Section 29-21-115 - Precept(a) The court or judge to whom the application for the writ is made, if satisfied that the plaintiff is likely to suffer irreparable injury before the plaintiff could be relieved by the proceedings as authorized in §§ 29-21-112 - 29-21-114, may issue a precept to the sheriff, or other person selected, commanding the sheriff or other person to bring the plaintiff forthwith before such judge or court.(b) When the evidence is further sufficient to justify the arrest of the defendant, for a criminal offense committed in connection with the illegal detention of the plaintiff, the precept shall also contain an order for the arrest of the defendant.(c) The officer or person to whom the precept is directed shall execute the same by bringing the defendant, and also the plaintiff, if required, before the court or judge issuing it, and thereupon the defendant shall make return to the writ of habeas corpus in the same manner as if the ordinary course had been pursued. The defendant may also be examined and committed, bailed or discharged, according to the nature of the case.Code 1858, §§ 3737 -- 3740; Shan., §§ 5517 -- 5520; Code 1932, §§ 9687 -- 9690; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 23-1819 -- 23-1821.