Tennessee § 20-2-102 - Security for costs and damages.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-2-102 — Security for costs and damages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-2-102. Security for costs and damages.
The general sessions judge may, and the clerk shall, before issuing the summons or other leading process, require the plaintiff to enter into bond, with sufficient surety, conditioned to prosecute the plaintiff's suit with effect, or to pay such costs and damages as may be awarded against the plaintiff by the court having cognizance thereof, unless the plaintiff sue in forma pauperis. Code 1858, § 2818 (deriv. Acts 1787, ch. 19, § 1); Shan., § 4523; Code 1932, § 8650; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 20-205. Cross-References. Actions in forma pauperis, §§ 20-12-127 — 20-12-133 . Appointment of counsel for paupers, § 23-2-101 . Bond on change of venue, § 20-4-207 . Requirement of bond, §§ 20-12-120 — 20-12-126 . Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 2 Tenn. Juris., Appeal and Error, § 81. Law Reviews. Pleadings, Motions and Pre-Trial Procedure, 4 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 219. Cited: In re Barrett, 132 F. 362, 1904 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 133 (D. Tenn. 1904); Kelley v. Byington, 185 Tenn. 421, 206 S.W.2d 409, 1947 Tenn. LEXIS 347 (1947).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 20-2-102
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-2-102 cover?
Section 20-2-102 ("Security for costs and damages.") 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 § 20-2-102?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-2-102" (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 § 20-2-102 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.