1. The public uproar that, at common law, a citizen was expected to initiate after discovering a crime.
— Also termed vociferatio.
“Hue and Cry is the old Common Law mode of pursuing, ‘with horn and voice,’ persons suspected of felony, or having inflicted a wound from which death is likely to ensue.” 1 Joseph Chitty, A Practical Treatise on the Criminal Law 26 (2d ed. 1826).
“All were obliged to pursue the criminal when the hue and cry was raised. Neglect of these duties entailed an amercement of the individual, the township or the hundred. The sheriffs and the constables were under special obligations, as conservatores pacis, to fulfil these duties.” 1 William Holdsworth, A History of English Law 294 (7th ed. 1956).
2. The pursuit of a felon accompanying such an uproar.
3. A written proclamation for the capture of a felon.
