As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) “Custody” means under arrest by a law enforcement officer, or under restraint by an officer, employee or agent of government pursuant to an order of a court;
Have a question? Click here to chat with a criminal defense lawyer and protect your rights.

Terms Used In Tennessee Code 39-11-602

  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Bodily injury: includes a cut, abrasion, bruise, burn or disfigurement, and physical pain or temporary illness or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106
  • Custody: means under arrest by a law enforcement officer, or under restraint by an officer, employee or agent of government pursuant to an order of a court. See Tennessee Code 39-11-602
  • Force: means compulsion by the use of physical power or violence and shall be broadly construed to accomplish the purposes of this title. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106
  • Government: means the state or any political subdivision of the state, and includes any branch or agency of the state, a county, municipality or other political subdivision. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106
  • Law enforcement officer: means an officer, employee or agent of government who has a duty imposed by law to:
    (A) Maintain public order. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
(2) “Deadly force” means force that is intended or known by the defendant to cause or, in the manner of its use or intended use, is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury; and
(3) “Escape” means unauthorized departure from custody or failure to return to custody following temporary leave for a specific purpose of limited period, but does not include a violation of conditions of probation or parole.