceptable toll on the fiscal resources of both state and local governments and thereby increases the financial burden upon the taxpayers of this state. It is the intent of the general assembly in enacting this chapter to require, as much as possible, that juveniles convicted as adults of violent crimes pay for the cost of the rehabilitation, education, and treatment of juveniles sentenced to the youthful offender system or committed to the department of correction.