Criminal proceeding
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
One instituted and conducted for the purpose either of preventing the commission of crime, or for fixing the guilt of a crime alreadv committed and punishing the offender; as distinguished from a "civii" proceeding, which is for the redress of a private injury.
U. S. v. Lee Huen (D. G.) 118 Fed. 442 ; Sevier v. Washington Co.unty Justices, Peck (Tenn.) 334; People v. Ontario County, 4 Denio (N. Y.) 260.