Tennessee § 20-8-101 - Priority of causes.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-8-101 — Priority of causes., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-8-101. Priority of causes.
The clerk shall enter causes upon the clerk's trial docket in the order in which they become ready for trial, giving the cause first ready for trial, either by due course of law or consent of parties, priority of position on the docket. If a number of causes become ready for trial at the same time, they shall be entered on the docket in the order of their commencement. Code 1858, §§ 2945, 2946; Shan., §§ 4666, 4667; Code 1932, §§ 8794, 8795; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-1207. Cross-References. Setting cases for trial, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 40. Textbooks. Tennessee Forms (Robinson, Ramsey and Harwell), No. 1-40-2. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 24 Tenn. Juris., Trial, § 2. Law Reviews. Judicial Reform at the Lowest Level: A Model Statute for Small Claims Courts, Part III, 28 Vand. L. Rev. 747. The Tennessee Court System (Frederic S. Le Clercq), 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 189. The Tennessee Court System — Chancery Court (Frederic S. Le Clercq), 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 281. The Tennessee Court System — Circuit Court (Frederic S. Le Clercq), 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 241. Trial, 4 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 335. Comparative Legislation. Dockets: Ala. R.C.P. 79. Ga. O.C.G.A. § 17-8-1 et seq. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 510.070. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-42. Va. Code §§ 8.01-331 — 8.01-335. Cited: Louisville & N. R. Co. v. Timmons, 116 Tenn. 29, 91 S.W. 1116, 1905 Tenn. LEXIS 3 (1906).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 20-8-101
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-8-101 cover?
Section 20-8-101 ("Priority of causes.") 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 § 20-8-101?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-8-101" (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 § 20-8-101 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.