Tennessee § 16-15-725 - Judgment for defendant on setoff.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-15-725 — Judgment for defendant on setoff., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16-15-725. Judgment for defendant on setoff.

If the defendant pleads a setoff to the plaintiff's debt, and it appears that there is a balance due in favor of the defendant, the general sessions court shall enter up judgment in favor of the defendant and against the plaintiff for the balance. If the plaintiff fails in establishing any demand against the defendant, the defendant shall have a judgment against the plaintiff for the amount that the proof upon the defendant's cross action shows that the defendant is entitled to, with costs. If the residue upon the defendant's setoff, after satisfying the plaintiff's debt, exceeds the court's jurisdiction, the defendant may enter on the court's docket a satisfaction of so much of the defendant's claim as the amount of the plaintiff's demand, as ascertained by the court, and tender the plaintiff a receipt for the amount thus setoff, in which case judgment shall be rendered in favor of the defendant for costs. Code 1858, §§ 4160, 4162 (deriv. Acts 1815, ch. 53, § 1); Acts 1879, ch. 222, § 1; Shan., §§ 5973, 5975; Code 1932, §§ 10174, 10176; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, §§ 2, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 19-417, 19-419; Acts 1993, ch. 241, § 41; T.C.A., § 19-1-113 . Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 17 Tenn. Juris., Justices of Peace and General Sessions Courts, § 14; 22 Tenn. Juris., Setoff, Recoupment and Counterclaim, § 13.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 16-15-725

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-15-725 cover?

Section 16-15-725 ("Judgment for defendant on setoff.") 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 § 16-15-725?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-15-725" (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 § 16-15-725 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.