Cal. Civ. Code § 29-18-121
Subpoenas.
Operative Text
The general sessions judge before whom the complaint is made, or the one before whom the cause is to be tried, may issue subpoenas for witnesses into any county of the state.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-18-121, a general sessions judge handling an unlawful detainer or eviction complaint has the authority to compel witnesses to appear by issuing subpoenas that reach into any county across Tennessee, not just the county where the court sits. This means geographic distance within the state is not a barrier to obtaining witness testimony in these proceedings. The rule applies both at the complaint stage and at trial.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-18-121, landlords involved in general sessions eviction proceedings should be aware that the court can subpoena witnesses from anywhere in Tennessee to testify. A compliant and prepared property owner or manager typically identifies relevant witnesses early in the process and understands that those witnesses may be compelled to appear regardless of which county they reside in. Knowing this authority exists can inform how evidence and witness lists are assembled for a general sessions hearing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-18-121 gives the general sessions judge the power to issue subpoenas for witnesses located anywhere in Tennessee, which is a right that applies equally in proceedings where a tenant is a party. Tenants who believe out-of-county witnesses could support their case in a general sessions matter may wish to explore how this subpoena authority could be invoked. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid offices can help explain how witness subpoenas work in practice under this provision.
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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