Terms Used In Tennessee Code 40-10-104

  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.

If the defendant is committed to jail for a bailable offense, the magistrate shall endorse on the commitment the amount of the bail required, and sign the endorsement. The sheriff of the county to which the defendant is committed may discharge the defendant, upon the defendant giving sufficient bail in the sum required, and make immediate return to the court to which the defendant is bound to appear of the bail bond or undertaking.