(a) Should the defendant appear in time, the defendant may make defense, and the cause proceed as if the suit had been commenced by personal service of process.

Ask a litigation question, get an answer ASAP!
Thousands of highly rated, verified litigation lawyers.
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

Terms Used In Tennessee Code 29-6-148

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Service of process: The service of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.
(b) If the defendant fails to appear or make defense, the plaintiff may take judgment at law, or obtain a decree in equity, in like manner as if the defendant had failed to appear and defend upon personal service of process.