Tennessee § 20-12-132 - Dismissal of pauper's action.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-12-132 — Dismissal of pauper's action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-12-132. Dismissal of pauper's action.
If it is made to appear to the court, at any time before the trial, that the allegation of poverty is probably untrue, or the cause of action frivolous or malicious, the action may be dismissed. The burden shall be upon a pauper to justify the pauper's oath. Code 1858, § 3194 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 22, § 5); Shan., § 4932; mod. Code 1932, § 9085; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-1634; Acts 1995, ch. 242, § 5. Rule Reference. This section is referred to in Rule 29 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee. Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 124. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 2 Tenn. Juris., Appeal and Error, § 65; 17 Tenn. Juris., Justices of Peace and General Sessions Courts, § 42. Law Reviews. The Pauper's Oath in Appeals From General Sessions Court (Robert A. Lanier), 19 No. 2 Tenn. B.J. 17 (1983). Attorney General Opinions. Requirement of surety bond to perfect appeal from general session court to circuit court; determination of party’s indigence. OAG 12-23, 2012 Tenn. AG LEXIS 23 (2/23/12).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 20-12-132
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-12-132 cover?
Section 20-12-132 ("Dismissal of pauper's action.") 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 § 20-12-132?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-12-132" (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 § 20-12-132 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.