Legal Definitions - Crown

In legal terms, the Crown refers to the sovereign (the King or Queen) as the embodiment of the state and its governmental authority. It is often used as a shorthand to represent the government itself, particularly in countries where the monarch is the head of state, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. When you see "the Crown" in a legal context, it typically means the state, its government, or its legal representatives.

• Example 1: Criminal Prosecution

  In many Commonwealth countries, criminal cases are formally brought by the state against an accused person. For instance, a court case might be titled "The Crown v. John Smith."

  This illustrates the term because "The Crown" here signifies the state's prosecuting authority, acting on behalf of the public interest to enforce criminal law. It represents the government's role in bringing charges against an individual.

• Example 2: Government Property and Land

  A national park might be designated as "Crown land," meaning it is owned by the state rather than a private individual or corporation. Similarly, government buildings are often referred to as "Crown property."

  Here, "Crown" indicates ownership by the state. It signifies that the land or property belongs to the government, managed for public benefit, rather than being privately held.

• Example 3: Public Service and Appointments

  A lawyer who prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the government is known as a "Crown prosecutor." Similarly, individuals working for various government departments are often described as "serving the Crown."

  This example demonstrates "Crown" representing the government as an employer or the entity for which public servants work. It highlights the idea of loyalty and service to the state through its governmental structures.