In the context of bail contracts, who is referred to as the "obligee"?

In the context of bail contracts, the term "obligee" refers to the party that is entitled to receive the performance or benefit of the contract. In this case, the State of Mississippi acts as the obligee because it is the entity that requires assurance through bail to ensure that the defendant will appear for trial as promised. The State has a vested interest in the defendant's compliance with bail conditions and relies on the surety to uphold its obligations.

As such, the State constitutes the party protected by the terms of the bail agreement, making them the obligee. The defendant, often considered the principal in the contract, is the party whose compliance is under question, while the surety company provides the financial backing or guarantee that the bail amount will be covered if the defendant fails to appear. The judge, on the other hand, simply oversees the legal process and does not have a direct interest in the enforcement of the bail contract itself.