Tennessee § 16-15-710 - Commencement of actions — New process when not served.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-15-710 — Commencement of actions — New process when not served., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-15-710. Commencement of actions — New process when not served.
The suing out of a warrant is the commencement of a civil action within the meaning of this title, whether it is served or not; but if the process is returned unserved, plaintiff, if plaintiff wishes to rely on the original commencement as a bar to the running of a statute of limitations, must either prosecute and continue the action by applying for and obtaining new process from time to time, each new process to be obtained within nine (9) months from return unserved of the previous process, or plaintiff must recommence the action within one (1) year after the return of the initial process not served. Acts 1972, ch. 564, § 1; T.C.A., § 16-1135; Acts 1992, ch. 804, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Other procedural provisions for the general sessions courts appear in title 19. Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 17 Tenn. Juris., Justices of Peace and General Sessions Courts, § 26; 21 Tenn. Juris., Process, § 6. Law Reviews. The Tennessee Court System — General Sessions Court (Frederic S. Le Clercq), 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 375. Cited: Vinson v. Mills, 530 S.W.2d 761, 1975 Tenn. LEXIS 568 (Tenn. 1975).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 16-15-710
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-15-710 cover?
Section 16-15-710 ("Commencement of actions — New process when not served.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 16-15-710?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-15-710" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 16-15-710 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.