An actual dispute between individuals who seek judicial resolution of their grievances that have arisen from a conflict of their alleged legal rights.
A controversy describes only civil litigation, which is intended to protect and enforce private rights. In contrast, the term case applies to both a civil action and a criminal prosecution, designed to enforce and safeguard the rights of the general public.
The judicial power of a court to provide redress of wrongs exists only when issues arise in a given situation that can be categorized as a case or controversy.
Printed copy · Anthology Volume 1, page 680 · cut by a page breakPrinted copy from The Tender For Law Anthology, Volume 1, page 680 (printed 14 June 2014). Added by this site; not part of the Facebook export. A page break in the printout cut off the end of this comment.