Which of the following is typically authorized to perform service of civil process?

• A. The defendant
• B. A private citizen without authorization
• C. An authorized process server or sheriff
• D. The defendant's coworker

Answer: (C)

Service of civil process is the formal method by which a person in a lawsuit is notified that a case has been filed and that they have legal obligations to respond. The delivery must be done by someone who has official authority to perform this task. Typically, that authority rests with an authorized process server or the sheriff. These designated individuals are trained and empowered to hand the summons and complaint to the recipient, note how and when service was made, and file a proof of service with the court. This official involvement ensures due process by making sure the party actually receives proper notice in a legally recognized way. A defendant or a coworker, or a private citizen acting without authorization, lacks the statutory power to perform service, so their attempts would not meet the requirements and could render the service invalid. In Tennessee, the usual operators are the sheriff or an authorized process server specifically designated to carry out service.