(a) Such proceedings in ouster shall be summary and triable as equitable actions, shall have precedence over civil and criminal actions, and shall be tried at the first term after the filing of the complaint or petition herein named; provided, that the answer herein named shall have been on file at least ten (10) days before the day of trial.

Terms Used In Tennessee Code 8-47-119

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. Source: U.S. Courts
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(b) A continuance may be granted either side for good cause shown, but no continuance shall be granted by an agreement of the parties.
(c) Both upon hearing of preliminary motion to suspend and also upon any final hearing of such proceedings, any defendant shall be entitled to demand and have a trial by jury as to any issue of fact.
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