  A revised near infrared classification scheme for T dwarfs is presented,
based on and superseding prior schemes developed by Burgasser et al. and
Geballe et al., and defined following the precepts of the MK Process. Drawing
from two large spectroscopic libraries of T dwarfs identified largely in the
Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Two Micron All Sky Survey, nine primary
spectral standards and five alternate standards spanning spectral types T0 to
T8 are identified that match criteria of spectral character, brightness,
absence of a resolved companion and accessibility from both northern and
southern hemispheres. The classification of T dwarfs is formally made by the
direct comparison of near infrared spectral data of equivalent resolution to
the spectra of these standards. Alternately, we have redefined five key
spectral indices measuring the strengths of the major H$_2$O and CH$_4$ bands
in the 1-2.5 micron region that may be used as a proxy to direct spectral
comparison. Two methods of determining T spectral type using these indices are
outlined and yield equivalent results. These classifications are also
equivalent to those from prior schemes, implying that no revision of existing
spectral type trends is required. The one-dimensional scheme presented here
provides a first step toward the observational characterization of the lowest
luminosity brown dwarfs currently known. Future extensions to incorporate
spectral variations arising from differences in photospheric dust content,
gravity and metallicity are briefly discussed. A compendium of all currently
known T dwarfs with updated classifications is presented.
