(a) The only process of contempt is an attachment, which is issued upon order of the chancellor at the instance of the complainant, upon the return of the subpoena duly served by the proper officer, or affidavit by the officer of such service.
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 21-1-302

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Attachment: A procedure by which a person's property is seized to pay judgments levied by the court.
  • 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.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
(b) The attachment may be made returnable to any rule day in term or vacation, and upon its service, bail may be taken for the appearance of the defendant at the time fixed in the attachment.
(c) If the defendant fails to appear in compliance with the terms of the defendant’s bail, a second attachment issues, upon which no bail can be taken, and the penalty of the bail bond may be decreed forfeited and collected by execution.
(d) After an attachment for contempt, no plea or demurrer shall be received, unless by order of the court upon motion.
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