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[Editor's note: The Putnam Pit does not advocate the removal of any official from office without cause. This form is a resource should the removal of an elected official become necessary. It also lets officials know that voters do not have to suffer through corrupt acts between elections. It is provided as a public service. The Putnam Pit grants permission to download, print and/or use this form by anyone, anytime. Chancery Court is in the Putnam County Justice Center, Jefferson Avenue at Spring Street, Cookeville.]

Petition for Removal from Office
By LAWYER X
Putnam Pit Guerrilla Law columnist

IN THE CHANCERY COURT FOR

______________ COUNTY, TENNESSEE

State of Tennessee

ex rel

(Names of 10 voters seeking to oust officeholder)

__________________, __________________, No. _________________

__________________, __________________,

Petitioners

vs.

(Officeholder)________________________________

Defendant

Petition for Removal from Office

1. This is a petition filed by [Same petitioners as above named]

_______________________________, _______________________________,

_______________________________, _______________________________.

who are citizens of the County of _______________, State of Tennessee, pursuant to Tennessee

Code Annotated 8-47-101, et seq. This court has jurisdiction pursuant to that statute.

2. The defendant is duly elected and serving in the office of ___________________ in the

aforementioned County of ___________________ (or City of _____________________ ),

State of Tennessee.

3. Petitioners allege that the defendant [DELETE CHOICES THAT DO NOT APPLY] did

knowingly or wilfully commit misconduct in office [or knowingly or wilfully neglected to perform a

duty enjoined upon the aforementioned officer by the law off Tennessee] [or did commit an act

constituting a violation of a penal statute] in that the aforementioned defendant did:

(Enter here an offense listed in T.C.A. 8-47-101)

___________________________________________________________________

4. Petitioners allege that the aforesaid acts are sufficient under the Tennessee Code Annotated 8-47-101 to remove said defendant from office.

Wherefore, petitioners pray:

1. That a summons issue from the clerk of the court and be served upon defendant requiring

defendant to appear and answer this petition.

2. That the court temporarily suspend defendant from office pursuant to Tennessee Code

Annotated 8-47-116 if the court finds that the allegations merit suspension, all pending the final

hearing.

3. Upon the final hearing, the defendant be ousted from office pursuant to a writ of ouster.

(Signatures and addresses of petitioners bringing this motion)

_______________________________, _______________________________,

_______________________________, _______________________________.

COST BOND

We are surety for all court costs not to exceed $500. (Signatures and addresses of petitioners)

_______________________________, _______________________________,

_______________________________, _______________________________.

AFFIDAVIT

(Signatures and addresses of petitioners)

_______________________________, _______________________________,

first being duly sworn, make oath that the facts stated in their foregoing Petition for Removal from

Office is true and correct to the best of their knowledge, information and belief.

This _________ day of ___________, 199___

_______________________ Notary public

My commission expires ____________________________.