Prosecution
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
crim. law, is the means adopted to bring a supposed offender to justice and punishment by due course of law. Prosecutions are carried on in the name of the government, and have for their principal object the security and happiness of the people in general.
Hawk. B. 2, c. 25, s. 3; Bac. Ab. Indictment, A 3.
The modes most usually employed to carry them on, are by indictment, 1 Chit. Cr. Law, 132; presentment of a grand jury, Ibid. 133; coroner’s inquest, Ibid.