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.
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.
Crim"i*nal, n. One who has commited a crime; especially, one who is found guilty by verdict, confession, or proof; a malefactor; a felon.