Tennessee Code Title 17. Judges and Chancellors § 17-2-109

(a)(1) Whenever litigation in any chancery, circuit, criminal, general sessions, juvenile, probate or appellate court of this state becomes congested or delay in the disposition of litigation becomes imminent for any reason, the chief justice of the supreme court shall assign a retired or regular chancellor or judge to assist in the removal of the congestion or delay; provided, that the assignment shall not materially interfere with the performance of the assigned chancellor's or judge's official duties. In such situation both chancellors or judges may hear, try and dispose of litigation in such court at the same time, both signing their respective minutes.

(2) Whenever litigation in any chancery or circuit court of this state becomes congested, or whenever litigation in any chancery or circuit court has required the recusal of a chancellor or judge, or whenever delay in the disposition of litigation becomes imminent for any reason, the chief justice of the supreme court may assign a former chancellor or judge to assist in the removal of the congestion or delay.