[shereadsthenews]

As a blanket statement this is incorrect. Many common law jurisdictions permit private prosecution of criminal cases.

[will4274]

> many

Isn't it basically just the UK?

[shereadsthenews]

Only if you think Canada and various American states are in the UK.

[lotsofpulp]

Where in the US can a non governmental entity charge someone with a crime?

[shereadsthenews]

Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Idaho among other jurisdictions.

[lotsofpulp]

Interesting, I wonder how that even works. Can anyone just "charge" someone with a crime? I always thought the district attorney or someone similarly qualified and presumably unbiased had to vet the evidence and decide whether or not to charge someone.