state power to define crimes
Defined in 1 dictionary — Case Law
Definitions from Case Law
From 204 U.S. 659 - Coffey v. County of Harlan · 1907Most cited · 34 citing opinions
It is within the power of the state to enact laws creating and defining crimes against its sovereignty, regulating the procedure in the trial of those who are charged with committing them, and prescribing the character of the sentence which shall be awarded against those who have been found guilty. In these respects the state is supreme and its power absolute, and without any limits other than those prescribed by the Constitution of the United States.