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Civil Division
The General Sessions Civil Court has Jurisdiction in the following actions:Civil cases up to $25,000
- Forcible entry detainer actions (evictions)
- Action to recover personal property
- Emergency mental commitments
- Denial petitions for handgun permits
- Interpleaders
- Drug Dealer Eviction Program
The General Sessions Civil Court consists of six (6) civil judges which preside in approximately 65,000 new cases annually.
The General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office is responsible for the record keeping for the six civil divisions and nine criminal divisions in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Providing quality, efficient, and courteous service.
Inclement Weather Reset Date
All cases set for January 6, 2022, will be reset to January 20, 2022. You can call our office the day before to find out what division the case will be heard in. If you are Positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, please do not enter the building. Call prior to the court date and the courtroom clerks will inform the Judge, it will be set for a later date. Masks are required to enter the building. Any additional information or concerns please call the office at 901-222-3416.
2021 Shelby County Government Holiday Schedule
PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT - CIVIL COURTS CLOSURE
Rental Assistance Programs
For more information on Rental Assistance Programs, please visit the links below.
Rental Assistance Programs Are Swooping In To Help As Evictions Resume : NPR
Broadcast by National Public Radio on August 30, 2021 4:17 ET -Heard on All Things Considered by Laurel Wamsley
COURT ORDERS:
The Tennessee Supreme Court’s Order Modifying and Partially Lifting Suspension of In-Person Court Proceedings filed February 12, 2021, lifts the suspension of all non-jury in-person court proceedings in all state and local courts in Tennessee, including but not limited to municipal, juvenile, general sessions, trial, and appellate courts on Monday, March 15, 2021.
The General Sessions Civil Court Judges obtained permission from the General Counsel of the Tennessee Supreme Court for an extension to re-open for in-person court proceedings on March 22, 2021 to ensure timely notices for all parties having cases in General Sessions Civil Court.
The Tennessee Supreme Court Order
By Order of the Tennessee Supreme Court, dated 01/15/2021, the Court has extended the suspension of in-person court proceedings through March 31, 2021. writs can be processed on cases where a judgment has been rendered but no declaration has been filed, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. As was previously announced, General Sessions Civil should also issue garnishments and levies. Stays may be given on Motions to Set Payments with hearing dates set in April. Releases may be given on Motions to Quash until hearing date, in April or as soon as the courts resume in-person proceedings. (See orders below.)”
Governor Lee Emergency Order 70