Criminal causes may be commenced by information as well as by indictment. This form of criminal pleading differs from an indictment in that the information is presented to the court by one person only, usually by the prosecuting or state's attorney, but may be presented by a private person when authorized by law. The same strictness and accuracy are required in charging an offense by information, as are required in an indictment.82

77 Boone vs. People, 148 Ill., 440;

State vs. Froiseth, 16 Minn., 296; Ill. Const., Art. 2, Sec. 10;

Bill of rights. 78 Hughes' Cr Law, Sec. 2760. 79 State vs. Iv.ey, 100 N. C, 539;

Royce vs. Ter., 5 Okl., 16.

80 State vs. Hamilton, 13 Neb., 386;

State vs. Johnson, 115 Mo., 480; Gilmore vs. People, 87 Ill. App 128. (There are cases to the contrary.)

81 Thomas vs. People, 113 Ill., 535;

State vs. Burke, 54 N. H., 92.

Informations must be carried on in the name of the people or commonwealth and conclude against the peace and dignity of the same, like indictments.83

By the common law prosecutions by information are confined to mere misdemeanors only.84 But by statutory provisions, in some of the states, this form of criminal pleading is extended to include felonies of all grades. In fact, the grand jury has been practically abolished in some jurisdictions.