Friday, September 28, 2007

Proposed rule changes require claims to include "specific dollar amount" if damages are sought

The Tennessee Supreme Court has asked for public comment on proposed changes to Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, Appellate Procedure, Evidence, Criminal Procedure and Juvenile Procedure.

One of the most significant proposed rule changes is the change to Rule 8.01. The proposed rule change says as follows:

8.01 Claims for Relief.–A pleading which sets forth a claim for relief, whether an original claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim, shall contain: (1) a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief; and (2) a demand for judgment for the relief the pleader seeks, including a specific dollar amount if damages are sought. Relief in the alternative or of several different types may be demanded.

See proposed amendments to the Tennessee rules of procedure and evidence