Sevier County , Tennessee is a breathtakingly beautiful region known for its vast landscapes and gorgeous scenery. Named for John Sevier, TN’s first governor, Sevier County lies within the Smoky Mountains region, which dominates the southern portion of the county. Thanks to its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevier County enjoys a healthy economy whose lifeblood remains the tourist industry. This massive National Park, known as the nation’s most visited, brings more than 10 million visitors to the area each year.
If you’re heading to court in Sevier County, you should know that Tennessee’s legal system includes four trial courts: the Circuit Courts, which, as courts of general jurisdiction handle civil and criminal matters and hear appeals from the courts with limited jurisdiction; the Chancery Courts, which exclusively hear civil cases and generally handle cases that fall outside the traditional common-law actions; the Criminal Courts, located in 13 of TN’s 31 judicial districts, which serve as relief for heavy caseloads in other courts, hearing criminal cases and misdemeanor appeals from the lower courts; and the Probate Court, which hears individual estate cases but only operates in a few districts. Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure are readily available to the public.
If you have a personal injury case in Tennessee, your claim will be heard in civil court. This Self-Help section of the TN Courts website will tell you what to expect in court. Once you’ve gone through a trial, you may have the right to appeal your personal injury case to the state’s Appeals Court or the Supreme Court. The Tennessee Court of Appeals and the Tennessee Supreme Court both convene in the cities of Jackson, Knoxville and Nashville, as required by the Tennessee State Constitution.
Numerous unincorporated communities, along with the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Pittman Center and Sevierville, occupy the nearly 600 square miles of Sevier County, TN. Census 2000 reports the Sevier County population as 71,170; however, estimates in 2006 indicate a more than 14% increase to 81,382 citizens.
Gatlinburg, population 3,382, is a bustling tourist town whose small size is misleading. Located along U.S. Highway 441, Gatlinburg is home to Ober Gatlinburg, TN’s only ski resort. This vibrant community lies within a natural paradise where fishing, hiking and whitewater rafting rank among the many recreational choices. Additional destinations of interest include Cooter’s Place, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Smoky Mountain Winery.
Pigeon Forge, population 5,083, remains an all-American town renowned for the attractions affiliated with Dolly Parton. These include Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, both of which helped transform the local economy. Pigeon Forge is also home to Carbo’s Police Museum, the Comedy Barn, Country Tonite Theatre and the Dixie Stampede.
Sevierville, population 11,757, is home to Sevier County’s only higher learning facility, a satellite campus of Walters State Community College. Sevierville, the county seat, hosts a grand selection of designated sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Sites of interest include Forbidden Caverns, NASCAR SpeedPark, and the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. Pittman Center, population 477, is a small, traditional town proud of its mountain heritage.
Sevier County, Tennessee features a patchwork of scenic communities that offer the finest in recreational sites and activities. With a reputation for fun and excitement, Sevier County has something for everyone.
