Cal. Civ. Code § 29-18-107
Jurisdiction of general sessions judge.
Operative Text
All cases of forcible entry and detainer, forcible detainer, and unlawful detainer, may be tried before any one (1) judge of the court of general sessions of the county in which the acts are committed, who shall decide the particular case, and all questions of law and fact arising.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-18-107, disputes involving forcible entry and detainer, forcible detainer, or unlawful detainer — the legal proceedings most commonly used to remove a tenant from a property — may be heard by a general sessions court judge in the county where the relevant acts occurred. That judge has authority to resolve both the factual questions (what happened) and the legal questions (what the law requires) in the case. General sessions courts in Tennessee are accessible, lower-level courts that handle these matters without requiring a jury trial at the initial stage.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 29-18-107, landlords pursuing a detainer action — such as after a tenant fails to vacate following proper notice — file in the general sessions court of the county where the rental property is located. A compliant operator ensures that filings are made in the correct county jurisdiction and that all required notices have been properly served before initiating court proceedings. Understanding that a single general sessions judge will decide both the facts and the law helps operators prepare clear, well-documented cases.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 29-18-107 establishes that a general sessions court judge in the county where the property is located has authority to hear detainer cases brought against tenants, including the power to rule on both factual and legal issues. Tenants who receive a court summons for a detainer action have the right to appear before that judge and present defenses — such as improper notice, retaliation, or habitability issues — directly at the hearing. Tenant-rights organizations in Tennessee can help individuals understand what defenses may be available and how general sessions court proceedings typically work.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 29, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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