Tennessee § 47-3-401 - Signature.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-3-401 — Signature., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 47-3-401. Signature.
A person is not liable on an instrument unless (i) the person signed the instrument, (ii) the person is represented by an agent or representative who signed the instrument and the signature is binding on the represented person under § 47-3-402, or (iii) if the instrument is a payee-initiated draft, the person is the customer on whose account the instrument is drawn and has authorized its creation according to the terms on its face. A signature may be made (i) manually or by means of a device or machine, and (ii) by the use of any name, including a trade or assumed name, or by a word, mark, or symbol executed or adopted by a person with present intention to authenticate a writing. Acts 1995, ch. 397, § 2; 2003, ch. 62, §§ 5, 6. Amendments. The 2003 amendment added (a)(iii), and made minor stylistic changes. Effective Dates. Acts 2003, ch. 62, § 25. May 1, 2003. Prior Tennessee Law: § 47-118. Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 1 Tenn. Juris., Alteration of Instruments, § 5; 6 Tenn. Juris., Commercial Law, § 68. Law Reviews. The Concept of a Voidable Preference in Bankruptcy (Vern Countryman), 38 Vand. L. Rev. 713 (1985). The Law of Negotiable Instruments, Bank Deposits, and Collections in Tennessee: A Survey of Changes in the 1990 Revision to UCC Articles 3 and 4 (Virginia Wilson), 28 U. Mem. L. Rev. 117 (1997). Cited: McLemore v. Powell, 968 S.W.2d 799, 1997 Tenn. App. LEXIS 541 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1997); First Peoples Bank v. Hill, 340 S.W.3d 398, 2010 Tenn. App. LEXIS 354 (Tenn. Ct. App. May 26, 2010).
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 47-3-401
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-3-401 cover?
Section 47-3-401 ("Signature.") 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 § 47-3-401?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-3-401" (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 § 47-3-401 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.