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. 190); 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. 432. 1 L Ed. 440.