Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-17-709

All questions of law arising upon the pleadings or in any other way arising from the cause may be passed on by the presiding judge, who may, from time to time, in term or vacation make such orders and give such directions as are necessary to speed the cause, and as may be consistent with justice and due process of law; but no jury trial shall be had except in open court, except the hearing before the jury of view.