Terms Used In Tennessee Code 40-25-128

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Embezzlement: In most states, embezzlement is defined as theft/larceny of assets (money or property) by a person in a position of trust or responsibility over those assets. Embezzlement typically occurs in the employment and corporate settings. Source: OCC
  • Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
  • Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

In all cases of embezzlement and fraudulent breach of trust, where it appears to the court that the defendant has made settlement before the time of trial, and the prosecutor fails to attend and prosecute, the court shall tax the prosecutor with all costs of the case.