'Criminal action' definitions:

Definition of 'Criminal action'

From: GCIDE
  • Criminal \Crim"i*nal\ (kr?m"?-nal), a. [L. criminalis, fr. crimen: cf. F. criminel. See Crime.]
  • 1. Guilty of crime or sin. [1913 Webster]
  • The neglect of any of the relative duties renders us criminal in the sight of God. --Rogers. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Involving a crime; of the nature of a crime; -- said of an act or of conduct; as, criminal carelessness. [1913 Webster]
  • Foppish and fantastic ornaments are only indications of vice, not criminal in themselves. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Relating to crime; -- opposed to civil; as, the criminal code. [1913 Webster]
  • The officers and servants of the crown, violating the personal liberty, or other right of the subject . . . were in some cases liable to criminal process. --Hallam. [1913 Webster]
  • Criminal action (Law), an action or suit instituted to secure conviction and punishment for a crime.
  • Criminal conversation (Law), unlawful intercourse with a married woman; adultery; -- usually abbreviated, crim. con.
  • Criminal law, the law which relates to crimes. [1913 Webster]