A private prosecution is a criminal proceeding initiated by an individual or private organisation (such as a prosecution association) instead of by a public prosecutor who represents the state. Private prosecutions are allowed under common law, but have become rare in modern times as most prosecutions are now handled by professional public prosecutors instead of private individuals.
Read more about Private Prosecution: Australia, Canada, France, Philippines, United Kingdom, United States, Controversy, Notable Private Prosecutions
Famous quotes containing the words private and/or prosecution:
“The private buildings [of Virginia] are very rarely constructed of stone or brick; much the greatest proportion being of scantling and boards, plastered with lime. It is impossible to devise things more ugly, uncomfortable, and happily more perishable.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
“The prosecution of [Warren] Hastings, though he should escape at last, must have good effect. It will alarm the servants of the Company in India, that they may not always plunder with impunity, but that there may be a retrospect; and it will show them that even bribes of diamonds to the Crown may not secure them from prosecution.”
—Horace Walpole (1717–1797)