If the inmate declines to answer the bill, petition or interrogatories after they have been read over and explained by the officer executing them, in the presence of the warden or the assistant warden, the officer may make the return accordingly, whereupon the bill, petition or interrogatories, so far as the inmate is concerned, shall be taken for confessed as true and proceedings had as usual in such cases.
Code 1858, § 5551; Shan., § 7573; Code 1932, § 12171; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 41-603.
Structure 2021 Tennessee Code
Title 41 - Correctional Institutions and Inmates
Part 3 - Service of Process on and Testimony of Inmates
§ 41-21-301. Process in Civil Actions
§ 41-21-303. Return on Failure to Answer
§ 41-21-305. Writ for Appearance to Testify in Criminal Case
§ 41-21-306. Warden's Duty to Produce Witness
§ 41-21-307. Warden's Powers in Removing Inmates to and From Court
§ 41-21-308. Keeping Prisoner in Jail en Route