Tennessee § 23-2-101 - Counsel assigned to paupers.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 23-2-101 — Counsel assigned to paupers., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-2-101. Counsel assigned to paupers.
At the return term of the process, the court may appoint counsel for the plaintiff in actions prosecuted in the manner prescribed for paupers, and also for the defendant, if the defendant makes an oath that, owing to the defendant's poverty, the defendant cannot employ counsel. Code 1858, § 3980 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 22, § 3; 1857-1858, ch. 58); Shan., § 5792; mod. Code 1932, § 9983; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 29-201. Cross-References. Attorney not obligated to act as sheriff, § 8-8-101 . District attorneys prohibited from practicing, § 8-7-104 . Exemption of attorney from jury service, § 22-1-103 . Pauper's oath, § 20-12-127 . Law Reviews. Contempt — Refusal to Accept Appointment as Attorney, 18 Tenn. L. Rev. 772. Comparative Legislation. Rights and duties: Ala. Code § 15-12-6 et seq.; § 15-12-22 et seq. Ark. Code § 16-12-108 . Ga. O.C.G.A. § 5-6-4 ; § 15-11-21 . Ky. § 31.010 et seq.; § 453-190. Miss. Code Ann. § 99-15-15 et seq.; § 41-21-79 et seq.; § 21-23-7 . Mo. Rev. Stat. § 514.040. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-110. Va. Code § 14.1-183. Cited: United States ex rel. Randolph v. Ross, 298 F. 64, 1924 U.S. App. LEXIS 2608, 33 A.L.R. 728 (6th Cir. Tenn. 1924).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 23-2-101
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 23-2-101 cover?
Section 23-2-101 ("Counsel assigned to paupers.") 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 § 23-2-101?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 23-2-101" (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 § 23-2-101 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.