Criminal Case Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Criminal Case, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Criminal Case?

Lawsuit that charges a person with the commission of a crime, opposed to a civil case. The lawsuit is filed by a prosecutor who is an agent of the federal, state, or local government.

History and Meaning of Criminal Case

Criminal Case is a legal term used to describe a lawsuit filed against an individual who is accused of having committed a crime. These cases are filed by prosecutors who represent the government at the federal, state, or local level. The purpose of a criminal case is to determine whether the accused is guilty or not guilty and, if guilty, to impose a punishment that is consistent with the law.

The history of criminal cases dates back to ancient times, where they were handled by judges and juries in a variety of legal systems. Today, criminal cases are an essential part of modern legal systems, with many countries having specific laws and procedures that govern how these cases are handled.

Examples of Criminal Case

  1. The State of California vs. John Doe: John Doe is accused of robbing a convenience store at gunpoint. The state has filed a criminal case against him to determine his guilt or innocence.

  2. United States vs. Jane Smith: Jane Smith is accused of tax fraud. The federal government has filed a criminal case against her to determine whether she committed the crime.

  3. The People vs. James Brown: James Brown is accused of murder. The state has filed a criminal case against him to determine whether he is guilty of the crime.

Legal Terms Similar to Criminal Case

  1. Civil Case: A lawsuit that deals with non-criminal disputes between individuals or organizations.

  2. Defendant: The accused individual or entity in a criminal case.

  3. Prosecutor: A government representative who is responsible for filing and litigating criminal cases against defendants.

  4. Grand Jury: A group of citizens who determine whether there is enough evidence to prosecute an individual in a criminal case.

  5. Indictment: A formal charge issued by a grand jury that accuses an individual of committing a crime.