Article I. Declaration of Rights
Article I, Section 15
Constitution of the State of Tennessee
Official text
That all prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident, or the presumption great. And the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion, the General Assembly shall declare the public safety requires it.
Source: Tennessee Blue Book 2025-2026 (Tennessee Secretary of State)
In plain English
Everyone accused has a right to bail with adequate sureties, except in capital cases where the proof is evident or the presumption great. The writ of habeas corpus (the right to challenge unlawful detention in court) may be suspended only in rebellion or invasion when the General Assembly declares public safety requires it.
Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.
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