hue and cry

hue and cry

the making of an outcry. In early English law, if the locals did not make an outcry and pursue and catch a felon or robber within forty days, they were made liable to the victim.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006

HUE AND CRY, Eng. law. A mode of pursuing felons, or such as have dangerously wounded any person, or assaulted any one with intent to rob him, by the constable, for the purpose of arresting the offender. 2 Hale, P. C. 100.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.