Tennessee § 29-21-110 - Issuance of writ — Form — Formal defects.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-21-110 — Issuance of writ — Form — Formal defects., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29-21-110. Issuance of writ — Form — Formal defects.
If the petition show a sufficient ground for relief, the writ shall be forthwith allowed, and may be substantially as follows: State of Tennessee, To the sheriff, etc. [or to A B, as the case may be]: County You are hereby commanded to have the body of C B, who is alleged to be unlawfully detained by you, before the court, [or before me, or before E E, Judge, etc., as the case may be], at , on [or immediately after being served with this writ], to be dealt with according to law, and have you then and there this writ, with a return thereon of your doings in the premises. This day of , 20 . G H, Judge, etc. The writ of habeas corpus shall not be disobeyed for any defect of form, or misdescription of the plaintiff or defendant, provided enough is stated to show the meaning and intent of the writ. When the writ is allowed by a court in term, it is issued by the clerk, but in other cases the judge or chancellor issues the writ, signing it officially. Code 1858, §§ 3727, 3728, 3741; Shan., §§ 5507, 5508, 5521; Code 1932, §§ 9678, 9679, 9691; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 23-1810 — 23-1812. Textbooks. Gibson's Suits in Chancery (7th ed., Inman), § 157. Cited: Weatherly v. State, 704 S.W.2d 730, 1985 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 3205 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1985); Ritchie v. State, — S.W.3d —, 2010 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 474 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 14, 2010). Collateral References. 39 Am. Jur. 2d Habeas Corpus §§ 129, 132. 39, 39A C.J.S. Habeas Corpus §§ 141, 176. Habeas corpus 65.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 29-21-110
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-21-110 cover?
Section 29-21-110 ("Issuance of writ — Form — Formal defects.") 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 § 29-21-110?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-21-110" (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 § 29-21-110 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.