Definition and Citations:
An action or proceeding instituted in a proper court on behalf of the public for the purpose of securing the conviction and punishment of one accused of crime. Harger v. Thomas. 44 Pa. 128, 84 Am. Dec. 422; Ely v. Thompson, 3 A. K. Marsh. (Ky.) 70. As to criminal “Conspiracy,” “Contempt,” “Information,” “Jurisdiction,” “Libel,” “Negligence,” “Operation,” see those titles.