Why are criminal cases usually brought in the name of the public rather than only the victim?

Criminal cases are brought in the name of the public or the state because criminal law is fundamentally concerned with behavior that constitutes an offense against society as a whole, rather than just an injury to a private individual. Even when a crime has an immediate victim, the act is viewed as a violation of social norms and public order.12

The state assumes the role of prosecutor for several key reasons:

• Public Interest and Order: By treating crimes as public offenses, the legal system reinforces social values and maintains the legitimacy of the law. This process helps prevent individuals from seeking personal revenge through direct violence, which would undermine the stability of the community.23
• Uniformity and Justice: A public prosecutor acts on behalf of the state to ensure that justice is administered consistently. This centralized approach helps protect the rights of the accused and ensures that legal proceedings follow established standards of proof, such as the requirement to establish guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt".451
• Deterrence and Rehabilitation: The state’s involvement allows the legal system to pursue broader objectives, including the deterrence of potential offenders and the rehabilitation of those who have committed crimes, rather than focusing solely on the victim's personal loss.23

While civil law allows private parties to seek compensation for personal injuries, criminal law remains a public function to protect the fundamental interests of the entire community.1