Terms Used In Tennessee Code 20-12-110

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.

In cases of nonsuit, dismissal, abatement by death of plaintiff or discontinuance, the defendant is the successful party, within the meaning of § 20-12-101.