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Civil procedure

Civil procedure includes the procedures and rules that govern civil (non-criminal) litigation in state and federal courts. Many states have rules of civil procedure written by the state supreme court, for example, and other states include their rules of procedure in state statutes enacted by the state legislature.

In Tennessee, civil procedure is governed by a combination of state statutes and rules promulgated by the Tennessee Supreme Court. The Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure lay out the guidelines for the conduct of civil litigation in the state's courts, including the filing of lawsuits, the service of process, the conduct of trials, and the process for appeals. These rules are designed to ensure fairness and efficiency in the legal process. Additionally, certain aspects of civil procedure may be legislated by the Tennessee General Assembly, which can enact laws that supplement or modify the procedural rules. Federal courts in Tennessee, on the other hand, follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which govern civil cases in the U.S. district courts nationwide. It is important for attorneys practicing in Tennessee to be familiar with both the state-specific rules and the federal rules, depending on the jurisdiction of the case.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

abate lawsuit agreed case altering or amending judgment amending pleadings appeals

closing argument compel arbitration consolidation of lawsuits continuance

declaratory judgment default judgment defendant's answer to lawsuit directed verdict discovery dismissal for want of prosecution disqualification of attorney disqualification of judge

e - discovery e - filing evidence ex parte hearing exclude expert witness

findings of fact, conclusions of law forum non conveniens

hearsay

injunctions interpleader intervening in a lawsuit (intervention)

judgment judgment as a matter of law judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)judgment nunc pro tunc judicial notice jury charge jury selection jury verdict

motion in limine motion to dismiss

new trial nonsuit

offer of judgment or settlement offer of proof and bill of exception opening statement

personal jurisdiction plaintiff's petition or complaint pretrial conference

remand from federal court to state court remittitur removal from state court to federal court res judicata and collateral estoppel right to jury trial

sanctions, contempt separate trials / bifurcated trial serving defendant with lawsuit severance of claims special appearance special exceptions special master / master in chancery subject matter jurisdiction summary judgment summons and complaint

temporary restraining order (TRO)

venue

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Civil procedure

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Tennessee State Code

Tennessee State Code

Civil procedure

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