Tennessee Code Title 65. Public Utilities and Carriers § 65-3-120

(a) The circuit, chancery courts and courts of general sessions have jurisdiction of all suits of a civil nature arising under this chapter and chapter 5 of this title, according to the nature of the suit and the amount involved, and the circuit and criminal courts have jurisdiction of all criminal proceedings so arising.

(b) The district attorney general of the judicial district in which the suit is to be instituted shall prosecute suits so brought in the name of the state.

(c) The department of transportation shall report all such violations with the facts in its possession to such district attorney general and request the district attorney general to institute the proper proceedings.

(d) All suits between the state and any such company shall have precedence in all courts over all other suits pending therein, and the judges of the courts are directed to advance such suits on their dockets.