Controversy
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
A litigated question; adversary proceeding in a court of law; a civil action or suit, either at law or in equity.
Barber v. Kennedy, 18 Minn. 216 (Gil. 196); State v. Guinotte, 156 Mo. 513, 57 S. W. 281, 50 L. R. A. 787.
It differs from "case," which includes all suits, criminal as well as civil; whereas "controversy" is a civil and not a criminal proceeding.
Chisholm v. Georgia, 2 Dall. 419. 431. 482. 1 L. Ed. 440.