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Civil procedure

severance of claims

A severance splits a single lawsuit into two or more independent lawsuits, each of which results in an appealable final judgment. When a trial court grants a severance, the separated causes of action typically proceed to individual judgments—judgments that are themselves separately final and appealable. Causes of action that have been severed from each other into independent lawsuits will be heard by different juries.

In Tennessee, the concept of severance in legal proceedings allows a court to split a single lawsuit into two or more separate lawsuits. This is typically done when the court finds that the issues or parties involved are sufficiently distinct that separate trials are warranted. Under Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 21, the court may order a severance of claims or parties for convenience, to avoid prejudice, or to promote the efficient administration of justice. Once severed, each cause of action proceeds independently, and each can result in a final judgment that is appealable. The decision to grant a severance is within the discretion of the trial court. After severance, the causes of action that have been split into independent lawsuits may be heard by different juries, ensuring that each case is considered on its own merits without undue influence from the facts or outcomes of the other.

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Civil procedure

severance of claims

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Tennessee State Code

Tennessee State Code

Civil procedure

severance of claims

Articles