How are criminal cases titled?

Criminal cases are typically titled using the format "People vs. Defendant / Offender" because this reflects the fundamental nature of criminal law, where the state or the people, represented by the government, bring the case against an individual accused of committing a crime. This format emphasizes the societal interest in prosecuting offenses and maintaining law and order. The terminology reflects the perspective that crimes are offenses against the community at large, rather than just against individual victims.

The inclusion of "People" in the title underscores the idea that the prosecution is acting on behalf of the public, and the defendant or offender is the individual being formally accused of the crime. This nomenclature is consistent across many jurisdictions, thus providing clarity in legal documentation and proceedings regarding who is involved in the case and their respective roles.