reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 4 - CLERKS OF CIRCUIT, CRIMINAL, SPECIAL AND GENERAL SESSIONS COURTS (§§ 18-4-101 — 18-4-204) › Part 1 - CIRCUIT, CRIMINAL AND SPECIAL COURTS (§§ 18-4-101 — 18-4-107) › Section 18-4-106 - Refusal to give new recognizance

If any person, bound in a recognizance to appear, appears accordingly, but fails or refuses to enter into a new recognizance, similar to and of the purport and effect of the previous recognizance, for the person's appearance at the next term, the person shall be deemed to have surrendered to the sheriff, and shall be in custody until the person enters into such recognizance as is by law required upon surrender by bail in like cases.
Code 1858, § 4082 (deriv. Acts 1817, ch. 130, § 1); Shan., § 5896; Code 1932, § 10096; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-405.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 4 - CLERKS OF CIRCUIT, CRIMINAL, SPECIAL AND GENERAL SESSIONS COURTS (§§ 18-4-101 — 18-4-204) › Part 1 - CIRCUIT, CRIMINAL AND SPECIAL COURTS (§§ 18-4-101 — 18-4-107) › Section 18-4-107 - Proceedings on forfeitures

The same proceedings shall be had in all cases for forfeitures entered by the clerk, in pursuance of §§
18-4-104
- 18-4-106, as if the same had been entered by order of court.
Code 1858, § 4083 (deriv. Acts 1817, ch. 130, § 1); Shan., § 5897; Code 1932, § 10097; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-406.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 4 - CLERKS OF CIRCUIT, CRIMINAL, SPECIAL AND GENERAL SESSIONS COURTS (§§ 18-4-101 — 18-4-204) › Part 2 - COURTS OF GENERAL SESSIONS (§§ 18-4-201 — 18-4-204) › Section 18-4-201 - Compensation of clerk of general sessions court

(a)
The clerk of the circuit court, when acting as clerk of the court of general sessions, shall receive the compensation provided by law for circuit court clerks, as fixed by §
8-24-102
. The fees, commissions and emoluments of the clerk of the court of general sessions shall constitute part of the fees, commissions and emoluments of the office of the clerk of the circuit court. The clerk shall receive such additional amount for the clerk's services as clerk of the court of general sessions as may be fixed by any private act in effect on March 11, 1959, or thereafter enacted affecting such county.
(b)
However, the clerk of any special court serving as a clerk of general sessions court as provided in §
16-15-301
shall receive only the fees, commissions and emoluments as provided by law for the general sessions court, and the compensation received shall be in addition to the compensation that the clerk receives for the clerk's services in the special court or courts. The compensation of the clerk shall not exceed the maximum statutory amount for the circuit court as allowed by law.
Acts 1959, ch. 109, § 16; 1963, ch. 216, § 1; T.C.A., § 18-408.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 4 - CLERKS OF CIRCUIT, CRIMINAL, SPECIAL AND GENERAL SESSIONS COURTS (§§ 18-4-101 — 18-4-204) › Part 2 - COURTS OF GENERAL SESSIONS (§§ 18-4-201 — 18-4-204) › Section 18-4-202 - Financial report of general sessions court filed by clerk

It is the duty of the clerk of the court of general sessions to make and file with the county clerk of the county for transmission to each regular quarterly session of the county legislative body a complete detailed financial report of all receipts and disbursements of the court of general sessions for the previous quarter.
Acts 1959, ch. 109, § 16; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 22, 36; T.C.A., § 18-409.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 4 - CLERKS OF CIRCUIT, CRIMINAL, SPECIAL AND GENERAL SESSIONS COURTS (§§ 18-4-101 — 18-4-204) › Part 2 - COURTS OF GENERAL SESSIONS (§§ 18-4-201 — 18-4-204) › Section 18-4-203 - Powers and duties of clerk

(a)
The clerk of the general sessions court has concurrent authority with the judge to issue warrants and other process and writs, other than those that the law requires to be issued only by a judicial officer, and has the authority to set the amount of bond in the absence of the judge.
(b)
It is the duty of the clerk of the general sessions court to:
(1)
Keep all dockets required by title 16, chapter 15;
(2)
Write all minute entries required;
(3)
Promptly make any and all entries necessitated by §§
16-15-101
- 16-15-711, 18-4-201, 18-4-202, 20-12-143, and 27-5-108, and [former] §§ 40-118, 40-424, and 40-425 [repealed]; and
(4)
Notify the Tennessee bureau of investigation of final disposition of criminal proceedings against a person as soon as practicable but no later than three (3) business days after final disposition of the criminal proceedings.
(c)
In counties having a population of not less than twenty thousand seven hundred (20,700) nor more than twenty-one thousand seven hundred (21,700), the clerk of the general sessions court has authority to issue search warrants and peace warrants.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 554,s 2, eff. 3/11/2024.
Amended by 2023EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 2,s 4, eff. 9/8/2023.
Amended by 2023EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 2,s 3, eff. 9/8/2023.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 739, s 2, eff. 4/7/2016.
Acts 1959, ch. 109, § 17; 1972, ch. 486, § 1; T.C.A., § 18-410.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 4 - CLERKS OF CIRCUIT, CRIMINAL, SPECIAL AND GENERAL SESSIONS COURTS (§§ 18-4-101 — 18-4-204) › Part 2 - COURTS OF GENERAL SESSIONS (§§ 18-4-201 — 18-4-204) › Section 18-4-204 - Qualifications for office

The clerk of a general sessions court must be a qualified voter of the county and a resident of the county for one (1) year prior to the date of the qualifying deadline for running as a candidate for such office.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 809, s 9, eff. 9/1/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 5 - CLERKS OF CHANCERY COURT (§§ 18-5-101 — 18-5-105) › Section 18-5-101 - Appointment - Tenure

The clerk and masters of the chancery courts are appointed by the respective chancellors and hold their offices for six (6) years.
Code 1858, § 323 (deriv. Const. 1834, art. 6, § 13); Shan., § 399; Code 1932, § 649; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-501.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 5 - CLERKS OF CHANCERY COURT (§§ 18-5-101 — 18-5-105) › Section 18-5-102 - Duties

The clerk and master of the chancery court, in addition to the duties prescribed by chapters 1 and 2 of this title, is required to:
(1)
Keep a rule docket, in which shall be entered the names of the complainants and defendants in full, the names of the attorneys and counsel, a minute of the date of the issuance and return of process, with the return on the process, and a note of all the orders and proceedings made at office;
(2)
Keep a well-bound book, in which shall be entered, under the name of each case, the depositions taken and filed in the case, the names of the witnesses, and the date of the filing, and by whom. This book may be dispensed with by keeping the rule docket in such a way as to enable the entries required in this section to be made in the docket, without interfering with the entries regularly belonging to that docket;
(3)
Issue all original, mesne and final process from the court, make orders of publication for defendants, grant decrees pro confesso for want of answer, hear exceptions to bills, answers and reports, subject at all times to the control, direction and supervision of the chancellor; and
(4)
Perform such other duties as are, or may be, by law required.
Code 1858, § 4085 (deriv. Acts 1801, ch. 6, §§ 44, 46; 1835-1836, ch. 20, § 3); Shan., § 5899; Code 1932, § 10099; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-502.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 5 - CLERKS OF CHANCERY COURT (§§ 18-5-101 — 18-5-105) › Section 18-5-103 - Powers as master in chancery

The clerk and master of the chancery court is authorized to administer oaths and perform all the functions of masters in chancery, unless restrained by law.
Code 1858, § 4086; Shan., § 5900; Code 1932, § 10100; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-503.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 5 - CLERKS OF CHANCERY COURT (§§ 18-5-101 — 18-5-105) › Section 18-5-104 - Adjournment of court

The master in chancery may adjourn court, in the absence of the chancellor, from day to day, for three (3) days in succession, or longer if, in the master in chancery's judgment, the interest of the public requires it, and then adjourn it to the court in course or to the time fixed by the chancellor for holding a special term.
Code 1858, § 4087 (deriv. Acts 1831, ch. 50, § 1); Shan., § 5901; Code 1932, § 10101; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-504.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 5 - CLERKS OF CHANCERY COURT (§§ 18-5-101 — 18-5-105) › Section 18-5-105 - Investment of funds of minors and incompetents

Clerks and masters of the chancery courts, having in their hands funds belonging to minors or incompetents who have no regular guardian or other custodian or other person authorized by law to demand the funds, may invest the funds as provided in §
8-21-401(i)(8)
or, if applicable, §
8-21-409(f)(1)
without prior specific order of the court if, in their best judgment, it appears that the funds will be idle and payment of funds will not be demanded for a period of thirty (30) days from and after receipt of funds.
Acts 1961, ch. 239, § 1; T.C.A., §18-506; Acts 2010 , ch. 969, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-101 - Election - Term of office - Clerk of county legislative body

(a)
The county clerks are elected by the qualified voters of the respective counties over which the local jurisdiction of the county legislative body, respectively, extends.
(b)
Their term of office is four (4) years.
(c)
The county clerk shall be the clerk of the county legislative body.
(d)
If any vacancy occurs in the office of county clerk, the vacancy shall be filled as provided for in §
5-1-104(b)
.
(e)
Before entering into the duties of the office, the county clerk shall take an oath to support the constitutions of this state and of the United States, and an oath of office. The county clerk shall execute an official bond. The bond must be prepared, executed, filed, and recorded in accordance with title 8, chapter 19. The amount of the bond must be in the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in counties with a population of less than fifteen thousand (15,000) and one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in counties with a population of fifteen thousand (15,000) or more, according to the 2020 federal census or a subsequent federal census, or in such greater amount as the county legislative body by resolution may determine.
(f)
To qualify for election to the office of county clerk, a person must be a qualified voter of the county and a resident of the county for one (1) year prior to the date of the qualifying deadline for running as a candidate for county clerk.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 647,s 1, eff. 4/4/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207, s 13, eff. 7/1/2023.
Code 1858, § 324 (deriv. Const. 1834, art. 6, § 13); Shan., §400; mod. Code 1932, § 650; modified; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, § 7; Acts 1978, ch. 934, § 22; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-601; modified; Acts 1981, ch. 318, § 8.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-102 - Name change

(a)
County court clerk shall assume the title "county clerk."
(b)
The county clerk shall assume all the duties of the county court clerk and all statutes referring to county court clerks shall apply with equal force and effect to the county clerk.
(c)
The office of county clerk shall remain an office in this state regardless of the abolition of any county quarterly court.
Code 1858, § 324 (deriv. Const. 1834, art. 6, § 13); Shan., §400; mod. Code 1932, § 650; modified; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, § 7; Acts 1978, ch. 934, § 22; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-601; modified.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-103 - Certain boards of commissioners authorized to appoint own clerks

(a)
Notwithstanding the duties prescribed for the county clerk in chapters 1 and 2 of this title and §§
18-6-101
,
18-6-102
and
18-6-104
, the board of commissioners in any county with a population of six hundred thousand (600,000) or more is authorized to employ its own clerk to serve at its meetings and to employ its own clerical and administrative help reasonably necessary to take the minutes of its meetings and to transcribe the minutes, subject to the approval of the board of commissioners, as official records of the county.
(b)
The board of commissioners shall appropriate such funds as are necessary to cover the cost of the clerk and staff provided for in subsection (a).
Acts 1980, ch. 667, § 1; T.C.A., § 18-601; modified.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-104 - Duties as clerk

The county clerk, in addition to the duties prescribed by chapters 1 and 2 of this title, is required, as clerk to:
(1)
Act as clerk of the county legislative body;
(2)
Keep a docket of all the causes to be tried in the court;
(3)
Enter upon the docket every suit, motion and action that may come before the court for trial;
(4)
Produce to the judge of the circuit court, for the judge's examination at the first circuit court in the judge's county after the first Monday in April in each year, on the second day of the term, the bonds of all officers taken during such year by the county legislative body;
(5)
Spread on the records of court every bond required to be recorded; and
(6)
Receive and preserve the journals of congress, statutes and other public documents entrusted to the county clerk by law, and deliver them to the county clerk's successor.
Code 1858, § 4067 (deriv. Acts 1831, ch. 6, § 1; 1843-1844, ch. 103, § 11; 1847-1848, ch. 113; 1855-1856, ch. 253, §§ 7, 10, 11); Shan., § 5882; Code 1932, § 10082; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-602.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-105 - Duties as to revenue

The county clerk has the following duties in regard to revenue:
(1)
[Deleted by 2023 amendment.]
(2)
[Deleted by 2023 amendment.]
(3)
[Deleted by 2023 amendment.]
(4)
Perform the acts in relation to state revenue prescribed in title 8, chapter 19, title 9, chapters 2 and 3, title 26, chapter 5, title 67, chapter 8, parts 2-5, title 57, chapter 5, parts 1-4 and title 67; and
(5)
(A)
Collect franchise fees pursuant to franchise agreements with municipalities, if so authorized by resolution of the legislative body of any municipality having a metropolitan form of government and a population of over four hundred fifty thousand (450,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census;
(B)
Collect the enrollment fees and provide decals in connection with municipal programs to combat auto theft, if so authorized by ordinance of the legislative body of any municipality having a metropolitan form of government and a population of over four hundred fifty thousand (450,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census; and
(C)
Any powers concerning fee or tax collection that may be granted to the county clerk by the legislative body of any municipality having a metropolitan form of government and a population of more than four hundred fifty thousand (450,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, shall not affect the powers granted to the director of finance under the charter of the municipality to make decisions concerning the official depository for fees and taxes as well as depository procedures. The county clerk shall not receive a commission for receiving and paying over the fees and taxes.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 239, s 1, eff. 4/25/2023.
Code 1858, § 4068 (deriv. Acts 1827, ch. 49, §§ 16, 27); Shan., §5883; Code 1932, § 10083; modified; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 12, 16, 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-603; Acts 1994, ch. 758, §6; 2003 , ch. 90, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-107 - Duties as to guardians

(a)
The county clerk has the duty to enter in particular books, to be provided and kept for that purpose only, every guardian's first account of the guardian's ward's estate, received into the guardian's hands and possession, and each annual account of profits and disbursements afterwards exhibited by such guardian.
(b)
Subsection (a) shall only apply in counties having a population, according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, of:
not less than
not more than
12,800
12,900
27,100
27,200
43,100
43,200
62,300
62,400
182,000
182,100
(c)
In counties having a population of not less than thirty-nine thousand fifty (39,050) nor more than thirty-nine thousand one hundred fifty (39,150), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the circuit court clerk, who also serves as the general sessions court clerk, shall serve as the clerk of the court with probate jurisdiction in any such counties.
Code 1858, § 4070 (deriv. Acts 1762, ch. 5, § 9); Shan., § 5885; Code 1932, § 10085; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §18-605; Acts 2003 , ch. 310, §§ 3, 6-10; 2005, ch. 24, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-108 - Probate of instruments

(a)
The county clerk has the duty to take the probate or acknowledgment of all deeds and other instruments that are entitled to registration by law, and to certify the same for registration, and to demand and receive the state tax thereon, as specified in title 67, chapter 4, part 4.
(b)
Subsection (a) shall only apply in counties having a population, according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, of:
not less than
not more than
12,800
12,900
27,100
27,200
43,100
43,200
62,300
62,400
182,000
182,100
(c)
In counties having a population of not less than thirty-nine thousand fifty (39,050) nor more than thirty-nine thousand one hundred fifty (39,150), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the circuit court clerk, who also serves as the general sessions court clerk, shall serve as the clerk of the court with probate jurisdiction in any such counties.
Code 1858, § 4072 (deriv. Acts 1833, ch. 92, § 15; 1835-1836, ch. 53, § 6; 1837-1838, ch. 150, § 1); Shan., § 5887; Code 1932, § 10086; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §18-606; Acts 2003 , ch. 310, §§ 4, 6-10; 2005, ch. 24, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-109 - Duties as to marriages

(a)
The county clerk has the following duties as to marriages:
(1)
To endorse on or append to the marriage license the form of the return; and
(2)
To register, in a well-bound book, the names of the parties, and the date of the issuance of a marriage license, and to copy immediately, under or opposite thereto, the return of the proper functionary who solemnized the rites of matrimony, with the date thereof, and file and retain the license and return thereof in such clerk's office or other suitable facility.
(b)
The records described in subdivision (a)(2) are public records.
(c)
As used in this section, "suitable facility" means a facility that stores local government records securely against theft and natural disasters.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 79, Secs.s 1, s 2eff. 4/3/2019.
Code 1858, § 4073 (deriv. Acts 1815, ch. 47, § 1; 1837-1838, ch. 118, §2); Shan., § 5888; Code 1932, §10087; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §18-607; Acts 1993, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-110 - Record of appointments and settlements

(a)
The county clerk has the duty to record in well-bound books all letters testamentary and of administration, all guardian appointments and all settlements made by the clerk with guardians and personal representatives.
(b)
Subsection (a) shall only apply in counties having a population, according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, of:
not less than
not more than
12,800
12,900
27,100
27,200
43,100
43,200
62,300
62,400
182,000
182,100
(c)
In counties having a population of not less than thirty-nine thousand fifty (39,050) nor more than thirty-nine thousand one hundred fifty (39,150), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, the circuit court clerk, who also serves as the general sessions court clerk, shall serve as the clerk of the court with probate jurisdiction in any such counties.
Code 1858, § 4074 (deriv. Acts 1837-1838, ch. 125, § 7); Shan., §5889; Code 1932, § 10088; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §18-608; Acts 2003 , ch. 310, §§ 5, 6-10; 2005 ch. 24, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-111 - Other duties

The county clerk is required to perform such other duties as are, or may be, by law required of the county clerk.
Code 1858, § 4075; Shan., § 5890; Code 1932, §10091; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-609.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-112 - Incompetency of clerk

(a)
Whenever the county clerk is incompetent, because of interest or relationship, to do or perform any official act required by law to be done by the county clerk, it shall be lawful and is the duty of the county mayor or appropriate judge to do and perform the act.
(b)
When the clerk is incompetent to take and state any account, the account shall be taken and stated by a special commissioner, to be appointed by the chancellor as provided by law.
Acts 1871, ch. 42, § 1; Shan., § 5891; Code 1932, §10092; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 16, 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §18-610; modified; Acts 2003 , ch. 90, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-113 - Depositions

The county clerks are authorized and empowered to take depositions in any legal proceeding to the same extent and after the same manner as notaries public, and in taking such depositions the clerks shall attest the depositions under their official seals, and for such services shall be entitled to the same compensation as notaries public.
Acts 1923, ch. 96, § 1; Shan. Supp., § 5891a1; mod. Code 1932, § 10089; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-611.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-114 - Oaths and affidavits

(a)
(1)
The county clerks are authorized and empowered to take affidavits and administer oaths for general purposes to the same extent as judges of the courts of general sessions and notaries public.
(2)
They shall attest the affidavits and oaths under their official seals or the seals of their respective courts.
(b)
(1)
As compensation for their services in taking any such affidavit or oath and so attesting the affidavit or oath, they shall be entitled to receive the sum of twenty-five cents (25¢), to be paid by the party whose affidavit or oath is so taken.
(2)
This section shall not affect the fees provided by law for such clerks incident to their duties in their respective courts.
Acts 1923, ch. 96, § 2; Shan. Supp., § 5891a2; mod. Code 1932, § 10090; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 18-612.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 18 - CLERKS OF COURTS (§§ 18-1-101 — 18-6-115) › Chapter 6 - COUNTY CLERKS (§§ 18-6-101 — 18-6-115) › Section 18-6-115 - Vacancies

If the office of the county clerk becomes vacant due to death, resignation or removal, the duties of the county clerk shall be temporarily discharged by the chief deputy, or deputy designated as temporary successor by the county clerk in writing, until a successor county clerk is elected or appointed and qualified according to law.
Acts 1993, ch. 315, § 19.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-102 - Indemnification of nominal plaintiff

The person whose name is used in the prosecution of a suit may, at any time during the progress of the cause, require the party for whose benefit the action is brought to give bond, with good security, to indemnify the person whose name is used in the prosecution of the suit against all damages and costs.
Code 1858, § 2796; Shan., § 4493; Code 1932, § 8620; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-102.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-103 - Action on bond

For any breach of an official bond or undertaking of any officer, executor, administrator or guardian, or of any bond or undertaking required to be given by law for the security of the public generally or of particular individuals, the party aggrieved may, without assignment, bring suit on the breach for the aggrieved party's use, giving security for costs and being liable therefor as if the suit had been brought in the aggrieved party's own name.
Code 1858, § 2797 (deriv. Acts 1822, ch. 16, § 4; 1825, ch. 45, §§ 1, 2, 5; 1826, ch. 27, § 1; 1851-1852, ch. 144, §§ 1, 2); Shan., § 4494; Code 1932, § 8621; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-103.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-104 - Deserted wife as party

Where a husband has deserted his family, the wife may prosecute or defend, in the husband's name, any action that the husband might have prosecuted or defended. The wife may also sue and be sued in her own name for any cause of action accruing subsequently to such desertion.
Code 1858, § 2805; Shan., § 4505; Code 1932, § 8632; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-104.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-105 - Expenses and loss of service incident to injury to child

(a)
The father and mother of a minor child have equal rights to maintain an action for the expenses and the actual loss of service resulting from an injury to a minor child in the parents' service or living in the family except that where one (1) parent is dead or has deserted the family, the other parent shall have the sole right to maintain the action.
(b)
In case the father and mother of the minor child are living apart and one (1) parent has exclusive legal custody of the child, the parent with legal custody has the sole right to maintain an action for the expenses and the actual loss of service resulting from an injury to the minor child, except that the noncustodial parent in such case shall have a right to maintain or join an action brought under this section, for the expenses resulting from an injury to the minor child to the extent the noncustodial parent has paid those expenses.
Code 1958, § 2803; Shan., § 4503; Code 1932, § 8630; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-105; Acts 1982, ch. 853, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-107 - Several liability on joint obligations

All joint obligations and promises are made joint and several, and the debt or obligation shall survive against the heirs and personal representatives of deceased obligors as well as against the survivors, and suits may be brought and prosecuted on the obligations and promises against all or any part of the original obligors, and all or any part of the representatives of deceased obligors, as if such obligations and assumptions were joint and several.
Code 1858, § 2789 (deriv. Acts 1789, ch. 57, § 5); Shan., § 4486; Code 1932, § 8613; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-108.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-108 - Joinder of defendants on joint and several obligations

Persons jointly or severally, or jointly and severally, bound on the same instrument, or by judgment, decree or statute, including the makers and endorsers of negotiable paper and sureties, may all or any part of them be sued in the same action.
Code 1858, § 2787 (deriv. Acts 1789, ch. 57, § 5; 1813, ch. 66, §1; 1820, ch. 25, § 1; 1829, ch. 66, § 1; 1837-1838, ch. 5, § 1); Shan., § 4484; Code 1932, § 8611; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-109.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-109 - Action in name used in instrument

Suit may be brought by or against any of the parties to a written instrument on which the action is founded, by the name and description used in the instrument.
Code 1858, § 2788; Shan., § 4485; Code 1932, § 8612; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-110.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-110 - Failure of recovery against joint defendants

In all actions on contracts, a dismissal of suit as to one (1) or more of those jointly sued, or failure to recover as to one (1), shall not prevent a recovery against those defendants who may be liable.
Code 1858, § 2790 (deriv. Acts 1820, ch. 25, § 2); Shan., § 4487; Code 1932, § 8614; T.C.A (orig. ed.), § 20-111.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-111 - Maintaining action after executor or administrator removes from jurisdiction

(a)
Where one (1) of several executors or administrators removes out of the state, actions may be prosecuted and judgments rendered against such as remain, in the same manner as if all were sued.
(b)
If the cause of action is within the jurisdiction of a judge of the court of general sessions, it may be prosecuted against the administrator or executor who remains in the county, where one (1) of them removes out of the state or into another county.
Code 1858, §§ 2791, 2792 (deriv. Acts 1826, ch. 38, § 1; 1827, ch. 84, §1); Shan., §§ 4488, 4489; Code 1932, §§ 8615, 8616; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-112.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-112 - Defenses of executors sued separately

The defendants, so separately sued, shall not be held further liable than if all were sued and may avail themselves of all the defenses allowed where all are sued.
Code 1858, § 2793 (deriv. Acts 1826, ch. 38, § 1; 1827, ch. 84, § 1); Shan., § 4490; Code 1932, § 8617; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-113 - Separate judgments against executors

The same proceedings may be taken on judgments rendered in such separate suits, to subject the defendants for waste of assets or to subject real estate descended to heirs, as when all the executors or administrators are sued.
Code 1858, § 2794 (deriv. Acts 1826, ch. 38, § 2); Shan., § 4491; Code 1932, § 8618; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-114.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-114 - Addition of parties

(a)
At any time before trial, new plaintiffs or defendants may be added to the suit by the plaintiff, upon supplemental process taken out and served or appearance entered.
(b)
If added at the appearance term, it may be done without costs; if at any subsequent term, on such terms as to costs and conditions as the court may prescribe, so as to prevent delay.
Code 1858, § 2798 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 152, § 6); Shan., §4495; mod. Code 1932, § 8622; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-115.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-115 - Intervention in property action

In actions for the recovery of property, any person not a party to the action, on showing interest in the subject matter of the suit, may be allowed to appear as defendant in the action.
Code 1858, § 2799; Shan., § 4496; Code 1932, § 8623; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-116.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-116 - Substitution of defendant in property action

(a)
At any time before defense made, the defendant may apply to the court to substitute in the defendant's place any person not already a party, who claims the money or property in suit, by filing an affidavit, stating the facts on which the person founds the application, showing that the right in the subject matter in controversy is in the third person; that the affiant has no interest in the suit, and may be exposed to the claim of two (2) or more adverse parties, denying all collusion with the party sought to be substituted, and proffering to pay the money or deliver the property into the custody of the court.
(b)
If, on notice to the plaintiff and the person sought to be substituted as defendant, sufficient cause is shown, the court may order the substitution and discharge the original defendant from liability to either party, and make such disposition, pending the suit, of the fund or property in controversy, as to secure the money, property or its value to the party who shall prove to be entitled.
Code 1858, § 2800 (deriv. Acts 1857-1858, ch. 56, § 1); Shan., §4497; Code 1932, § 8624; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-117.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-117 - Substitution for levying officer

(a)
Where property is levied upon under any process of law by an officer and taken into possession, and an action is brought against the officer for the recovery of the property or for damages, any person at whose instance the process issued may be permitted to come into court at any time before the cause is finally disposed of and be substituted as defendant in the place of the officer, of which an entry shall be made upon the minutes of the court.
(b)
The party so substituted may, in the discretion of the court, be compelled to assume and give security for all costs that have or may become chargeable to the officer up to the time of the substitution.
(c)
Upon the substitution, the officer shall no longer be a party to the suit but shall be a competent witness in the suit.
Acts 1859-1860, ch. 104, §§ 1, 3; Shan., §§ 4498, 4500; Code 1932, §§ 8625, 8627; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-118.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 1 - PARTIES TO ACTIONS (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-1-119) › Section 20-1-118 - Default judgment against levying officer

Upon written notice from the levying officer being served upon the party at whose instance the process issued, stating the nature of the suit, the court in which it is pending, and demanding that the party come into court and be substituted in the place of the officer, and stating the day upon which the application for substitution shall be made, if the party does not appear and become substituted in the officer's place, the officer may permit judgment to go by default against the officer or make defense.
Acts 1859-1860, ch. 104, § 2; Shan., § 4499; mod. Code 1932, §8626; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-119.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-101 - Summons from general sessions court

The summons from a court of general sessions shall be substantially the same as the summons from a court of record, but requiring the defendant to appear before the judge on a day fixed, or generally. If no time or place is designated, the officer serving the process shall notify the defendant of the time and place, and make the officer's return accordingly.
Code 1858, § 2817; Shan., § 4522; Code 1932, § 8649; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-204; modified.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-102 - Security for costs and damages

The general sessions judge may, and the clerk shall, before issuing the summons or other leading process, require the plaintiff to enter into bond, with sufficient surety, conditioned to prosecute the plaintiff's suit with effect, or to pay such costs and damages as may be awarded against the plaintiff by the court having cognizance thereof, unless the plaintiff sue in forma pauperis.
Code 1858, § 2818 (deriv. Acts 1787, ch. 19, § 1); Shan., § 4523; Code 1932, § 8650; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-205.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-103 - Date of process shown - Penalty for violation

(a)
The clerk, general sessions judge or attorney issuing any process shall mark on the process the day on which the process is issued; and the sheriff or other officer into whose hands the process comes to be executed, shall, in like manner, mark on the process the day on which the sheriff or other officer received it.
(b)
The penalty for neglect of this requirement shall be a forfeiture of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125), to be recovered in any court having cognizance thereof, by any persons who shall sue for the penalty, with costs.
Code 1858, § 2819 (deriv. Acts 1794, ch. 1, § 9); Shan., § 4524; Code 1932, § 8651; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-206.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-104 - Issuance of process on Sunday

(a)
Civil process may be issued on Sundays on the application of any party, supported by oath or affirmation, that the defendant is removing or about to remove the defendant's person or property beyond the jurisdiction of the court applied to.
(b)
The clerk or general sessions judge shall endorse on the back of the process that it was obtained on the oath of the plaintiff, the plaintiff's agent or attorney, as directed in subsection (a).
(c)
It is the duty of the proper officers to execute all such process on Sundays, subject to the same penalties and regulations as in other cases.
Code 1858, §§ 2824-2826 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 1, §§ 1-3); Shan., §§ 4529-4531; Code 1932, §§ 8656-8658; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-207.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-105 - Service of process on Sunday on parties leaving jurisdiction

Sheriffs or constables having process in their hands in civil actions pending in magistrate's court or courts of record, if it appears to their satisfaction that parties to be sued are leaving the county or state, have the right to execute the process on Sunday.
Acts 1885, ch. 53, § 1; Shan., § 4532; Code 1932, § 8659; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-208.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-106 - Process on Sunday generally prohibited

With the exceptions contained in §§
20-2-104
and
20-2-105
, civil process shall not be executed on Sunday.
Code 1858, § 2827 (deriv. Acts 1777 (Nov.), ch. 8, § 6); Acts 1885, ch. 53, § 1; Shan., § 4533; Code 1932, § 8660; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-209.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-107 - Process in other counties

Process in local actions may run to any county.
Code 1858, § 2820; Shan., § 4525; Code 1932, § 8652; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-210.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-108 - Counterpart summons

(a)
Where there are two (2) or more defendants in any suit in courts of law or equity or before judges of the courts of general sessions, the plaintiff may cause a counterpart summons or subpoena to be issued to any county where any of the defendants is most likely to be found, the fact that the counterpart process is issued in the same suit being noted on each process, which, when returned, shall be docketed as if only one (1) process had issued.
(b)
If the defendants are not served, the same proceedings shall be had as in cases of other similar process not executed.
(c)
The counterpart, when issued from a judge of the court of general sessions, shall be returned within thirty (30) days.
Code 1858, §§ 2821, 2822 (deriv. Acts 1820, ch. 25, § 3); Shan., §§ 4526, 4527; Code 1932, §§ 8653, 8654; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-211.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-109 - Service on joint obligor on negotiable paper

In joint actions on negotiable paper, service of a counterpart writ on the drawer or maker shall not be sufficient service to hold the drawer or maker to answer the action, unless the original writ was executed on a joint drawer or maker.
Code 1858, § 2823 (deriv. Acts 1827, ch. 74, § 2); Shan., § 4528; Code 1932, § 8655; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-212.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-111 - Returns made with ink - Penalty for violation

(a)
Sheriffs, constables and all officers are required to make their returns upon all processes issued to them with pen and ink or some other nonerasable material or fluid; but the failure of the officer to make the officer's return as required shall in no case vitiate the return.
(b)
Any officer violating this section commits a Class A misdemeanor, and is further liable in damages to any person or persons aggrieved by the violation.
Acts 1889, ch. 51, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 4537, 4538; mod. Code 1932, §§ 8664, 8665; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-216; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-112 - Wrongful death action by other than personal representative pending - Service in civil action against estate

(a)
Where a wrongful death action has been instituted by any person other than an executor, executrix, administrator or administratrix of a decedent's estate, the estate may be made a party defendant to any civil action arising out of the same facts, happenings, or circumstances otherwise properly brought by serving process on the person instituting the original wrongful death action.
(b)
If, after a decedent's estate is made a party defendant as provided in subsection (a), an executor, executrix, administrator or administratrix of the decedent's estate is thereafter appointed, the person who instituted the original wrongful death action shall notify the executor, executrix, administrator or administratrix of the decedent's estate in writing of all actions heretofore instituted against the decedent's estate. The failure of the person to notify the executor, executrix, administrator or administratrix of the decedent's estate, as provided in this subsection (b), may render the person liable for all resultant damages.
(c)
Any individual served with process under this section shall notify any person or entity charged with the responsibility of defending the action to which the subject estate has been made a defendant. The notice shall be in writing.
Acts 1968, ch. 552, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 20-242.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-113) › Section 20-2-113 - Long-arm statute-Service upon person in foreign country

(a)
If service is to be effected upon a party in a foreign country, service of the summons and complaint may be made:
(1)
In the manner prescribed by the law of the foreign country for service in that country in an action in any of its courts of general jurisdiction;
(2)
As directed by the foreign authority in response to a letter rogatory, when service in either case is reasonably calculated to give actual notice;
(3)
Upon an individual, by delivery to the individual personally; and upon a corporation, partnership or association, by delivery to an officer or a managing or general agent;
(4)
By any form of mail requiring a signed receipt, to be addressed and dispatched by the clerk of the court to the party to be served; or
(5)
As directed by order of the court.
(b)
Service under subdivision (a)(3) or (a)(5) may be made by any person who is not a party and is not less than twenty-one (21) years of age, anyone duly authorized to serve summons by the law of the country where service is to be made or anyone designated by order of the court or the foreign court. On request, the clerk shall deliver the summons to the plaintiff for transmission to the person or the foreign court or officer who will make the service. Proof of service may be made as prescribed in Tenn. R. Civ. P. 4, by order of the court or by the law of the foreign country. Proof of service by mail shall include an affidavit or certificate of addressing and mailing by the clerk of court.
Acts 1992, ch. 679, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 20 - CIVIL PROCEDURE (§§ 20-1-101 — 20-18-105) › Chapter 2 - PROCESS (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-2-226) › Part 2 - LONG-ARM STATUTES (§§ 20-2-201 — 20-2-226) › Section 20-2-201 - Foreign corporations subject to actions

(a)
Any corporation claiming existence under the laws of the United States or any other state or of any country foreign to the United States, or any business trust found doing business in this state, shall be subject to suit here to the same extent that corporations of this state are by the laws of this state liable to be sued, so far as relates to any transaction had, in whole or in part, within this state or any cause of action arising here, but not otherwise.
(b)
A corporation or trust having any transaction with persons or having any transaction concerning any property situated in this state, through any agency whatever acting for it within the state, shall be held to be doing business here within the meaning of this section.
Acts 1887, ch. 226, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 4543, 4544; mod. Code 1932, §§ 8676, 8677; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-220.