Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-14-201: Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Indigent person" means any person who does not possess sufficient means to pay reasonable compensation for the services of a competent attorney; and

(2) "Public defender" means any attorney appointed or elected under any act of the general assembly or any provision of a metropolitan charter to represent indigent persons accused of crime.